There are few contending teams more in need of adding a pass-rusher before the 2025 NFL season kicks off than the Green Bay Packers, but the Detroit Lions can’t be far behind.
While the Packers are likely hoping that Rashan Gary takes a step and Lukas Van Ness makes a major leap toward finally living up to his potential, the Lions have yet to add a running mate opposite game-wrecking edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson this offseason.
However, the Lions have been linked to bringing back veteran Za’Darius Smith, who remains a free agent after playing out the final season of his $23 million contract in Detroit last season. The Packers could have something to say about any possible reunion.
Why the Packers Should Consider Signing Za’Darius Smith
Last season, Smith showed that even at age 31, he is still a productive and potentially prolific pass-rush presence, registering 63 quarterback pressures — the 10th most among edge-rushers — to go with nine sacks.
Smith, according to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, remains one of the top remaining free agents and the best available edge-rusher.
“Last season — with both the Browns and Lions,” Bowen writes for ESPN. “Smith had nine sacks and 38 pressures. He’s a speed-to-power rusher who can also align as a standup nose or 3-technique to get interior one-on-ones. Smith could help a contender looking for a rotational edge with scheme versatility.”
Smith played two seasons in Green Bay, posting 26 sacks from 2019 through 2020, and could upgrade a unit that has few proven commodities at the moment.
The former Packer, Lion, Minnesota Viking and Cleveland Brown could be an ideal fit to upgrade Green Bay’s biggest weakness on defense ahead of 2025 kicking off.
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