Packers release Za'Darius Smith after 3 seasons

The Green Bay Packers released pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith after three seasons, the team announced.

Smith's release will give the Packers $15.75 million in cap space, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.

Green Bay has been working to approach cap compliance before the start of the new league year. Linebacker Preston Smith inked a reported four-year extension worth $52.5 million Monday, which is expected to reduce his cap number. The club also announced it parted ways with offensive tackle Billy Turner.

Smith had the option to stay with the Packers on his original owed cash amount for this year. However both parties agreed it was in their best interest to move on, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Baltimore Ravens are among multiple teams pursuing Smith, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The Packers added Smith during the 2019 offseason after he spent the first four years of his career with the Ravens. He recorded 26 sacks over his first two seasons in Green Bay before a back injury cost him the majority of last season. Smith underwent back surgery following the 2021 season opener and missed the rest of the regular-season campaign before returning for the postseason.

The 29-year-old pass-rusher has totaled 44.5 sacks and has earned two Pro Bowl selections over his career.