The Green Bay Packers spent more in 2019 free agency than they have in recent years. Because of their historically conservative approach, the Packers have long been known for drafting and developing. The team spent $183 million in four hours while they only spent $127.9 million on free agents over the past eight years. They have signed free agents Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Adrian Amos in an effort to beef up the defense.
Ted Thompson was always conservative in free agency and hesitant to spend much on anyone. If he couldn’t find a cheap deal that worked in the team’s favor, Thompson preferred to depend on the draft. For a long time, many have criticized the Packers saying they are wasting Rodgers’ prime by failing to give him consistent playmakers. At his press conference following the Green Bay Packers free agency defensive overhaul, the media asked general manager, Brian Gutekunst, of his intentions. Some insinuated this makeover might be to salvage the remainder of Rodgers’ career. Gutekunst replied, “No, I don’t think so. Obviously, this is Green Bay, Wisconsin. We’re in a win now mode all the time.” After making big moves, this team is poised to be much improved. The Green Bay Packers free agency defensive overhaul in a much-needed change.
Green Bay Packers Free Agency Defensive Overhaul
Za’Darius Smith
The Green Bay Packers free agency defensive overhaul will help fill the team’s holes both on the defensive line and in the secondary. They signed Za’Darius Smith (outside linebacker) to a four-year, $66 million deal, which includes a $20 million signing bonus and $34.5 million due in the first two years. Za’Darius Smith spent his first four years with the Baltimore Ravens. Last year, he racked up 8.5 sacks, more than in any previous year. He also had 26 solo tackles and 19 assisted tackles. In Week 6 of that same season, Smith was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Matthew Judon, a close friend of Smith, had this to say regarding the linebacker’s pass rushing skills: “He’s always had the ability to rush the passer, get to the quarterback. He just was [getting] close-but-no-cigar-type sacks. […] But we knew we had a good football player. […] That’s why he continues to play and play at a high level.” He will be a welcome addition to the Packers since they’ve struggled to get pressure on the quarterback. If Smith continues to play at this level in Green Bay, this team may finally have a pass rush worth mentioning.
Preston Smith
The Packers signed Preston Smith (outside linebacker) to a four-year, $52 million deal, including a $16 million signing bonus. Smith spent his first four years with the Washington Redskins. In 2018, Smith had 30 solo tackles and 23 assisted tackles.
Adrian Amos
Adrian Amos (safety) also signed a four-year deal with the Packers. His contract is for $37 million, including $14 million in the first year and $21 million in the first two years. Amos spent his first four years in the league with the Chicago Bears. He had 59 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, and 1 sack in 2018. Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network Analyst, states that Amos only allowed a 78.8 passer rating in his coverage last year. Adding a safety of this caliber could be a game-changing move for the Packers. It’s no secret that the Packers have struggled in the secondary. Opposing route runners have burned safeties and cornerbacks more times than any fan can count. This has been a weakness for years.
Last Word
The Green Bay Packers free agency defensive overhaul this year could be the best signings of any team so far. It’s also, hopefully, a sign of change in their execution of plays. Packers defense has never instilled much hope in fans. Believing they will stop the opposition when they have struggled to time and time again is rather difficult. They have continuously been inconsistent. When an opponent came anywhere near the red zone, that team would likely score. Failing to put pressure on the quarterback and to keep up with route runners have been their biggest downfalls.
Zach Kruse of Packers Wire says, “According to Pro Football Focus, recently signed linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith combined for significantly more total pressures on fewer pass-rushing opportunities than the Packers’ entire edge-rushing group last season.”
In 2018, Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith combined for 113 total pressures on 869 total pass-rushes. Combined, a pressure every 7.7 rush attempts.#Packers EDGE rushers accumulated 88 total pressures on 984 rushes, a 12.3 average.
— PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) March 16, 2019
Those numbers are tremendous. The Packers new pass rushing duo could likely be their best in recent memory. Last Word on Sports’ Cole Finup explained in January that the team’s biggest holes to fill were in the pass rusher and safety areas.
The team’s defensive stats from 2018 prove those points even more. According to Pro Football Reference, the Packers ranked 12th in passing defense, 22nd in scoring defense, 22nd in rushing defense, and 22nd overall team defense. The Green Bay Packers free agency defensive overhaul in the additions of Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Adrian Amos. This free agency will help fill the defensive holes. Seeing these stats demonstrates just how necessary the Green Bay Packers defensive overhaul was.
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