3 bold offseason predictions for the Green Bay Packers in 2022
No. 3 – Green Bay Packers Release EDGE Za’Darius Smith
Easily the most difficult decision that the Green Bay Packers have to make in the offseason, they need to release edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. There’s no dispute that he’s one of the biggest playmakers on the team, let alone the defense, but he’s set to be the second-most expensive player on the roster in 2022.
Entering the final year of his contract, Smith is slated to have a $27.66 million salary-cap hit and even if he were to return to the Packers, there’s a legitimate possibility he would hold out for a new contract that would secure his future in Wisconsin. While he loves playing there and being a part of the community, he also wants the money he deserves, but his price range is just out of Gutenkunst’s range.
Missing all but one game in 2021 due to a lingering back injury that required surgery, Za’Darius Smith was unable to make a case for the Pack to retain his services while 24-year old Rashan Gary had his coming out party in 2021 leading the team with 9.5 sacks, 28 QB hits, and 47 pressures. With Preston Smith working his way to a new deal to stay in Green Bay, Za’Darius looks to be the fall guy here.
Though his time looks to be coming to an end here, his 26 sacks, 60 QB hits, and 89 total pressures will certainly make him a heavily sought-after free agent for teams in need of a star pass-rusher (just about every team in the NFL).
The 2020 PFW First-Team All-Pro will make some serious bank this summer, but because their hands are tied with multiple contracts, we likely won’t see him come back in green and gold.
In a perfect world for the Packers, they can come to a mutual agreement with Za’Darius Smith and look for a trade so that they can at least get something in exchange so they don’t come out empty-handed. Though seeing that the Seattle Seahawks released linebacker Bobby Wagner without anything in return, who is to say that things will be any different here.