6 bold predictions for Packers in New Year of 2022

Bold predictions for Packers: Release Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith, Billy Turner and Dean Lowry

After accomplishing the ultimate goal, Brian Gutekunst and the front office will have a lot of difficult decisions to make. Since they’re projected to be about $40 million over the salary cap according to the ironically named website overthecap.com, their first order of business is to get under that number.

The writing is already on the wall for some of these players, but it will come as a surprise for others. Za’Darius Smith hasn’t played all season and Green Bay can trim a whopping $15.75 million off their cap by releasing him. Cutting Preston Smith, who has rebounded nicely in 2021 after a porous 2020, can save the Packers another $12.5 million.

With about $28 million figured out in two moves, Green Bay might have to nickel and dime their way to the rest. Billy Turner is the most difficult decision after he played some of the best football of his career this season. However, Green Bay might not be able to pass up the nearly $3.2 million they can save by waiving him. By releasing Dean Lowry, the Packers also start a much-needed overhaul on their defensive line and save themselves $3.9 million in the process.