Tag: Nolan Smith

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles exercise fifth-year options on Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Philadelphia Eagles locked up a pair of defensive starters through the 2027 season, picking up the fifth-year options of defensive tackle Jalen Carter and outside linebacker Nolan Smith on Monday.

The team faced a Friday deadline on the options for the two Georgia products.

Carter, 25, was the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft. A Pro Bowl honoree each of the past two years, Carter is in line to make $27 million in 2027.

Smith, 25, was also selected in the first round two years ago, No. 30 overall. He is in line to receive around $13.7 million in 2027.

Both players were key performers in the Eagles’ run to the 2024-25 Super Bowl championship, as Smith had four sacks in the playoff run and Carter recorded two.

Carter has 108 tackles, 13.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 13 passes defensed in 43 NFL games (27 starts). Last season, he logged 33 tackles, three sacks and a career-best seven passes defensed in 11 games, all starts, despite being slowed by shoulder injuries.

A triceps ailment limited Smith to 12 games, all starts, last year, and he had 31 tackles, three sacks and one fumble recovery. In 45 NFL games (22 starts), he has 91 tackles, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two passes defensed.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) tackles Auburn Tigers running back Tank Bigsby (4) at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Georgia OLB Nolan Smith (pec) done for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Georgia pass-rusher Nolan Smith is done for the season with a torn pectoral muscle, On3 Sports and ESPN reported Tuesday.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Monday that Smith was doubtful for this weekend’s mega matchup between the No. 1 Bulldogs (8-0, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) and No. 2 Tennessee (8-0, 4-0) in Athens, Ga.

Smart initially feared Smith had dislocated his shoulder in the first half of last Saturday’s 42-20 win against Florida, but he said Monday it was believed to be a muscle injury. And MRI confirmed that it is, per the reports.

Smith is a considered a first-round prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s unclear at this point if he’d be ready to take part in the NFL combine, which opens Feb. 28.

In addition to his team-high three sacks, Smith has 16 quarterback hurries and seven tackles for loss in eight games this season. He has 12.5 sacks and 110 tackles in 38 career games with the Bulldogs.

His absence is untimely to say the least, as Tennessee and Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Hendon Hooker lead the nation in scoring (49.4 points per game) and total offense (553.0 yards per game).

Georgia is No. 2 nationally — tops in the SEC — in scoring defense, allowing just 10.5 points per game.

–Field Level Media

Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith arrives at the Dawg Walk before the start of a NCAA college football game between Vanderbilt and Georgia in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. News Joshua L Jones

Georgia LB Nolan Smith doubtful for Tenn. showdown

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith, the No. 1 Bulldogs’ leader in sacks, is doubtful for Saturday’s showdown with No. 2 Tennessee due to a shoulder injury.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart did not completely rule out the 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior for the matchup of the unbeaten Bulldogs (8-0, 5-0 SEC) and Volunteers (8-0, 4-0) in Athens, Ga.

Smart initially feared Smith had dislocated his shoulder in the first half of Saturday’s 42-20 win against Florida, but he said it is now believed to be a muscle injury.

“His availability has not been determined,” Smart told reporters Monday. “It does not look good for availability this week. It’s a pec muscle, so it’s one of those deals where we’ll do an MRI. We’re still getting some opinions on it, but he’s probably doubtful for this week.”

In addition to his team-high three sacks, Smith has 16 quarterback hurries and seven tackles for loss in eight games this season. He has 12.5 sacks and 110 tackles in 38 career games with the Bulldogs.

His absence is untimely to say the least, as Tennessee and Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Hendon Hooker lead the nation in scoring (49.4 points per game) and total offense (553.0 yards per game).

–Field Level Media

Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs the ball against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) during the second half in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nolan Smith returning for senior season at Georgia

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith announced Monday that he is returning for his senior season.

The announcement stems the rash of departures from the Bulldogs’ top-ranked defense and coordinator Dan Lanning, who became head coach at Oregon.

Smith punctuated Georgia’s national championship by sacking Alabama quarterback Bryce Young on the final play of the title game. He had 56 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles this past season.

The 6-foot-3 edge rusher was the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in 2019, per the 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Smith is just the third starter so far to announce he’s returning for 2022.

The Bulldogs lost cornerback Derion Kendrick, safety Lewis Cine, linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive lineman Travon Walker to the 2022 NFL Draft. Also, starting defensive back Latavious Brini entered the transfer portal.

–Field Level Media