Packers releasing Za’Darius Smith is a sad day for fans

It’s a move we all knew was coming, but it doesn’t make it any less sad for Green Bay Packers fans.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers have released former Pro Bowl edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.

This decision was inevitable. Smith was set for one of the team’s biggest cap hits in 2022, and releasing him creates $15.28 million, per Over The Cap. After an injury-hit season that limited Smith to just two games, this isn’t surprising.

While understandable from a salary cap side of things, it’s still a sad day for Packers fans.

The team took a risk by paying two pass rushers big money in free agency back in 2019, one being Za’Darius Smith. But he took no time to become a fan favorite in Green Bay.

In his first two seasons with the team, Smith made 26 sacks and 60 quarterback hits, while also being named a Pro Bowler both years. In five career postseason games with the Packers, Smith added another four sacks and seven quarterback hits.

A great leader and loved by the fans, Smith will be missed in Green Bay.

If he’s fully healthy, it shouldn’t take long for Smith to find a new team. If his back injury is behind him, Smith can be a game-changing addition for any team in need of pass-rush help. We just have to hope he doesn’t sign with a division rival or another NFC contender like the Los Angeles Rams or Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

One of Brian Gutekunst’s first free agency signings will go down as arguably his best. Smith, along with Preston Smith, helped transform the Packers’ pass rush with two Pro Bowl seasons.

Green Bay’s loss will be another team’s gain. And while this move was to be expected, it’s still a sad day for Packers fans.