Few players can say they’ve suited up for three different NFC North teams and left an impact on each one. Now, a veteran edge rusher with 69 career sacks could take his tour of the division one step further. Released earlier this offseason for salary cap reasons, he’s drawing interest as training camps approach. One destination would complete a rare — and potentially poetic — cycle.
Za’Darius Smith Could Help Revive Chicago Bears’ Pass Rush Alongside Montez Sweat
Bleacher Report named the Chicago Bears as a potential destination for three-time Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith. Chicago’s rival, the Detroit Lions, cut the 32-year-old after acquiring him via trade from the Cleveland Browns, where he had signed a two-year, $23 million deal. The split in Detroit was made for cap reasons, but both sides have left the door open for a possible reunion.
The Bears’ pass rush needs reinforcement after a disappointing 2024 season. Chicago ranked 24th in the NFL with just 35 sacks, well below the league average of 41.2. Adding Smith would provide immediate veteran leadership and production to a unit that has struggled to generate consistent pressure.
Matt Holder wrote, “With Dayo Odeyingbo taking the early-down responsibilities and sliding inside in passing situations, Smith would be a great complement on the edge with Montez Sweat.”
Montez Sweat is entering his second full season in Chicago after being traded during the 2023 season. The Bears gave up a second-round pick for the 28-year-old, who would welcome the help from Smith. Last season, Sweat’s production dipped in sacks, finishing with 5.5, but his pass rush win rate improved. Those numbers don’t bode well for sack output, and a veteran presence like Smith could provide a much-needed boost for both Sweat and the Bears’ pass rush.
.@ScottBairNFL thinks Montez Sweat is set up to get more sacks in 2025 📈
Catch up on the Chicago Football Show: https://t.co/BOp9DrAPpB pic.twitter.com/CZzuir8x4x
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 29, 2025
Packers Fans Still Bitter, but Smith’s Sack Numbers Tell a Different Story
Green Bay Packers fans turned on Smith after he joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. While he started his career with the Baltimore Ravens, Smith had his best seasons in Green Bay before jumping to their divisional rival. Two years later, he found himself on the Lions after a short stop with the Cleveland Browns.
The veteran pass rusher’s NFC North tour began with his breakout seasons in Green Bay. Smith recorded back-to-back double-digit sack seasons in 2019 and 2020, including a career-high 13.5 sacks in 2019. His departure to Minnesota created lasting tension with Packers fans, who viewed the move as a betrayal.
Though he’s bounced around lately, the talent is still there. Smith had nine sacks in 2024, a solid jump from the 5.5 he put up with the Browns the year before. His career high is 13.5 sacks, set during back-to-back double-digit seasons in 2019 and 2020 with the Packers.
While it’s unlikely he’ll reach those numbers again, a fresh start can change everything. Smith’s ability to rush from multiple positions makes him valuable in today’s NFL, where defensive coordinators need versatile players who can create mismatches.
Smith’s Durability and Production Make Him a Fit for Bears Rebuild
Even as age catches up with him, Smith has mostly avoided major injuries, except in 2021. That season, his last with the Packers, he played in just one game following back surgery. But he bounced back strong in 2022, posting 44 total tackles and 10 sacks with Minnesota.
Smith’s durability has been a key factor in his sustained success. Over his 10-year career, he has missed significant time only once due to a back injury. His ability to stay healthy while maintaining production makes him an attractive option for teams seeking veteran depth.
Holder believes that a reunion of Smith and Ben Johnson, the former Lions offensive coordinator who is now head coach in Chicago, is a real possibility. Johnson’s familiarity with Smith’s skill set could make Chicago an ideal landing spot for the veteran pass rusher looking to prove he still has gas left in the tank.