NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Green Bay Packers: Ranking the 5 best moves of the 2019 offseason

By Joe Kipp

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 09: Matt LaFleur speaks during a press conference to be introduced as head coach of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 09, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 09: Matt LaFleur speaks during a press conference to be introduced as head coach of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 09, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Signing OLB Za’Darius Smith

At first glance, one may wonder why outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith commanded such a large amount of money this offseason. Smith signed a four-year, $66 million deal with the Packers on the first day of free agency. One of Green Bay’s four marquee free agent signings, Smith has the ability to make one of the biggest impacts.

After a career-year in 2018 with the Baltimore Ravens, the Packers are banking on Smith’s upward trajectory over past production. He recorded 8.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for losses last season. He also produced a whopping 59 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). But despite a great 2018 season, Smith only has 18.5 career sacks.

One of the biggest reasons the Packers signed Smith, though, is due to his ability to line up anywhere along the line of scrimmage. As previously mentioned when discussing Darnell Savage Jr., defensive coordinator Mike Pettine loves to show multiple looks using the same personnel. This allows Pettine to disguise blitzes and coverages without explicitly telegraphing his play call.

Standing at 6-4 and 272 pounds, Smith will likely see the majority of his snaps lined up against opposing teams’ offensive tackles. On obvious passing downs, however, he can kick inside to a three-technique defensive tackle position and rush from inside. Smith looks to be Green Bay’s most versatile defender entering the 2019 season.

Home/Green Bay Packers