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Dairyland Talk Green Bay Packers: Recapping free agent signings

By Brandon Carwile

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after blocking a field goal against Mike Badgley #4 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after blocking a field goal against Mike Badgley #4 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Gage and Brandon discuss the Green Bay Packers first wave of 2019 free agent signings on Tuesday.

Tuesday was a huge day for the Green Bay Packers adding four potential starters via free agency. While some of the bigger names were agreeing to high-paying deals on Monday, general manager Brian Gutekunst waited patiently to make his mark. Unknowingly, this sent the entire fanbase into a frenzy wondering if the Packers were going to miss out on supreme talent yet again. In hindsight, most of those naysayers are likely happy with how things turned out.

Here’s a glimpse at Green Bay’s haul:

Edge Za’Darius Smith, Four years $66 Million

The most lucrative of the Packers new deals went to Smith who spent the previous four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He recorded 8.5 sacks while only starting in half the games in 2018. Green Bay tried to trade for Smith a few years ago but were unsuccessful. Now, he’s still only 26 and just entering his prime as a pass rusher. Smith finished third in the NFL with 17 quarterback hits among edge rushers in 2018, according to Pro Football Focus. He has the strength to play as an interior defensive lineman and the explosiveness to be an outside linebacker which will help Mike Pettine add different looks to his pass rush.

Safety Adrian Amos, Four years $37 Million

They desperately needed a safety and they got a good one in Amos. He started all 16 games for the Chicago Bears a season ago and ranked as the eighth overall safety per PFF. Amos is an upgrade over Tramon Williams, Josh Jones, and Kentrell Brice who all saw significant playing time in 2018. Amos may not be a high-caliber playmaker with only three career interceptions, however, he is reliable in coverage and rarely gives up big plays. Compared to other safeties, his contract is a bargain for someone that is expected to be a productive starter. The Packers won’t have to worry about inconsistent pass defense or shaky tackling from their free safety moving forward.

Edge Preston Smith, Four years $52 Million

Smith entered free agency as one of the top outside linebackers set to hit the open market so the Packers did well to get him at $13 million annually. He’s never missed time due to injury playing in all 64 games since entering the league in 2015. Fans are well aware that Green Bay isn’t used to having this kind of availability on the edge. Smith has recorded 24.5 sacks over his four-year career and is also an effective run stopper. He finished with 53 quarterback pressures last year which would have led the Packers by a considerable margin. The team now has two new starting outside linebackers after releasing Perry to create future cap space and Clay Matthews remains unsigned.

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Guard Billy Turner, Four years $28 Million

Turner is expected to compete for the right guard opening right away in Green Bay. He started 11 games for the Denver Broncos last season at both tackle and guard. In case of an emergency, he could fill in for Bryan Bulaga. Turner saw 529 reps in pass protection in 2018 and only allowed three sacks. At 6-5 310 pounds, he’s big for typical Packers guards but he does show the athleticism to move around a little. The Packers have a long and successful history of turning former offensive tackles into guards. At this point, anything is better than Bryon Bell or Justin McCray.

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