There was a great deal of unspoken passive-aggressive drama between the Green Bay Packers and Za’Darius Smith in 2021. According to rumors, Smith was upset about not being voted one of the team’s captains by his teammates. All of a sudden, he just had to miss all but one game and spend time away from the Packers in order to rehab his sore back. Whether or not that rumor is true doesn’t really matter, I suppose, but it is worth noting that Smith had himself a custom-made captain necklace chain made after the season.
In addition to whatever weird drama was going on between Smith and his teammates, the Packers decided to cut Smith to save money towards the 2022 salary cap. Once a free agent, Smith initially came to a verbal agreement with his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, but backed out to sign a contract with the Minnesota Vikings. His purpose was clear: to stick it to the Packers. Now, ironically, it appears that history is repeating itself just one year later for Smith.
Za’Darius Smith Is Selling His House in Minnesota Already
According to Ben Goessling of The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Smith has already put the home he bought in Minnesota up for sale:
#Vikings edge rusher Za’Darius Smith appears to be preparing to sell his house in Eagan; the property is listed as “coming soon” on the real estate market.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) February 17, 2023
Now, Goessling does note in a reply to his own post that putting his house up for sale does not necessarily mean that Smith is going to be released. It should be noted, however, that Smith is due to carry a $16,990,186 cap hit into 2023. His dead cap hit, however, is just $3,333,334. In other words, the Vikings can save over $13 million towards their salary cap by releasing Smith.
One would assume that new Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores may have some say in whether or not Smith comes back. They could certainly restructure him instead. It is interesting, though, how so much of what is going on with Smith this offseason mirrors last offseason.
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FAQs
Will the Green Bay Packers Make the 2023 NFL Playoffs?
According to sportsbooks, the Green Bay Packers are currently ninth overall (+3000) to win the 2024 Super Bowl. This is the highest among 2022 non-playoff teams, signaling they’ll be playoff-bound.
Who Do the Green Bay Packers Play in 2023?
Aside from their divisional opponents (Vikings, Lions, and Bears), whom they place twice, the Packers play the Saints, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Chargers, and Rams at home in 2023. They’ll travel on the road to face the Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Raiders, Giants, and Steelers.
Who Owns the Green Bay Packers?
The team is owned by Green Bay Packers, Inc., a publicly owned and traded non-profit. There are currently over 360,000 stockholders. Mark Murphy currently holds the role of Packers president and CEO, with plans to retire in 2025.
How Many Super Bowls Have the Packers Won?
The Packers have won four Super Bowls. These victories include Super Bowl 1 and Super Bowl 2 after the 1966 and 1967 seasons. Their next title came in Super Bowl 31, following the 1996 season. Their most recent championship was Super Bowl 45, crowning them the winners of the 2010 season.
1 Comment
Enough drama with that nut Aaron Rodgers let him go