4 Contract Extensions that Free Up Needed Cap Space for Packers
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Extension Candidate: Preston Smith
Preston Smith has gone from many thinking he was going to be cut last offseason, to taking a pay cut to stay with Green Bay to now being a potential contract extension candidate.
Smith is coming off a very productive season in which he finished 10th among all edge rushers in total pressures, according to PFF ($$), and he was also very stout against the run as well. He and Rashan Gary would form one of the best pass-rushing duos in football.
With Za’Darius Smith likely heading elsewhere this offseason, the edge rusher position could very quickly become a huge need for the Packers. Even as productive as Smith and Gary were last season, the depth of the unit was a concern, and with this also being the final year of Smith’s deal, if no extension is reached, the edge rusher room in 2023 could be Gary and several question marks.
According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, the Green Bay Packers are interested in an extension for Smith, and they will be speaking with his representatives at the NFL combine this week. Over the Cap projects that an extension for Smith will create $8.7 million in cap space this season for Green Bay.