The Green Bay Packers have the youngest roster in the NFL, and it’s getting even younger with Aaron Jones‘ departure and Josh Jacobs‘ addition. So, who’s the next veteran on the chopping block?
The most likely candidate would be outside linebacker and edge rusher Preston Smith.
It’s important to note that Smith has had a pretty successful tenure in Green Bay. His first season with the Pack in 2019 was his career best. He rounded up 12 sacks, forced a fumble, and even got an interception against former Washington teammate Kirk Cousins.
Smith has not replicated a season like that since, but it is not entirely his fault. In 2019, newcomer Za’Darius Smith joined him. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with. But the Packers released him after Za’Darius Smith spent all of 2021 on injured reserve. Preston Smith did not have much help until last year when Rashan Gary was healthy.
Also, Mike Pettine and Joe Barry likely didn’t fully utilize Preston Smith. They repeatedly dropped him back into coverage to take on All-Pro tight ends and wide receivers. Their defensive schemes rarely worked and would frustrate the fans.
Preston Smith was productive last year. He had 48 tackles, 28 of them solo, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Even though he had a good season in 2023, his future with the Packers remains uncertain due to Father Time catching up with him. He’s 31 years old and will enter his 10th season in the NFL. Even though he is getting older, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Packers back before the 2022 season started. That would keep him under contract through the 2026 season, with a possible franchise tag in 2027.
However, with his age, the quality of his play is not guaranteed through 2026, which creates the possibility that he could be traded to another team or released and paid out altogether if he has a subpar season or suffers an injury.
The Packers have seen injuries and aging impact their pass rush. It looked like Za’Darius Smith would be in Green Bay for a long time, but his banged-up shoulder kept him out for all of 2021. The Packers cut him a year later, and he joined the Minnesota Vikings.
Clay Matthews is another prime example. He was one of the fiercest pass rushers of the 2010s, winning Super Bowl 45 in his second season and arguably being Green Bay’s best defensive player from 2010 to 2014.
But his play declined rapidly after 2014. Matthews became less of a factor on the field each year until Green Bay released him after 2018.
Mental sharpness is the other factor that could cause a decline. Throughout his tenure, Preston Smith has jumped offsides more than any pass rusher on the team. Mental mistakes like that could increase and impact his future with the team if they continue or grow.
It is important to remember that Green Bay has other talented and younger pass rushers, including Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and Devonte Wyatt. Any of those three players could have a breakout year in 2024, which could overshadow Preston Smith’s play and impact his contract if the other guys want an extension or more money.
2024 will be an important season for Preston Smith. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley may use him in different ways to rush and stop the run. But hopefully, he doesn’t put him into coverage often, if at all. There is no reason to think that Preston Smith will have a lousy season, but declining play and injuries come more often with age.
Preston Smith will likely take on a leadership or mentor role to other players on a young team with younger players who probably have more energy. He’s one of the few veterans on that team, along with Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander. Only time will tell if Preston Smith can keep up with everyone else and continue to replicate his production over the last three years.