NFC contender the Green Bay Packers may shockingly trade $52 million veteran defensive end, Preston Smith this offseason. According to a report, the team may move on from the long-time veteran since they’re building a young team. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine said it could be a cross-cutting move where it could be good timing to trade him. Smith already has a four-year, $52 million contract so it’s hard to imagine the team unloading him off before training camp.
He’ll be a free agent in 2027 but the team may not be waiting that long until to move on from him if they’re looking for draft capital. The Mississippi State product has never been a star in his career but he’s been a consistent playmaker to help improve a team’s defense. He spent the first four years with the Commanders, notching 24.5 sacks and four interceptions. However, Smith found himself in free agency in 2019 when the Packers took a swing to sign him.
He immediately found himself successful in Green Bay’s defense after playing his best league season, recording a career-high 12 sacks. Smith slowly became a solid piece, producing 41.5 sacks and six forced fumbles over his five seasons with the team. However, entering age 31, he may not have any more effective years coming his way since he may be slowing down. Even though he hasn’t been collecting national accolades, Smith is still producing at a high level for a team that needs reliability.
There aren’t a lot of needs for the Packers roster other than figuring out an extension for franchise quarterback, Jordan Love. They may move on from Smith to save as much money considering his age and there may be successors on the team waiting. It’ll be up to general manager Brian Gutekunst.
NFC Contender Green Bay Packers May Shockingly Trade $52 Million Veteran Preston Smith
Who Will Be the Next Successor?
It’s hard to see Smith without a Packers uniform but it may be the logical move for the Packers to open a salary cap. However, they probably have a promising backup such as former first-round pick, Lukas Van Ness waiting for an opportunity. Durability may be something the team needs but that’s probably what Van Ness can provide for a team that’s getting younger. This would open up to see what he can provide for the Packers’ defense at a cheap cost rather than having a high-priced veteran who isn’t getting any younger.
However, Smith only missed one game in the last nine seasons in the league so it may be difficult for the Packers to move on. They need all the pieces to be healthy especially when they’re in the position to extend Love’s contract. The Packers don’t need any more distractions or noise in the locker room so it’s a 50/50 decision. However, they aren’t getting rid of Smith without the right price.
It would be a financial move for the Packers to move on from Smith which probably won’t make Jeff Hafley happy. You can never have enough pass rushers in the league, so here are some potential trade fits for Smith.
Potential Trade Fits for Smith
The Chiefs were able to agree to a long-term extension with Mike Danna but they may need one last boost at the position. George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah look to be solid pieces but after signing Chris Jones to a mega contract, if they add Smith to the mix then it would be a scary sight for the AFC. The same goes for the Saints even though they were able to add Chase Young.
Young doesn’t have many games to remain healthy consistently so they could Smith for that reason. He hasn’t been missing many games so that could intrigue Dennis to strike a splash trade to help Young relieve some pressure in snaps. However, Justin Madubuike had one of the best seasons last year with the Baltimore Ravens. This doesn’t mean they can’t get someone like Smith for depth.
Smith would excel in that defense that’s only getting scarier with Roquan Smith in the same lineup.
