Packers rumors: 3 overpaid who need to be cut to gain some cap space

The quickest way for the Packers to get out of cap hell is cut Za’Darius Smith

This is almost certainly happening. The easiest way for the Packers to get out of this salary cap hell they have created for themselves is to release outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith. He missed the bulk of their games a season ago and accounts for 13.10 percent of the Packers’ salary cap space. Smith is a $27.661 million cap hit for the Packers, but a $12.380 million dead cap hit.

If he were released by the Packers, Green Bay would gain over $15 million in precious cap space. Since the number does not go down post June 1, 2022, the Packers have to accept they will be eating $12.380 million of dead cap space if they cut ties with their former Pro Bowl pass rusher. Though they could look to do a restructure, the savings they could get may be too good to pass up.

With Smith entering his age-30 season out of Kentucky, the Packers cannot afford for him to have another injury plagued season for them when he accounts for so much of their salary cap. When he is playing up to his potential, one could argue he is worth every penny. However, availability is the best ability and a recent lack thereof has made Smith incredibly expendable this offseason.

Look for players like Cobb, Crosby and Smith to potentially be cap casualties for the 2022 Packers.