Ex-Packers All-Pro Za'Darius Smith comes out of retirement, will play Green Bay

Former Green Bay Packers defensive end Za Darius Smith is ending his retirement to play for the Atlanta Falcons, the team confirmed on Tuesday, August 18. The 33-year-old Smith, who played for the Packers from 2019-2021, signed a one-year deal worth $6 million, according to ESPN's Ian Rapoport. Smith's retirement from football came unexpectedly during the 2025 NFL season after playing only five games with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Smith's career highlights in Green Bay saw him record 13.5 sacks in his debut season in 2019 and earn his first Pro Bowl appearance. He followed that with a 12.5-sack season in 2020, which earned him second-team All-Pro honors. However, a back injury limited his 2021 season to just one game. Smith was released by the Packers after that season and expressed his frustration with the team regarding his injury situation.

He then signed with the Minnesota Vikings, reuniting with head coach Kevin Stefanski, with whom he had coached in Cleveland, to play against his former team twice a season. Smith had a successful 2022 campaign with Minnesota, earning his third Pro Bowl after recording 10 sacks.

After one season with the Vikings, Smith played a year and a half for the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Detroit Lions during the 2024 season. He signed with the Eagles before the 2025 season, but retirement was a reality by October 13. Now, Smith has returned to the Falcons, reuniting with Stefanski. The Falcons will face the Packers on September 24 when the team plays its home opener on Thursday Night Football.