Packers: 3 starters who could be cut in 2021 offseason

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Nov 29, 2020; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith (91) returns a fumble recovery for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Preston Smith

This is probably the biggest no-brainer for the Packers this offseason. After a successful first year, Preston Smith took a huge step back in 2020 and wasn’t nearly the same type of player. He failed to get after the quarterback consistently, struggled in coverage, and wasn’t disciplined as a weak-side run defender. That all equals disaster.

Next. Packers: 3 steps to cut $71 million off salary cap. dark

To make matters worse for Smith (and better for the Packers), 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary is waiting in the wings. Gary showed rapid development in Year 2 and even got better within the progress of the regular season. Gary appears ready to take over full-time duties and could be a star in the making for the Packers.

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