NFL 2022: Predicting one cap casualty for every team this offseason
By Andrew Falce
Green Bay Packers
Potential Cap Casualty: Za’Darius Smith
One of the tougher cuts to see happens, Za’Darius Smith is still a talented pass rusher. He was a good signing for the Packers at the time, as he rejuvenated this pass rush and established himself as a top sack artist.
Unfortunately, he only played in one regular-season game in 2021 due to an injury and his bloated cap hit makes him a likely cap casualty.
He is set to count for more than $27 million against the cap this offseason. With the Packers currently having the second-worst salary cap space in the league, cutting him is a necessary evil. This is especially so with Rashan Gary coming into his own and Preston Smith playing well for far less money.
The 15-million in savings they get will be a start, but there will be more moves incoming. That said, starting with the obvious, Smith has to go. He should still have a market, but no one at his current price would want to trade for the veteran.
It is tough to cut your star players, but with a horrible cap situation, the Packers will have no choice but to move on from Smith in 2022.