The Green Bay Packers fired two valuable premium players but also retained two key players with commendable new deals on Monday, the first day of legal manipulation and the unofficial start of free agency in the NFL.
A wild day of news from Green Bay began with reports of disaster at Camp Davante Adams. As expected, the All-Pro wide receiver doesn’t like the franchise and won’t be in the one-year tender in 2022. None of the participants want him to play the tag. Both Adams and the Packers benefit from a long-term deal, but the two sides aren’t close and probably won’t close a deal by the start of the new league year. For now, Adams has just over $20 million on the ceiling, highlighting the path to getting under the ceiling by Wednesday. The new deal will drastically reduce that number, but it could take months to find a compromise. These negotiations are starting to get ugly. Fortunately, both sides have until mid-July. Adams may lose his patience, but time is valuable here.
With the new year approaching in the league, the Packers have begun work on waivers in other parts of the roster.
Gone were winger Za’Darius Smith and offensive lineman Billy Turner, who were released. Smith’s cap worth of nearly $28 million was unacceptable in 2022, especially after losing the season to a back injury in 2021 and Turner was released due to an unfortunate injury. Needing a cap, but with rim rusher depth and an offensive tackle, the Packers have parted ways with two important players from the last three seasons. The cap shortage forced the Packers to make tough (but financially motivated) decisions about good (but possibly damaged) players. Smith, a two-time professional bowler, has a surgically repaired back, while Turner, who played 43 games as a Green Bay starter, was released with a poor physical qualification.
Overall, the Packers saved $17,245,000 on the salary cap by releasing a pair.
There were better news. The Packers completed a team-friendly contract extension with winger Preston Smith and re-signed All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to a five-year contract.
Smith’s new deal has lowered his cap by more than $8 million in 2022. Structuring a contract with low base salaries and big roster bonuses in 2023 and 2024, the Packers are getting Smith year after year with little long-term risk. He will need to play at a high level to stay. Last season he played at a high level and earned a big salary.
With the addition of Preston Smith’s extension, the Packers took off about $25.5 million in three moves. And more is coming.
Part of the new space was used immediately. The Packers brought Campbell back in a deal with an average value of $10 million a year, well below the maximum range at inside linebacker ($19 million). He’ll get some good (and well-deserved) money in his first three seasons, but GM Brian Gutekunst should be content to keep an All-Pro linebacker with a low cap number in 2022 — and without having to make a top-market deal to do so.
What does it mean?
The loss of Za’Darius Smith and Billy Turner could require the Packers to invest valuable draft capital in the wing rusher and offensive line in April, though both positions were likely already top picks for Gutekunst in the draft until Monday. The Packers general manager has proven time and time again that he will keep the hitter and offensive line in good condition, whether it’s veterans or a steady stream of draft picks. Unless an immediate starter with the right tackle is selected next month, Yosh Nijman will be a likely starter until Elgton Jenkins returns midway through the season.
Keeping Preston Smith reduces the urgent need for an edge rusher, especially after Rashan Gary’s 2021 ascent, but finding a suitable third option is still essential. At least Smith and Gary are a productive and reliable duo for 2022 and possibly 2023. Campbell’s return as an inside linebacker finally stabilizes the position in the long run and drastically reduces the need for a draft. The Packers could target Campbell’s assistant, but Chris Barnes, an exclusive free agent, is good enough for the No. 2 role.
What could be next?
The Packers still need to sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and decisions could be made about expensive older veterans like Randall Cobb, Mason Crosby and Marcedus Lewis as Gutekunst tries to spiral out of control by Wednesday. Others, such as Adrian Amos and Dean Lowry, could be candidates for restructuring. Top unrestricted free agents Rasool Douglas and Marques Valdez-Scantling will likely decide their future on the open market soon; both could find rich deals elsewhere. Restricted free agent Allen Lazard is likely to get a tender, possibly at the second round level. Cornerback Jare Alexander will get an extension at some point, but will it be before Wednesday? A lot of work remains in play for the Packers entering Tuesday. Expect another busy day.