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Just 1 Hour After Packers Confirm Micah Parsons’ Season-Ending Injury, Former 3× Pro Bowl Star Ignites Reunion Buzz — And His Message Is Turning Heads in Green Bay

Just one hour after the Packers officially confirmed that Micah Parsons had torn a ligament and would miss the rest of the season, a familiar name sent shockwaves through Green Bay. As the team reels from losing the centerpiece of its defense at the most sensitive point of the season, the Packers are facing not only a schematic challenge, but an emotional one as well. And in that moment, Za’Darius Smith — a former cornerstone and two-time Pro Bowler — suddenly resurfaced in the minds of fans, like a spark in the middle of a crisis.

5 Things to Know About Linebacker Za'Darius Smith

Parsons suffered a serious knee injury in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos, widely believed to be a torn ACL. Head coach Matt LaFleur admitted the situation “doesn’t look good,” and the Packers understand they have lost the heart of their defense. For a team built around Parsons’ ability to generate pressure, his absence impacts far more than X’s and O’s — it shakes the foundation of Green Bay’s playoff belief at Lambeau Field.

Almost immediately after the announcement, Za’Darius Smith posted a simple “👀” emoji on social media. One character was enough to ignite speculation about a possible reunion. Smith was the emotional engine of the Packers’ pass rush from 2019 to 2020, recording 26 sacks in two seasons and emerging as a true locker-room leader. Though he has since stepped away from the NFL following a brief stint with the Eagles, the bond between Smith and Green Bay has never fully faded.

According to those close to him, Smith did not hide his emotions as he watched the Packers fall into adversity. “Green Bay isn’t just where I played football,” Smith shared. “It’s where I grew up as a player, where I learned how to fight for my teammates. When you see your brothers going through something like this, you can’t just look away.” For many, those words were more than sentiment — they were a reminder of a leader who once carried the defense on his shoulders.

Of course, a return would be anything but simple. Smith would need to officially unretire, navigate procedural hurdles, and confront the unresolved tensions from his previous exit. Meanwhile, the Packers are preparing more pragmatic solutions: expanding Lukas Van Ness’ role and asking Rashan Gary to shoulder a heavier load. Still, in this fragile moment, the idea of Za’Darius Smith represents something beyond football — belief, identity, and a reminder that Green Bay still has warriors willing to answer the call when the team needs them most.

Lions GM Announces Decision to Part Ways with Veteran EDGE Superstar After Career-Best Season to Preserve Crucial Draft Position as Agents Explore Next-Team Options
Detroit, Michigan – January, 2026 The Detroit Lions have officially made a difficult but strategic decision regarding one of the most impactful veterans on their roster. General manager Brad Holmes has confirmed that the team will move on from veteran EDGE/DE Al-Quadin Muhammad following the best season of his NFL career, a move driven by Detroit’s desire to protect its draft capital and long-term roster flexibility ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. Muhammad, who joined the Lions on March 19, 2025, signed a modest one-year deal worth $1,422,500. What was initially viewed as a low-risk depth signing quickly turned into one of the biggest value contracts in the league — and now, a tough cap and roster decision for Detroit. Career Year Forces Lions’ Hand During the 2025 season, Muhammad delivered a breakout performance that far exceeded expectations. He finished the year with 11 sacks, 25 tackles, and a career-high 53 quarterback pressures, establishing himself as one of the Lions’ most disruptive defensive players and a key piece of the pass rush. That production dramatically outpaced the value of his bargain contract and instantly elevated his status across the league. However, it also placed Detroit in a bind. Re-signing Muhammad at his new market value would require a significant financial commitment and could negatively impact the Lions’ ability to maintain a high and flexible draft position — a priority for the front office as it looks to continue building a sustainable contender. Draft Capital Over Expensive Extension According to league sources, the Lions’ decision is rooted in long-term planning rather than dissatisfaction with Muhammad’s performance. By allowing him to leave in free agency, Detroit avoids committing to a substantially higher contract and preserves flexibility for the upcoming draft, where premium picks remain central to the franchise’s strategy. From a cap perspective, moving on from Muhammad represents approximately $1.2 million in immediate cap savings compared to his 2025 hit, but more importantly, it prevents the Lions from taking on a much larger financial obligation. Market projections from Spotrac estimate Muhammad’s value at two years, $15–16.4 million (roughly $7.9–8.3 million per year), with some scenarios suggesting a one-year deal worth $6–7 million, plus incentives that could push the total into the $8–9 million range. Agents Now Exploring Next-Team Options With Detroit stepping back, Muhammad’s representatives are now actively exploring potential landing spots. Coming off a career-best season, the veteran EDGE is expected to attract strong interest from teams seeking proven pass-rush production without committing to a long-term deal. League insiders believe Muhammad’s combination of experience, efficiency, and recent production makes him one of the more intriguing defensive free agents on the market, particularly for playoff-caliber teams in need of immediate impact off the edge. A Business Decision, Not a Football One For the Lions, this move underscores the reality of the NFL as a business. Muhammad delivered everything the team could have hoped for — and more — but timing, salary dynamics, and draft priorities ultimately shaped the outcome. Detroit walks away having maximized value from a short-term investment, while Muhammad enters free agency with momentum and leverage. His chapter with the Lions may be brief, but it was undeniably productive. As free agency approaches, attention now shifts to where Al-Quadin Muhammad will land next — and whether his career-best season in Detroit was just the beginning of an even bigger second act.