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Green Bay Packers: Ranking their free agent signings

By Brandon Carwile

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings hits the ground on an incomplete pass on fourth down in the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings hits the ground on an incomplete pass on fourth down in the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears 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
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2. Edge Preston Smith

Contract: Four years, $52 million

Smith had a down year in 2018 as far as production totaling four sacks but he did record 16 quarterback hits. He had previously hit the eight-sack mark twice in his career both as a rookie and in 2017. Smith shows flashes as a solid run stopper after having 53 tackles last year which would have led all of Green Bay’s outside linebackers.

Availability has been an issue with the Green Bay Packers edge position the last couple of years but it shouldn’t be with Smith. He’s yet to miss a game over his first four years in the league going a perfect 64 for 64. Smith also has connections with some of Green Bay’s coaching staff having spent time with Kirk Olivadotti who was his outside linebackers coach for the Washington Redskins.

The Packers got Smith on a good deal considering what other edge players have gone for in the past. He’s only 26 and can help the defense in a variety of ways by rushing the passer, setting the edge against the run, and occasionally dropping into coverage. Smith won’t be a guy fans or coaches will have to worry about on Sunday’s.

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