In a move that surprised the NFL world, veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith announced his retirement on October 13, 2025, after 11 impactful seasons in the league. His decision, which he shared via an emotional Instagram post, closed the chapter on a career that saw him become a three-time Pro Bowler and a formidable presence on defense for six different teams.
For fans, his legacy is measured in sacks and tackles, but behind the stats lies a financial journey that is equally impressive. Let’s take a look at the monetary side of Smith’s career, from his final contract with the Philadelphia Eagles to his accumulated wealth.
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Career Earnings and Net Worth
Over the course of his 11-year career, Za’Darius Smith built a substantial financial portfolio primarily through his NFL deals. According to detailed contract trackers, his total career earnings are reported to be $83,445,343. Other sources, which may calculate earnings differently, estimate his total career cash at over $90 million.
This wealth was accumulated through a series of increasingly valuable contracts. His journey began with a modest four-year rookie deal worth $2.76 million, including a $483,152 signing bonus, after being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015. His performance in Baltimore set the stage for his first major payday in 2019—a landmark four-year, $66 million deal with the Green Bay Packers that included a $20 million signing bonus. This deal fundamentally changed his financial trajectory.
Smith’s career then took him on a tour of the league, with each stop adding significantly to his bank account. After his time with the Packers, he inked a three-year, $42 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings. His final years were spent with the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and finally, the Philadelphia Eagles, with his two-year agreement with the Browns in 2024 being valued at $23 million.
When combining these massive contracts with endorsements and other financial ventures, Za’Darius Smith’s estimated net worth in 2025 is over $25 million. This figure is a testament to his success in translating on-field performance into long-term financial security for himself and his family.
Final Contract and 2025 Salary Details
For the 2025 season, Za’Darius Smith signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles worth a base value of $4.25 million. The deal was fully guaranteed, ensuring he received the entire amount despite his mid-season retirement. The structure of this final contract included a $2,250,000 signing bonus and a $2,000,000 base salary for the 2025 season. From a salary cap perspective, his hit for the Eagles was set at $3,450,000. This deal was a classic “prove-it” deal, loaded with incentives that allowed him to earn significantly more based on his and the team’s performance.
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The agreement offered Smith the potential to earn up to an additional $4 million in incentives, which could have brought the total maximum value of the contract to $8.25 million. These incentives were carefully tiered. He had the opportunity to earn $2.5 million in sack incentives tied to achieving escalating sack numbers. Another $500,000 was available for making the Pro Bowl. Furthermore, $1 million was tied to the Eagles’ team success. He stood to gain $500,000 if the team won the NFC Championship and another $500,000 if they won the Super Bowl, provided he also met certain individual playing time and performance thresholds (either 11 sacks or a Pro Bowl selection).
In his five games with the Eagles before retiring, Smith recorded 1.5 sacks, meaning he was on a path to unlock at least some of these performance bonuses. His retirement marks the end of a financially successful career, leaving him with a considerable net worth as he steps into the next chapter of his life.
