When it rains, it pours. According to an official announcement from the team, the Eagles have officially waived DE Marcus Smith.
Roster Moves: #Eagles have signed LB Steven Daniels to a three-year contract and waived DE Marcus Smith.
More: https://t.co/1kXB2QvPl6 pic.twitter.com/6LbLRMJlJe
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 26, 2017
It’s been a tough few years for Marcus Smith. After being drafted by the Eagles in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Louisville standout has felt the pressure of system changes, low snap-counts, a lack of consistency and the dreaded “bust” label. In 2015 he had just 7 tackles and a sack. That sack against the Giants would be the first of his career after a rookie season in which he failed to make a tackle in 8 games, playing just 72 snaps all year.
In his three years with the Eagles, Smith has appeared in 37 games but failed to amass a single start. With just 12 tackles and 4 sacks to his name, it’s easy to throw the word bust around. However under Jim Schwartz, Smith did flash some of the potential that the Eagles believed him to have when selecting him in the first round back in 2014.
Ultimately, this offseason was supposed to be one of resurgence for Marcus Smith under a Defensive Coordinator that could get the best out of him. With added talent to the roster, competition was at an all time high, but Smith opted to miss OTA’s until it was mandatory to attend. An act that may have been the final nail in the coffin for a pick who many deem to be among the Eagles worst in recent history.
In his place, the Eagles signed former Redskins linebacker, Steven Daniels.
Formerly of Boston College, Daniels was selected in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. However, a torn labrum would end hopes of turning heads in his rookie year.
At 5’11, 243 lbs, Daniels is a physically dominant linebacker..and built in a way that many assume would be too heavy for the position. However, his sheer strength and speed are make him an incredibly eyebrow raising prospect. In his final collegiate season, Daniels amassed 82 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, and six sacks..playing a huge part in a Defense that topped the FBS.
A true run stopper, the Eagles were certainly in need of a strong linebacker after exiting the draft. While they intend on moving Nate Gerry into the box, beyond Hicks and Bradham, only Joe Walker and the now seemingly expendable Mychal Kendricks remain. The Training Camp battles are beginning to take shape, and the Eagles are bolstering a position of need in the process.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
