Back in 2019, the Green Bay Packers made huge splashes in free agency, particularly on defense. That year, they signed three of the best defensive players on the market in pass rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, and safety Adrian Amos.
While all three were productive members of the Packers defense, it was Za’Darius who stood out the most. In his first season in Green Bay, Smith had a career-high 13.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. He made the Pro Bowl again in his second year after recording 12.5 sacks.
But then things went south between him and the Packers organization.
The Green Bay Packers and Za’Darius Smith Had a Falling Out
After the 2020 season, his second with the Packers, Smith played in just one game, the first game of the 2021 NFL season. He spent much his time away from the team with what he and the organization called a back injury.
According to rumors at the time, Smith was also frustrated that his teammates did not vote him a team captain that year. While he returned for Green Bay’s postseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he did not come back to the organization the following year.
Instead, he was released and subsequently signed by the Minnesota Vikings. He 10.0 sacks and made the Pro Bowl again in his only year in Minnesota, but was released again after the season. Since then, he has played for the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.
The Green Bay Packers Are Urged to Mend Fences and Sign Za’Darius Smith
Last season, the Packers were among the top-10 teams in the NFL in terms of total sacks. However, they ranked near the bottom of the league in pass rush win rate. In other words, they need to do a better job of rushing the passer.
With all of the premier free agent pass rushers already signed by other teams, James Mastrucci of Lombardi Avenue believes that Green Bay should extend an olive branch to Smith and try to bring him back:
“It would require the two sides to rebuild their relationship after an ugly breakup in 2021. Smith spoke about getting revenge on the Packers after beating them with the Detroit Lions last season. A reunion is improbable, but Green Bay needs the pass-rush help.”
There is no doubt that the Packers need pass rush help, as stated above. However, with such a young team, it is vital for Green Bay to establish a positive locker room culture. With Jaire Alexander likely not to return, it would appear that whatever internal issues between players and organization will be taken care of.
While bringing back Smith may make sense on paper, it may be best if the two sides stay divorced.
