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Green Bay Packers free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

By Joe D'Aloisio

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after blocking a field goal against Mike Badgley #4 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after blocking a field goal against Mike Badgley #4 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith (90) in the fourth quarter on November 4, 2018, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 23-16. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith (90) in the fourth quarter on November 4, 2018, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 23-16. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Za’Darius Smith, Baltimore Ravnes

The Packers biggest need this offseason is outside linebacker. Green Bay is set to lose veteran Clay Matthews and it is very unlikely the team decides to re-sign the unrestricted free agent.

Matthews, who was drafted by the Packers in 2009, played in all 16 games last season for the first time since 2015. But, he wasn’t very effective. He recorded just 43 tackles and 3.5 sacks, his lowest sack total in his career.

The six-time Pro-Bowler will turn 33 in May and can no longer be an every-down outside linebacker. Yes, the Packer still have Kyle Fackrell on the outside, who had a career high 10.5 sacks, but can he do it again?

Meanwhile, the Packers could also consider cutting 29-year-old outside linebacker, Nick Perry.

Perry is in year three of his five-year, $59 million contract he signed in March of 2017. He underachieved big-time last season, playing in only nine games, recording 24 tackles and a career low 1.5 sacks.

According to Spotrac, by cutting Perry, the Packers would save about $3.3 million. That money could be used to help add a playmaker like Za’Darius Smith.

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Smith led the Baltimore Ravens last season with 8.5 sacks, which also is a career high for the 26-year-old. He also recorded 12 tackles for a loss, which ranked second on the team, only behind Terrell Suggs. Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, Smith has accumulated 119 tackles, 18.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Last season, Pro Football Focus awarded Smith with a 71.7 overall grade, 33rd amongst edge rushers. They also named him the most underrated free agent in 2019.

Smith is entering the prime of his career and has shown the steady progression you want to see in a young player. If the Packers can’t lure a top edge rusher, Smith is a great second option.

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