Former Packers All-Pro defensive end Za'Darius Smith announced his retirement on Oct. 13 after spending the first six weeks of the season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Smith was an immediate success for the Vikings in the first season of the Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell era in 2022. He sacked Aaron Rodgers in his Vikings debut and had 8.5 sacks in Minnesota's first seven games of the season, putting him on pace for a career year.

Philadelphia’s top edge rusher Nolan Smith was placed on injured reserve last month with a triceps strain and can’t return until the Packers game on Nov. 10. Smith suffered the injury in the Eagles’ Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Two of Kentucky’s professional defensive monsters made a statement in Week 5. Za’Darius Smith and Deone Walker each recorded a sack for their respective teams, albeit in upset losses. Let’s start with Smith,

Holmes and the coaching staff can breathe a sigh of relief, due to the decision to sign Al-Quadin Muhammad in October of 2024. Since joining the Lions, he has been a productive pass-rusher who embodies what Dan Campbell searches for in players.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 14: Za'Darius Smith #52 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter in the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) Getty Images