Could Green Bay Packers Trade Veteran Pass Rusher?

One of the strongest positional groups for the Green Bay Packers heading into training camp this year is their edge rushers. They have an excellent mix of established veterans and up-and-coming players.

Leading the way in many regards is veteran Preston Smith. He is heading into his 10th season in the NFL and sixth with the franchise. Despite being the elder statesman of the team, he is feeling great.

As the Green Bay Packers prepare for the regular season, Smith is one player that some people are keeping an eye on. He has been durable and reliable during his tenure with the team, but could it be coming to an end soon?

Over at Pro Football Network, Anthony DiBona has suggested that Smith is one player that the Green Bay Packers could look to trade during the 2024 season. Salary cap considerations are a major reason why.

“After signing Rashan Gary to a massive contract extension, the Green Bay Packers could look to move on from Preston Smith this season. The Packers selected Lukas Van Ness with the No. 13 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, as he could potentially replace Smith moving forward.

Although Smith has enjoyed plenty of success in Green Bay, the 32-year-old pass rusher could be on the move. If the Packers were to trade Smith this season, they would potentially save a total of $37.5 million,” DiBona wrote.

That is a lot of money for the franchise to potentially save. With an extension for quarterback Jordan Love coming around the corner, they could use every dollar they can get.

If the Green Bay Packers did entertain the idea of trading Smith, he should have a solid market. Teams can never have too many pass rushers and he has consistently produced in recent seasons.

2023 was the third consecutive season that he recorded at least 8.0 sacks. The Green Bay Packers aren’t strapped for cash, but Smith is earning a lot of money for a player with only one season in his career with double-digit sacks.

As DiBona noted, the team also has ready-made replacements waiting in the wings. Lukas Van Ness is ready for a larger role, and the team has Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox Jr. as more depth.

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