Akili Smith got his first post-Cincinnati wish Friday when he accepted a one-year, $545,000 contract from the Green Bay Packers that included a $15,000 signing bonus.

Smith, trying to resurrect his career after being a first-round disappointment with the Bengals, wanted to learn under Brett Favre. Though he toyed with thoughts of signing with the New Orleans Saints, Smith decided that learning behind Favre was his best option.

Playing time wasn't as much of an issue as the organization and offense in which he could try to work on his game. His agents, Kennard McGuire and Fletcher Smith, held long talks with the quarterback during his final month with the Bengals concerning his plans if released.

Their goal focused on finding the right situation. Initially, McGuire and Fletcher suggested the Packers because of Favre and coach Mike Sherman, and also suggested the Seahawks because of Mike Holmgren's success with quarterbacks. The Seahawks had just minimal interest since Matt Hasselbeck and Trent Dilfer are their veteran quarterbacks. The club is also grooming Seneca Wallace.

The Packers were interested from the start. Smith visited the Jets, Packers and Saints and then returned to San Diego where he lives in the offseason to make a decision. Smith was 3-14 as a starter with the Bengals.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.