2022 Green Bay Packers Cut ’em or Keep ’em & Prediction: Preston Smith
By Paul Bretl
Why the Green Bay Packers would cut Preston Smtih
2022 cap savings: $12.47 million
I mean, the biggest reason would be the salary cap space that they can save by moving on from him–$12.47 million, all of which is greatly needed at this time.
In a recent article, I discussed how the cap moves made this offseason are going to be all about tradeoffs. If the Packers are able to re-sign Davante Adams, perhaps that means moving on from Smith to make sure they have enough cap space. Or maybe Green Bay would rather re-sign Rasul Douglas and Robert Tonyan and let Smith walk.
These are, of course, just examples, but you get the idea. If the Packers want someone back, they can make it work, but it’s all about give and take–what other corresponding moves will have to take place? And with nearly $12.5 million in cap savings being created by moving on from Smith, that would give Green Bay added flexibility elsewhere.
On top of that, as good as the 2021 season was for Smith, is his play during the 2020 season enough to deter Green Bay from giving him a new contract? It’s also worth noting that Smith does turn 30 this year as well.