Green Bay Packers make decision on star pass rusher Za'Darius Smith

The Green Bay Packers have been among the biggest storylines throughout the NFL offseason, and free agency hasn’t even officially began. On Monday morning, the Packers made a huge decision on star linebacker Za’Darius Smith.

In a salary cap-related move, the Packers will be releasing Smith, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“The #Packers have released Pro Bowl pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, source said, adding another top defender to free agency,” Rapoport tweeted. “His cap number of $27.6M in 2022 was never going to work. Now, free — and healthy.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter followed up the news of Smith’s release, adding that he had the option to stay in Green Bay before both sides opted to move on.

“Za’Darius Smith had the option to stay at this year’s owed cash amount, but both sides ultimately agreed it was best to move on,” tweeted Schefter. “With the release, he carries no compensatory selection implications, which will help his interest.”

Smith entered the league when the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. He signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Packers in March of 2019. Last season, Smith’s season was plagued by injuries, as he only participated in one game in each of the regular season and playoffs. The two-time Pro Bowler is looking to return to full health, and he will be playing for his third NFL team next season.

Smith is the latest in a long line of moves for the Packers

Last week, Aaron Rodgers announced that he was staying in Green Bay. The Packers then franchise tagged star wide receiver Davante Adams. On Monday, the Packers made a plethora of moves ahead of the start of the legal tampering period prior to NFL free agency getting underway.

First, the Packers re-signed star pass rusher Preston Smith to a four-year contract extension worth $52.5 million in new money. With Smith’s new deal, the writing was likely on the wall between the Packers and Smith. The Packers are also expected to retain cornerback Rasul Douglas in free agency.

For a couple of Packers stars, it will take a massive payday to keep them around long-term. While Adams is franchise tagged, reports emerged on Monday that Adams isn’t willing to play out next year on the franchise tag. Instead, he wants a long-term deal, which the two sides are reportedly far apart on. Star corner Jaire Alexander is also looking to become one of the highest paid corners in the NFL on a new contract this offseason.