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4 most likely Packers to be cut in 2022 offseason

By Brian Sampson

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 19: Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after winning 24-16 over the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 19: Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after winning 24-16 over the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 16: Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 16, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Most likely Packers to be cut: Za’Darius Smith

The Packers just played the entire 2021 season (minus spot duty in the first game and in the postseason one) so they know they can survive without their prize free agent acquisition from 2019.

Green Bay can make a huge dent in their finances by releasing Smith as that move would save them a whopping $15.28 million–nearly a third of what they need to cut by March.

They’ll still have to figure out what to do at the outside linebacker position, as Rashan Gary can’t hold down the fort with just himself and a bunch of scrubs. Preston Smith remains an interesting player to watch and see if Green Bay will release both of their projected 2021 starting edge rushers. Lots of questions, but Z. Smith has probably played his last game in green and gold.

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