Green Bay Packers: 5 good free agents to consider in 2019

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /
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2. Preston Smith, 3-4 outside linebacker

Fortunately for the Packers, there are a plethora of defensive players available on this year’s market. And a lot of them are good fits in Green Bay including Preston Smith. Smith was selected by Washington in the second round (like every other player on this list so far) back in 2015 and has played his whole career there.

He mostly came off the bench in his rookie season, but quickly proved he could be a playmaker by forcing three fumbles. Since then, he’s demonstrated he has a good combination of pass rushing and the ability to drop into coverage. He has four interceptions and 24.5 sacks in his career.

With Clay Matthews and likely Nick Perry gone after this season, Green Bay needs to reload at their outside linebacker position. The Packers lacked a natural pass rush last season and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine was forced to constantly send extra defenders. Although Smith isn’t a stud pass-rusher, he can get the job done and has a nice well-rounded game.