The Carolina Panthers’ training camp took a brutal turn almost immediately, and the Philadelphia Eagles might have a way to turn that bad break into a deal.
On the first day of Panthers camp, second-year edge rusher Nic Scourton was reported to have torn his ACL and to be done for the season. Scourton is still getting a second opinion, but surgery could be coming in the next few weeks.
Carolina already responded by signing 2026 UFL Defensive Player of the Year Cam Gill to fill the spot, but that may not be the cleanest answer for a team suddenly short on edge help. One possible alternative sits in Philadelphia: Nolan Smith Jr.
Smith is under contract for two more years after the Eagles picked up his fifth-year option, which also makes him a relatively affordable edge-rushing option for Carolina. He didn’t put up big sack numbers last season, finishing with just three, and a triceps injury slowed him early. Even so, he still found ways to affect the quarterback, recording 33 pressures and 24 hurries in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus.
From the Eagles’ side, the logic is pretty straightforward. They have enough depth at edge rusher to consider moving Smith.
Jalyx Hunt could step in as the starter opposite Jonathan Greenard, while Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa would move up in the rotation and provide depth behind them.
If Philadelphia did shop Smith, a third- or fourth-round pick from Carolina could be in play. Any draft pick would help, and a third-rounder would also replace the one the Eagles lost in the Greenard trade.
For the Panthers, Smith would immediately address a glaring need and slide into a starting role. There’s also a familiar connection already in place: Jaelan Phillips and Smith were teammates in Philly last year.
It’s the kind of move the Eagles should at least weigh. Smith is a useful player, but if the right offer comes along, moving him now would make sense.
Philadelphia could help out an NFC team and come away with a draft pick in return. That’s a deal that works for both sides.
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