One of Za'Darius Smith’s Dream Games is Finally Here

Za’Darius Smith embraced the idea of returning to the NFC North even before it became a reality, and now one of the revenge games he wanted is finally here.

Since joining the Detroit Lions at the trade deadline, Smith has delivered exactly what was expected. Even before suiting up, his veteran leadership was apparent. In just three games as a Lion, he has already recorded two sacks, one tackle for loss, and has been credited by Pro Football Focus with 17 quarterback pressures, including an impressive nine in Week 13.

With Aidan Hutchinson sidelined, Smith has quickly emerged as the Lions’ most effective pass rusher. As Detroit faces a challenging stretch of games, including pressure from the Minnesota Vikings (10-2) and Green Bay Packers (9-3) in the standings, Smith’s presence has become even more critical as injuries continue to thin the defensive line.

The Lions are Smith’s fifth team in his 10-year NFL career. After starting with the Baltimore Ravens for four seasons, he spent three years with the Packers (2019-2021), though a back injury limited him to just one game in his final season. In 2022, he joined the Vikings, tallying 10 sacks, earning a Pro Bowl selection, and receiving votes for Comeback Player of the Year. The Vikings traded him to the Cleveland Browns in 2023.

Smith Gets His Chance at Revenge

Back in mid-October, with trade rumors linking him to Detroit and Hutchinson’s injury creating a need, Smith initially dismissed the speculation. However, he later admitted to Scott Petrak of the Chronicle-Telegram that playing for the Lions had an appealing side:

“If I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that’ll be big.”

When the Lions acquired Smith just before the deadline, fulfilling the swirling rumors, they had already faced the Packers and Vikings once each. But his desire for “revenge games” still remained, especially with the chance to make a statement against his former NFC North rivals.

Thursday night’s matchup against the Packers is pivotal for both teams. Smith faces a tough challenge against Green Bay’s offensive tackles Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker, both ranked in the top 15 by PFF for pass blocking. The Packers’ offensive line, which has allowed just 15 sacks this season, leads the NFL in PFF’s pass blocking grades.

Weeks before the trade, Smith already had revenge on his mind when Detroit became a possible destination. Now, he gets his first opportunity to back it up, under the bright lights of primetime against the Packers. All eyes will be on his performance.