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Former Packers DT with 971 yards feels unhappy in Atlanta. And has expressed a desire to return to Green Bay.

Atlanta, December 28, 2025 – Just weeks after his departure from the Green Bay Packers, wide receiver Malik Heath is reportedly struggling to find his footing with the Atlanta Falcons. According to sources close to the player, Heath has grown increasingly unhappy with his new environment, citing locker-room atmosphere, respect, and overall culture as falling short of what he experienced in Green Bay.

Heath joined the Packers in 2023 as an undrafted free agent and spent parts of three seasons with the organization, primarily serving as a depth receiver and special teams contributor. While his on-field production was modest, he was widely regarded as a high-character player who embraced his role and fit seamlessly into the team’s culture.

That made his release on December 6, 2025 — a roster move made to clear space for a defensive line addition — particularly difficult on a personal level. Two days later, Heath was claimed off waivers by Atlanta, remaining in the NFC and quickly joining the Falcons’ roster.

However, the transition has not gone smoothly. Heath has been inactive for multiple games since arriving in Atlanta, and those close to him say the adjustment goes beyond playbook familiarity or snap counts. The bigger issue, they note, is cultural.

“In Green Bay, everything felt connected,” Heath reportedly told people around him. “The locker room, the respect between teammates, the way veterans looked out for younger guys — it all mattered. Here, it just doesn’t feel the same.”

Those sentiments highlight how deeply Heath valued his time with the Packers. In Green Bay, despite limited opportunities, he felt trusted and supported — a sense of belonging he has yet to rediscover with the Falcons.
Packers WR Malik Heath Projected to Make Splash in NFL

“If there’s ever a chance,” Heath has privately said, “I want to go back to the Packers. That’s home to me.”

From Green Bay’s perspective, the door may not be entirely closed. The Packers have a history of bringing back familiar faces who understand the system and embrace complementary roles, especially when depth becomes a priority late in the season or during offseason roster reshuffling.

For now, Heath remains a member of the Falcons, and no additional roster moves have been reported as of late December 2025. But emotionally, his connection to Green Bay appears far from severed.

In a league defined by constant movement, Malik Heath’s story underscores a simple truth: sometimes, culture and belonging matter just as much as opportunity. And for Heath, that culture still wears green and gold.

BREAKING: Bears Among Top Landing Spots for Former $141 Million Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher
Chicago, Illinois – January 2026 Chicago Bears are reportedly one of the top landing spots for Khalil Mack, a former $141 million edge rusher, as he is set to hit free agency in the spring. The 34-year-old player, widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer, is expected to be a top target for teams looking to add a veteran pass rusher to their roster, and the Bears could be the perfect fit. After spending the past few years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mack had a solid 2025 season, recording 5.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures. While Mack may not be the dominant force he once was, he remains a top-tier pass rusher and a leader with invaluable experience, potentially providing a significant boost to the Bears' defense, which is on the rise. According to Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports, the Bears could be the most likely destination for Mack. “Mack returns to Chicago, where he starred from 2018-2021. The Bears need to boost their pass rush without spending too much, and Mack fits that perfectly,” Pereles said. The Bears have the salary cap flexibility to bring Mack in without making a massive financial commitment, making him a sensible option for a team looking to bolster its defense without overspending. The Bears have shown strong defensive potential under head coach Mike Macdonald, but Mack could provide the veteran presence needed for a group of young, developing pass rushers. His leadership and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks would be a welcome addition, and his past success with the Bears makes him an ideal candidate to return to Chicago. However, the Bears won’t be the only team competing for Mack. Other teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks are also interested. The Bengals may need a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, the Panthers have multiple defensive needs, and the Seahawks have the cap space to make a big splash signing. “Bears is my old home, where I spent some of the most important years of my career. Even though I’ve been away, Chicago has always been in my heart. Coming back here is not just an opportunity to contribute to the team but a homecoming journey. I believe I can bring strength and experience to help the Bears go further, and if given the chance, I’ll do everything I can to help the team achieve great things,” Mack shared. For Mack, the final decision will depend on the role he’s offered and which team is best positioned to contend for a Super Bowl in the years ahead. But as the Bears continue their pursuit of a championship, they remain one of the most attractive landing spots for this veteran pass rusher.