The Green Bay Packers have seen former star pass rusher Za’Darius Smith land with both the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions since he was let go. He has also been very vocal about not liking the way the Packers handled him at the end of his time with the team.
Due to the bad blood that has formed between Green Bay and Smith, fans will not be sad about the newest update on him.
According to a report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Lions have decided to release Smith ahead of 2025 NFL free agency opening this week.
The #Lions released Za’Darius Smith, per source. pic.twitter.com/GAuHfqPB6s
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2025
Smith will be looking for a new home once again this offseason. Perhaps he could try to land with the Chicago Bears to complete his NFC North bucket list?
Former Green Bay Packers Star Za’Darius Smith Suffers Yet Another Disappointment
During his time with the Packers, Smith was a dominant force. He was a leader of the defense and an extremely productive players.
He played in two full years with the Packers. In those two full years, he recorded 13.5 sacks in 2019 and 12.5 sacks in 2020.
Unfortunately, back issues forced him to miss all but one game during the 2021 season. After that year, Green Bay choose to move on. It was the right decision for the team, although it was a tough one as Smith had become a major fan favorite.
Last season, Smith ended up starting the year with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to Detroit ahead of the deadline. He totaled 17 games played to go along with 35 tackles and nine sacks.
At 32 years old, Smith still has some football left in the tank. If he can stay healthy, he would be a solid addition for any team needing pass rushing help. His next opportunity won’t come with the Packers, but he shouldn’t have trouble finding a new job.
