Shortly after the Green Bay Packers signed outside linebacker Preston Smith to a four-year extension on Monday, the team made the decision to release fellow 2019 free agency signing in Za’Darius Smith, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. In three years with the Packers, Za’Darius recorded two Pro Bowl seasons, including a Second-Team All-Pro effort in 2022, good for 16 sacks.
Unfortunately, back injuries derailed his time in Green Bay, leading to Smith missing nearly all of last summer’s workouts and preseason snaps. He returned to the field in Week 1 in a limited capacity, mostly as a pass-rushing specialist on third downs, but was placed on injured reserve in Week 2 and was only activated for the Packers’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.