After the report confirms that Micah Parsons latest injury is a torn ACL, the Green Bay Packers could entertain a possible reunion with veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith. At 9-4-1, the Packers feared the disturbing news regarding their superstar defensive end, Micah Parsons, that he would be out for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL injury. A recent report confirms that Parsons won’t return until next season, which is a huge blow to the Packers’ defensive plans for the postseason. Green Bay invested two first-round picks and former defensive tackle Kenny Clark in exchange for Parsons, and now will have to wait longer to see if he can return to the field.
Sources: An MRI confirmed a torn ACL for #Packers star Micah Parsons. His season is over.
A devastating injury for Parsons, who has been having an All-Pro caliber season in his first year with the team. pic.twitter.com/BnppU11WIz
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 15, 2025
Breaking: Devastating Micah Parsons Injury Could Lead to Possible Za’Darius Smith Reunion
This was quickly followed up with a teaser post from former Green Bay Packer, Za’Darius Smith. He took to X to post an “eyes” emoji within minutes of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur’s comments regarding the status of Parsons. Smith seems to hint at a potential return to the squad, which would be a huge boost for a defense that will likely struggle without the stardom of Parsons. Originally selected in the fourth-round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Baltimore Raven made back-to-back Pro Bowls with the Packers during his stint in 2019-2020.
Despite being a dominant force in the NFC, recording 26 sacks, 107 tackles in 32 starts, Smith isn’t the same player he once was. Even if the Packers do want to bring back Smith, they have a hurdle to overcome, and that’s the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith would need to unretire and request a release, and since the pass rusher wants to return, here are other potential contenders he could consider.
Other Potential Suitors
San Francisco 49ers
After losing Mykel Williams and Nick Bosa in one season, the San Francisco 49ers never found a true replacement. The 49ers’ offense is solid, but the team works better when the defense is at its best. Bryce Huff is currently the 49ers’ best defensive end on the depth chart, but they need some help for Clelin Ferrell and Sam Okuayinonu, who is dealing with an injury. Smith might be past his prime, but he’s better than what San Francisco has.
Defense wins championships, and if the 49ers sign Smith, they could finally wake up to give quarterback Brock Purdy more opportunities to stay on the field while turning the ball over to gain momentum by pressuring the opposing offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Chargers are another team that thrives on winning football games in the trenches. However, they could use some help in the defensive line and assist Da’Shawn Hand on the opposite end of the front. Justin Eboige and Otito Ogbonnia don’t have enough experience to keep this defense intact for the postseason. Smith is the better option for their chances of a deep playoff run, and Jim Harbaugh would know how to use him in the best moments possible.
New England Patriots
Because, of course, the New England Patriots would thrive with some strengthening in the defense. Standout Milton Williams will return before the playoffs, but they’d be better off signing Smith for depth. They don’t have to rush Williams back this regular season until the postseason. It buys Cory Durden time to share the snaps with Smith to help Christian Barmore on the opposite end. The Patriots are on fire with Drake Maye on offense, so since the Texans have the best defense in the league, why not challenge them before the playoffs by getting a more experienced group in a potential faceoff in January?
The post Breaking: Devastating Packers Injury Could Lead to Possible Reunion appeared first on Last Word on NFL.