Packers: 3 worst moves of the 2022 offseason

1. Not replenishing EDGE/OLB after releasing Za’Darius Smith

The Packers had a tight cap space to work with entering the offseason. In order to fit in the new contract for Rodgers, they needed to make some tough decisions regarding contract restructuring and player releases.

At the end of the season, the Packers released edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from his contract. It was a tough decision, considering that he arrived in 2019 as a free agent and helped solve Green Bay’s pass-rushing woes. But, he carried a $27.6 million cap hit for the 2022 league year.

It was a decision the Packers made, but they did not bring in the appropriate reinforcements to fill the void Smith has on the defense. The only move Green Bay made was in the fifth round by selecting Kingsley Enagbare out of South Carolina.

The decision may pay off for the Packers, but it has to sting for them to see Smith across the field twice a year, as he signed with the Minnesota Vikings.