The Green Bay Packers will have a surplus of premium draft picks going into the 2024 NFL Draft. The Packers will have five picks in the first three rounds. One in the first round, two in the second round, and two in the third round. It is clear they have the fire power continue to build through the draft and give Jordan Love the weapons he needs to be successful.
At the same time, the defense certainly has a few holes that could be addressed through the draft as well. Coincidentally, one report suggests that the Packers could land yet another top draft pick by trading away one of their veteran defensive starters.
The Green Bay Packers Land Another Top Draft Pick By Trading Away Preston Smith In Latest Report
![Oct 9, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Preston Smith (91) celebrates against the Las Vegas Raiders] in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/smush-webp/2023/10/USATSI_21611701_168400517_lowres-900x600.jpg.webp "Green Bay Packers Land Another 2024 Premium Draft Pick In Latest Report 2")
The Green Bay Packers released Za’Darius Smith two years ago. He was 29 years old and coming off a major back injury so it made some sense, but they had to watch him sign with the rival Vikings and put up a 10-sack season in 2022.
Now, he’s part of one of the best defensive fronts in football, notching 3.5 sacks for the Browns so far this season.
The Packers essentially had to watch a good player at a premium position walk away for nothing and continue to have some success.
They can prevent that pattern from repeating itself by trading away Preston Smith this offseason. They would save $2.5 million against the cap which could go toward finding another player at the position, but this is more about selling as high as they can on a 31-year-old who is still playing at a reasonably high level.
Smith has been relatively healthy throughout his career, but Father Time comes for everyone. Dealing him before the impact of aging sets in could bring back a useful draft pick.
Is It The Right Time To Move On From Preston Smith?
Smith will turn 32 next season and while he has been a productive member of the Packers’ defense, it is clear they want to build for the future. The financial aspect is also important. The Packers would only clear $2.5 million in 2024, however, the savings are significant beyond that: $17.5 million in 2025, $18.2 million in 2026, and $1.67 million in 2026 (a void year). In 2025, the last year of Preston’s contract, he will be 32.
It would be a tough decision, but one that could benefit the Packers in the long run. Those types of decisions seem to be common in Green Bay lately.
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