The Green Bay Packers, known for their youth movement on offense, are now turning a similar focus on defense. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported on October 23 that the team is shopping edge rusher Preston Smith ahead of the November 5 trade deadline. Smith, the second-oldest player on the roster at 31, carries a hefty contract of $12 million this season and $12.6 million next year. His production, however, has dipped, totaling just 2.5 sacks over eight games, a decline from previous seasons.
With a four-year, $52 million contract running through 2026, Smith’s performance and salary make it unlikely the Packers would secure a significant return in a trade. However, moving him could offer Green Bay salary cap relief and make room for younger players in the edge rotation.
In 2023, the team extended Rashan Gary on a $96 million deal, though he has similarly struggled with only two sacks this season. This leaves Green Bay searching for ways to enhance their pass rush.
In the same report, ESPN’s Seth Walder suggested Carolina Panthers’ Jadeveon Clowney as a potential target for the Packers. Clowney, also 31, has been more productive, with a strong pass rush win rate last season and a career-high 9.5 sacks. Playing on a more affordable two-year, $20 million deal, Clowney could offer Green Bay the boost they need.
The Packers’ defense has excelled in turnovers, leading the league with 19 takeaways through Week 8. However, their sack total of 21 may not hold given the team’s low pass rush win rate, hinting at a potential regression. To maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the Packers may look to trade Smith and bring in a more effective pass rusher as they approach the season’s midpoint.
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