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Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Packers Suddenly Pegged To Bring Back Former Team Captain (Report)

It’s been a good start for the Green Bay Packers so far in 2024.  So far, they’re 4-2 and in the thick of the NFC North race after six games. In this week’s contest, Green Bay will try to move to 5-2 by welcoming the 5-1 Texans to Lambeau Field.

A speedster was already added to Green Bay’s offense prior to the matchup.  Now could Green Bay be looking to add a leader on defense?

Packers Suddenly Pegged To Bring Back Former Team Captain (Report)

Oct 25, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith (55) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports highlighted how Za’Darius Smith of the Cleveland Browns could wind up back in Green Bay:

Green Bay Packers

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Za’Darius Smith

CLE • DE • #99

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Trade targetZa’Darius Smith, EDGE, Cleveland Browns

The Packers rank 20th in the NFL in pressure rate this season, so while the overall team looks primed for a playoff run, they could use a boost in that area. And maybe that could come from old pal Za’Darius Smith.

The Cleveland Browns have already traded away Amari Cooper, which could be a signal that they are waving the white flag on the season. If so, Smith, who is signed through 2025, could be expendable, too.

The 32-year-old played three seasons with the Packers from 2019 to 2021 and was named to the Pro Bowl twice over that span, so there is familiarity here.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) celebrates sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) with teammate cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) during their football game Sunday, September 13, 2020, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers linebacker Za’Darius Smith (55) celebrates sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) with teammate cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) during their football game Sunday, September 13, 2020, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Here is a look at Smith’s career stats:

Def Interceptions Fumbles Tackles
Season Age Team Lg Pos G GS Int Yds IntTD Lng PD FF Fmb FR Yds FRTD Sk Comb Solo Ast TFL QBHits Sfty AV Awards
2015 23 BAL NFL DE 15 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5.5 30 20 10 7 7 0 2
2016 24 BAL NFL DE 13 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1.0 20 10 10 4 4 0 3
2017 25 BAL NFL DE 14 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3.5 24 15 9 3 16 0 3
2018 26 BAL NFL ROLB 16 8 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 8.5 45 26 19 10 25 0 6
2019 27 GNB NFL ROLB 16 16 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 13.5 55 41 14 17 37 0 12 PB
2020 28 GNB NFL ROLB 16 16 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 2 0 0 12.5 52 35 17 12 23 0 14 PB,AP-2
2021 29 GNB NFL DE 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
2022 30 MIN NFL ROLB 16 16 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 10.0 44 32 12 15 24 0 9 PB,AP CPoY-9
2023 31 CLE NFL DE 16 16 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 5.5 27 18 9 8 20 0 9
2024 32 CLE NFL DE 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.0 16 11 5 2 3 0
10 Yrs 129 86 0 0 0 0 15 10 0 2 0 0 63.0 314 209 105 78 159 0 58
17 Game Avg 17 11 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 8.3 41 28 14 10 21 0 8
BAL (4 Yrs) 58 16 0 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 0 18.5 119 71 48 24 52 0 14
GNB (3 Yrs) 33 32 0 0 0 0 2 5 0 2 0 0 26.0 108 77 31 29 60 0 26
CLE (2 Yrs) 22 22 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 8.5 43 29 14 10 23 0 9
MIN (1 Yr) 16 16 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 10.0 44 32 12 15 24 0 9

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About McQuade Arnold

McQuade Arnold is a Co-Owner of Wisconsin Sports Heroics (WSH), Gridiron Heroics (GH), and Hardwood Heroics (HWH). He graduated from American Military University with an associate in General Studies and is currently pursuing his Bachelors in Sports Marketing. McQuade has been active duty in the United States Navy for 11 years and is currently stationed in Chicago, IL after spending time in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. He is originally from Superior, WI and is a die hard Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks fan. McQuade's work for WSH has been featured on YardBarker, Bleacher Report, NewsBreak, and MSN.

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