3 surprise cuts the Packers could make this offseason

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 12: Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers plays against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC divisional round of the playoffs at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. Preston Smith

Smith’s sack total dropped from 12 all the way down to four last season. That puts the talented pass-rusher squarely on the chopping block in Green Bay this offseason. Cutting him would leave a void on the edge of the Packers’ defense, but the temptation to save $12 million off next year’s cap if Smith is cut after June 1st might be too much for the franchise to turn down.

After all, Smith’s advanced stats don’t paint a rosier picture of his play in 2020. His PFF grade on the season was a measly 53.1. Not only did Smith fail to bring the quarterback down, he also failed to generate any pressure on a consistent basis.

The emergence of Rashan Gary as a superior starter at the left outside linebacker spot should be the final nail in Smith’s coffin. The Packers can’t afford to keep Smith as one of the highest-paid backups in the league. Cutting him will save Green Bay a ton of cap space while also buying them a valuable roster spot on the defensive side of the ball.

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Smith will catch on elsewhere if the Packers let him go, but he’ll be forced to take a massive pay cut. It’s very likely his days as a premium pass-rusher are over. It will be a major surprise if Green Bay gives him another chance to play that role in 2021.

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