Could the Packers bring back Za’Darius Smith this offseason?

A year ago, edge rusher Za’Darius Smith signed with the Minnesota Vikings after spending three seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Now, Smith reportedly wants out.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Smith has told the Vikings he wants to be released. Rapoport added that the Vikings have “no plans to do that.”

The Packers happen to need more pass-rush depth. If Smith becomes available, should the Packers offer him a contract?

Part of the reason why Green Bay moved on from Smith was due to a huge 2022 salary cap hit. And having barely played the season prior, it made sense to move on.

And Smith showed he is still an excellent pass rusher, making 10 sacks and 24 quarterbacks in 16 games for the Vikings. That included a sack in Minnesota’s victory over Green Bay in the regular-season opener.

As a result of another excellent season, Smith was voted to his third Pro Bowl.

If Green Bay brought back Smith, it would reunite the excellent pass-rushing trio of Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary.

Za’Darius Smith enters his age-31 season, so he wouldn’t necessarily need to start every game. He could be used as part of the rotation and feature on obvious passing downs. Rushing the passer is his biggest strength.

Then there is the question of if Smith would even want to return to Green Bay. That’s far from a guarantee.

And, of course, none of this will matter if the Vikings decide not to release him. After all, he is only one season into a three-year deal, so Minnesota has every right to turn down his request to be released.

But if Smith does become available this offseason, should the Packers sign him? A three-time Pro Bowler with double-digit sacks in three of the past four seasons, Smith could help the Packers’ pass-rush depth.