Packers would not like to see Za’Darius Smith sign with these three teams

On Monday, the Green Bay Packers announced that they had released pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was twice a Pro Bowler with the team.

A move that seemed certain from the moment the season ended due to Smith’s big 2022 cap hit, but still, one that is sad for fans. It also means that the Packers are losing one of the NFL’s best pass rushers.

Even worse than that, it means another team will be signing him. Green Bay went most of the 2021 season without Smith, but now face a real possibility of watching the Pro Bowler hit double-digit sacks elsewhere.

Clearly, some landing spots would suit the Packers more than others.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Baltimore Ravens are among the teams interested in signing Smith. A return to his former team would make a lot of sense, and it would be a best-case scenario for the Packers as Smith would not be playing in the NFC.

But there’s also a possibility Smith could land with a team on Green Bay’s upcoming schedule, or a division or conference rival.

With that in mind, let’s look at three teams the Packers should be desperate for Smith not to sign with.