"He was coming off a nine sack season, spending half the year with the Lions, so his familiarity with Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was a strong selling point, and they really needed a strong pass rusher on the roster. They ultimately didn't choose to sign him, and 31 other teams passed on him, too, until the Eagles brought him in just days before the season began."
"On Monday morning, Smith announced via his social media that he was deciding to retire after six games with the Eagles. It seems to be out of nowhere, but it proves the Patriots were right to look the other way, or they'd be dealing with an unexpected departure at a very bad time. Sure, the Patriots could have used him as a pass rusher, which has remained a weak point for them this year after a strong start to the season."
Mike Vrabel entered the Patriots with substantial cap space and favorable draft positioning, enabling major roster overhaul. The offseason prioritized defensive additions through free agency, particularly addressing the defensive line and pass rush needs. Za'Darius Smith emerged as a notable target after a nine-sack season and partial year with the Lions, plus familiarity with defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. The Patriots and 31 other teams did not sign him initially; the Eagles added him days before the season. Smith announced his retirement after six games with the Eagles, which would have created a sudden midseason roster issue had the Patriots signed him.
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