Za'Darius Smith enjoyed back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons with the Green Bay Packers, but then enjoyed stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, trying to get revenge after a messy exit from 1265 Lombardi Ave.
Smith retired from football last season, but the door just opened up for a return, bringing two Packers rivals into focus.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Philadelphia Eagles have released Smith from the reserve/retired list, which Rapoport notes is an "indication" that Smith is "open to playing in the right situation."
Smith is now free to sign with any team. It's no coincidence that after an ugly divorce with the Packers, Smith spent time with two division rivals. A return to the NFC North feels inevitable.
Don't underestimate the potential desire to stick it to the Packers again. The three-time Pro Bowler hasn't hidden his feelings. Following the Lions' victory over the Packers in December 2024, Smith said:
"Two years I gave it to them, and once I got hurt, they sent me down like I wasn't nothing. But I'm glad to be on the other side now. You know I had a chance to go to the Vikings and get my revenge. And I came to Detroit and got my revenge again."
Vikings and Lions stand out as ideal landing spots for Za'Darius Smith if he makes return
Rapoport's final note about Smith potentially being open to playing again wasn't an accident. Let's explore that.
Before his brief stay in Philadelphia last season, Smith had enjoyed success with the Lions after they lost Aidan Hutchinson to injury. Smith recorded four sacks in eight games. The Lions released him at the end of the 2024 season due to his looming cap hits, but Smith took seemingly every opportunity to express his desire to return to Detroit that summer.
The Lions have bolstered their pass rush by signing DJ Wonnum and drafting Derrick Moore this offseason, but there could be room for another veteran. Detroit could be the "right situation" Rapoport mentioned.
Smith clearly enjoyed his time with the Lions, and a return would make sense.
Then there are the Vikings, another one of Smith's former teams. Minnesota might not boast the same Super Bowl upside as Detroit, but Kevin O'Connell's team could surprise a few people this season. They also have a more desperate need on the edge.
"At the top of their edge rusher depth chart, the Minnesota Vikings have two very talented players in Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. Behind them, however, things are a bit dicey for the Vikings at the moment," writes Adam Patrick of The Viking Age.
"Minnesota also might have an advantage over some other teams that could have interest in signing (Smith), as he not only spent a season with the Vikings already, but his current agent, Erik Burkhardt, also represents new Minnesota quarterback Kyler Murray."
Smith made 10 sacks in his one season with the Vikings. With Brian Flores running the defense now, Smith would have a chance to make another significant impact.
The Eagles' decision to release him means he is free to sign with any team. Don't be surprised if we see the former Packer back in the NFC North.
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