6 Packers who could have contracts restructured for free agency

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 15: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown run with David Bakhtiari #69 in the 2nd quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field on November 15, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 15: Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers lines up for a play in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field on November 15, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Za’Darius Smith

Za’Darius Smith, the most prominent member of the Packers’ four-man 2019 free agent class, had a somewhat down season in 2020 (at least compared to his 2019 standards). Still, he’s one of the better edge pass-rushers in the NFL and a huge part of Green Bay’s defense.

Smith’s cap number balloons in 2021 and will come in at $22 million–second-highest on the team. Although it’s unlikely he’ll get cut, the Packers should try to restructure his deal. Ingalls believes they can save $7.4-11.8 million by renegotiating his deal, and possibly more if they add on years beyond 2022. That would be a huge help to get below the cap and even get a few extra dollars to sign other veterans who are let go.

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