Packers Reunite with Veteran Pass Rusher Star, Fans Split Down the Middle

March 30, 2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers are turning back the clock, signing veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith to a 2-year, $16 million deal with $8 million guaranteed, the team announced Sunday. The move brings the former Pro Bowl star back to Lambeau Field, but it’s sparked a firestorm among fans—some cheering the reunion, others crying foul over his rocky exit and rival stints.

Smith, 32, was a force in Green Bay from 2019-2021, racking up 26 sacks and 70 QB hits in 34 games before a back injury derailed his 2021 season (Packers.com). Cut in 2022 to save $17 million in cap space, he bounced to the Minnesota Vikings and later split 2024 between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, notching 9 sacks and 35 tackles (NFL.com). Now, with TJ Slaton gone to Cincinnati and the Packers’ pass rush stuck at a middling 17th in the NFL last year (ESPN), GM Brian Gutekunst is banking on Smith’s veteran spark to ignite Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 scheme.

“Za’Darius knows our system and brings elite experience,” Gutekunst said. “We’re thrilled to have him back.” Smith, who earned Pro Bowl nods in 2019 and 2022, told reporters, “Green Bay’s home—I’m here to win.” The $8 million annual paycheck fits snugly into the Packers’ $40 million cap space (Over The Cap), leaving room for more moves.

But Packers Nation isn’t rolling out the welcome mat unanimously. On X, fans clashed: “Z-Man’s back? Hell yes—sacks galore!” (@PackFaithful) faced off with “He ditched us for Vikes and Lions—no thanks” (@LambeauRealist). Reddit’s r/GreenBayPackers lit up too: “Smith’s still got it—forgive and forget,” one user posted, while another snapped, “Burned bridges don’t rebuild that easy.” His Vikings stint (5 sacks in 2022) and Lions run (NFC North rival) left a sour taste for many, despite his 70 career sacks and undeniable impact.

With Rashan Gary locked in and Lukas Van Ness still growing, Smith’s return could juice a pass rush desperate for punch. Is this the missing piece for a Super Bowl push, or a nostalgia grab gone wrong? One thing’s clear—the locker room reunion’s dividing Titletown.