In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl victory, have signed veteran pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith to a one-year contract on September 5, 2025. The 32-year-old, who previously starred for the Green Bay Packers from 2019 to 2021, joins the Eagles with a chip on his shoulder and a history of bad blood with his former team, setting the stage for an emotionally charged reunion when he faces the Packers.
Smith’s tenure with Green Bay was a rollercoaster. He earned Pro Bowl nods in 2019 and 2020, along with second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, showcasing his dominance with 13½ sacks in 2019 and 12½ in 2020—career highs that solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier edge rushers. However, a back injury derailed his 2021 season, limiting him to just one regular-season game and a brief appearance in the Packers’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Packers released Smith that offseason to clear cap space, a decision that left him feeling disrespected and betrayed.
In a candid interview with Go Long, Smith didn’t hold back, expressing his frustration with how Green Bay treated him during his injury-plagued 2021 season. “I put my blood, sweat … I put my back on the (expletive) line,” he told reporter Tyler Dunne. “I put everything. And that Year 3, I was treated bad. That’s why I’m here now. So, I can play them twice a year.” His decision to sign with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 was fueled by a desire for revenge, and he delivered, earning another Pro Bowl selection with 10 sacks while facing the Packers twice that season.
After one year in Minnesota, Smith’s journey took him to the Cleveland Browns for the 2023 season and part of 2024 before a midseason trade to the Detroit Lions. With the Lions, he made an immediate impact against his old team, recording two tackles, a sack, and a tackle for a loss in a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Packers on December 5, 2024. Despite going unsigned through the offseason after his release from Detroit in March, Smith’s proven track record and hunger for redemption made him an attractive target for the Eagles.
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For Philadelphia, this signing is a bold statement. Adding a motivated, Pro Bowl-caliber pass-rusher to an already formidable roster signals their intent to defend their Super Bowl title with unrelenting aggression. Smith’s familiarity with the NFC North, particularly his history with Green Bay, adds a layer of intrigue to the Eagles’ upcoming matchups against the Packers. Fans can expect Smith to bring his A-game, driven by a personal vendetta and the chance to prove his former team wrong.
As the NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on Za’Darius Smith when he lines up against the Packers. For a player who thrives on proving doubters wrong, this blockbuster move to Philadelphia could be the perfect stage for him to cement his legacy—and settle an old score.