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    You are here Home » Former Green Bay Packers Pro Bowler Requests Release From NFC North Rival
    Packers

    Former Green Bay Packers Pro Bowler Requests Release From NFC North Rival

    Aaliyan MohammedBy Aaliyan MohammedMarch 9, 2023Updated:September 1, 2023No Comments2 Mins Read
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    Green Bay Packers EDGE Za'Darius Smith
    Dec 23, 2019; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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    Former Green Bay Packers pass rusher Za’Darius Smith has posted a goodbye to Minnesota Vikings fans on Twitter.

    #Vikings Pro Bowl pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith informed the team that he wants to be released, I’m told. The team has no plans to do that. The situation remains unresolved. https://t.co/1jWfnK36w4

    — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2023

    Smith’s Messy Ending With the Green Bay Packers

    USATSI 13768463 e1678407207861
    Dec 8, 2019; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Za’Darius Smith (55) is helped up after an injury in the fourth quarter during the game against the Washington Redskins at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

    After missing almost the entire 2021 season, Za’Darius Smith was released by the Packers. On his way out Smith had some things to say about how the organization treated him.

    “I played one year of high school football,” Smith told Dunne. “For me to be where I’m at today, that’s how you know I love the game. I put my all into it. That’s why I felt the way I did with Green Bay — I gave that (expletive) my all. I put my blood, sweat … I put my back on the (expletive) line. 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.”

    -Za’Darius Smith to Tom Silverstein

    Smith said he signed in Minnesota to play the Packers twice a year and has reportedly requested a release after just one season. Smith started 16 games in 2022 and recorded 10.0 sacks. If he is granted a release he will be able to cash in during free agency, coming off of a double-digit sack season.

    Why is Smith Trying to Leave the Vikings

    It is currently unclear why Smith would want to leave the Vikings. When he was cut from the Green Bay Packers the writing was already on the wall. He had missed the entire regular season, Rashan Gary had become a starting-caliber talent and Smith was upset after not being voted a team captain.

    His sudden want to leave Minnesota could stem from many reasons. Maybe something within the organization has changed. Perhaps Minnesota’s release of key veterans leads Smith to believe they are not poised for a Super Bowl berth. Whatever the reason may be, Smith has clearly decided he wants to play elsewhere.

    Click on the graphic to get the latest Packers news coverage from Wisconsin Sports HeroicsAs Always

    Follow me on Twitter @Aaliyan525 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content! For the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here. Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!

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    green bay packers Minnesota Vikings zadarius smith
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    Aaliyan Mohammed
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    Aaliyan Mohammed has been covering the Packers and Brewers for Wisconsin Sports Heroics for over two years. He is pursuing a degree in print and digital journalism at Mississippi State University. In addition to covering sports, Mohammed is also an editor for the site.

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