The Green Bay Packers may have to make a choice between edge rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith.
We all know the Packers will be strapped for salary-cap space during the offseason, but they are determined to field a contender and keep their Super Bowl window open. Of course, that is heavily dependent on Aaron Rodgers returning for another season. Matt LaFleur certainly hopes Rodgers will be back, and the thought of a rebuild isn’t even on the table.
So, how does Green Bay keep their team competitive while getting under the salary? It will have to come down to some tough roster decisions.
Za’Darius and Preston Smith will be two of the Packers’ top earners next year. Therefore, they will be likely candidates to either restructure, extend, or part ways with completely.
According to Over The Cap, Za’Darius Smith carries a cap hit of just under $28 million in 2022. Green Bay has no intentions of paying him that much as it makes Za’Darius the fourth highest-paid edge rusher in the league next season, which is simply too much for a team trying to cut corners.
Za’Darius Smith had a breakout season in 2019 but went through a noticeable regression in his second year – at least in terms of total pressures and pressure rate – with the Packers. This past season, things got even tougher for the 29-year-old pass rusher after a back injury kept him out for virtually the entire season. It would be hard to pay a guy top money after two years spent either declining or hurt. Not to mention, they have an emerging star in Rashan Gary, who did well in Za’Darius’ absence.
Meanwhile, Preston carries a much lighter cap hit. His cap hit will be just under $20 million, but there is a much higher chance of re-negotiating.
Like his free-agent classmate, Preston also took a step back in his second season with the team. This gave Green Bay leverage when they asked Preston to restructure before the start of the 2021 season. The Packers were able to compromise with Preston by adding incentives to his current deal while saving $7.25 million towards the cap.
Both the team and Smith benefitted heavily from his new deal. He was a key contributor on a contending team and also made a little extra money thanks to improved play. Preston’s 9.0 sacks from this season resulted in an extra $2 million in incentives.
Green Bay could try to work out something similar with Preston if they can’t reach an extension. Za’Darius, on the other hand, seems less likely to take a pay cut. He has a few years of high-level play left in him, and his price tag will reflect that. It also doesn’t help that he already hinted that his time with the Packers could be over. This coming from a player who was frustrated with not being named a team captain in 2021 is far from encouraging.
Of course, both players could be gone next season if a new deal can’t be reached. However, between the two, it would seem Preston is much more likely to be back.
