Few contending teams are in greater need of a pass rusher before the 2025 NFL season begins than the Green Bay Packers, but the Detroit Lions can’t be far behind.
While the Packers are certainly hoping Rashan Gary improves and Lukas Van Ness takes a significant stride toward fulfilling his promise, the Lions have yet to add a running partner opposite game-changing edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson this offseason.
However, the Lions have been connected to re-signing veteran Za’Darius Smith, who is a free agency after finishing the final season of his $23 million contract with Detroit last season. The Packers may have something to say about any potential reunion.
Why the Packers Should Consider Signing Za’Darius Smith.
Last season, Smith shown that, at the age of 31, he is still an effective and potentially prolific pass rusher, recording 63 quarterback pressures (10th most among edge rushers) and nine sacks.
Smith, according to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, is still one of the top free agents and finest available edge rushers.
“Last season—with both the Browns and the Lions,” Bowen writes for ESPN. “Smith recorded nine sacks and 38 pressures. He’s a speed-to-power rusher who can also line up as a standup nose or 3-technique for interior one-on-ones. Smith may help a challenger seeking for a rotational advantage and scheme versatility.”
Smith played two seasons in Green Bay, totaling 26 sacks between 2019 and 2020, and he may improve a team that currently lacks proven talents.
The former Packer, Lion, Minnesota Viking, and Cleveland Brown could be a great candidate to address Green Bay’s worst defensive issue ahead of the 2025 season.
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