Packers: 3 roster moves we can make to clear cap space for J.J. Watt

1. Cut Preston Smith

Smith was excellent for Green Bay in 2019, but his performance dropped off precipitously a season ago. The highly-paid edge rusher lost his starting job, and that puts his place on the 2021 squad in serious jeopardy.

The fact that Green Bay can save $12 million by parting with Smith in a post-June 1 transaction makes it a no-brainer move for the team. He has no future with the Packers despite what will or won’t happen with Watt.

Offloading Smith would also make it easier for the team to give Watt the sort of snaps he deserves on the edge. Rashan Gary is still going to play for Green Bay next season, but he’s a better fit at outside linebacker than he is as a true defensive end. Playing he and Watt together in the same starting lineup would give Matt LaFleur’s defensive staff a ton of defensive options on every snap.

Packers fans need to get used to the idea that Smith will be playing his football elsewhere in 2021. The team’s pursuit of Watt only adds to the certainty that Smith will be cut before the start of next season.