Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Green Bay Packers: former star returns to former team after ditching them in 2019 as a free agent

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 8:05 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers demolished the Washington Commanders 27-18 on Thursday night last week. The win improved their record to 2-0 on the season, and they remain the only NFC North team without a loss yet this year. Green Bay earned the win by dominating on both sides of the football, notably on defense where they racked up four sacks and made life miserable for Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Washington, meanwhile, did not have good luck slowing down Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who completed 19 of his 31 passes for 292 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was only sacked twice as Washington’s pass rush struggled against a Green Bay offensive line that was missing two of its starters.

By game’s end, it was clear that the Packers were playing on a much higher level than the Commanders, so Washington has looked to an old friend to help them catch up a bit.

Former Green Bay Packers star Preston Smith has signed with the Washington Commanders

Green Bay Packers 11th All-Time Leader in Sacks May Be Forced into Early Retirement 2 Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Preston Smith (91)celebrates his sack against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

On Wednesday afternoon, it was announced that former Packers pass rusher Preston Smith had signed with the Commanders, whom he began his career with back in 2015.

Source: Free agent pass rusher Preston Smith plans to sign with the #Commanders. pic.twitter.com/qRFTwRKKt2

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 17, 2025

Smith spent the first four seasons of his career in Washington, racking up 24.5 sacks during that time. During the 2019 offseason, though, he was lured away to Green Bay as one of three massive free agent signings on the defensive side of the ball along with Za’Darius Smith and Adrian Amos.

In six seasons with the Packers, Smith had 44.0 sacks, which ranks 11th in franchise history. After a slow start to the 2024 season, though, he requested a trade away from Green Bay as he felt his style of play did not match up well with that of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

The Packers honored his request and sent him to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a seventh round pick. The move did not result in the increased production Smith had hoped for, though, and he had just 2.0 sacks in eight games with them.

He had 2.5 sacks in nine games with Green Bay last season.

Throughout the offseason and the start of the 2025 NFL regular season, Smith went unsigned, but still desired to play.

Now, he has a chance to finish his career where it started.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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