Preston

Smith

Smith, who had eight or more sacks in each of the 2021-2023 seasons, had seen his snaps decline recently as Kingsley Enagbare and Lukas Van Ness grew into bigger roles. The 31-year-old is a nice pick up for the Steelers given the lack of pass-rushing depth they had behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. the Steelers will take on Smith’s contract and the Packers will take on $5 million in dead money on the 2025 cap to make the deal happen.

This comes less than a week after the Packers reworked the deal of running back Aaron Jones. The $12 million saved against the cap for Jones, in addition to the $28 million cushion generated through the two most recent restructures, brings the Packers $6 million under the cap. The need for cap room was an inevitability but it doesn’t hurt the organization’s bid to bring back quarterback Aaron Rodgers following his noteworthy darkness retreat earlier in the week. Although already under the cap for the coming season, it has been reported that the Packers are working to lessen the hit against the cap of both nose tackle Kenny Clark and left tackle David Bakhtiari.

The Packers created $9.5 million in cap space with Alexander and an additional $6.7 million from restructuring LB Preston Smith. Alexander and Smith are both signed through 2026.

Smith was scheduled to count $19.7 million against the cap. This extension likely pushes a large chunk of that money into the future, giving the Packers some much-needed cap savings. It also keeps one of their most important defenders in the fold for the foreseeable future. Smith recorded nine sacks last season and has 25 in three years with the Packers.

Smith was a cut candidate after a 4.0-sack 2020 but will instead take a pay cut to remain in Green Bay. He’ll collect $8 million in salary this season with $4.4 million available in incentives surrounding his sack totals. Smith and Za’Darius Smith provide a high-ceiling edge presence for the Packers who just hired a new defensive coordinator.

One of the Packers’ prized free-agent edge rushers, along with Za’Darius Smith, Preston compiled three sacks in the Week 3 victory over the Broncos. He has four sacks through three games and is Pro Football Focus’ No. 3-ranked 3-4 outside linebacker behind only Khalil Mack and T.J. Watt. Za’Darius has three sacks and is No. 4 in PFF’s rankings out of 46 qualifiers.

ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports the deal includes $16 million guaranteed. It has been a busy Tuesday morning in Green Bay with the Packers already adding S Adrian Amos and OLB Za’Darius Smith. Pass rusher was one of Green Bay’s biggest needs heading into free agency, so it is not surprising they double dipped at outside linebacker. Smith only recorded four sacks last year, but he had eight the year before and still consistently created pressure last season.

The Redskins want to keep Smith, but it’s possible he prices himself out of Washington. Smith took a step back last year, posting his lowest sack total (4) since entering the league. The Redskins have an in-house replacement in 2017 second-rounder Ryan Anderson, though they would likely add at least another veteran if Smith doesn’t re-sign.

Barry said Smith “had no clue” how to be an NFL player early in his rookie year, but he found his way after several heart-to-heart meetings with his coordinator. Smith recorded six sacks in Washington’s last four games including a safety against the Packers in the playoffs, and he has earned praise for his work in the offseason program. If Smith keeps growing and Junior Galette (Achilles’) comes back healthy, the Redskins should have no problem getting to the quarterback.

“I think he’s going to be a heck of a pass rusher for us here for a long time, but out here it’s going to be real important for him to get even better,” Gruden said. Smith’s development has become even more critical following Junior Galette’s Achilles’ tear. Smith has 10-sack upside as a sophomore after closing out 2015 with five sacks in his final three games.