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Five moves that will make the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl contenders

By Paul Bretl

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Sherrick McManis #27 of the Chicago Bears and Adrian Amos #38 react after an incomplete pass to Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings turns the ball over on downs in the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Sherrick McManis #27 of the Chicago Bears and Adrian Amos #38 react after an incomplete pass to Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings turns the ball over on downs in the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Sign Za’Darius Smith

There are a few positional needs in particular that the Green Bay Packers need to make a priority this offseason, but perhaps none is bigger than finding an edge rusher. With Nick Perry and Clay Matthews both potentially gone, the only experienced edge player left on the roster is Kyler Fackrell.

There are plenty of big names out there in free agency but they have either been franchise tagged or will come with a hefty price. But Za’Darius Smith may be a more under the radar option that could still give the Packers the production they desire.

Since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, Smith has never played more than 67 percent of the defensive snaps in a season. Yet, when on the field he has been quite effective. Last year he totaled 8.5 sacks with 10 tackles for loss and 25 quarterback hits. While 2018 was his best season statistically, we have seen consistent production from Smith throughout his career when given the opportunity.

As of now, Smith is projected to make around $8 million per year, which given the rest of the edge rusher market is a steal. If given the chance to be an every week starter, we could see a breakout season from Smith as he establishes himself as one of the better edge rushers in the league.

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