Yesterday, the NFL and NFLPA announced that the 2021 salary cap will be around $182 million. While this is more than the $180 million floor, it still was not great news for the Packers. It meant that they still had moves to make to get under the cap. One of those moves could be restructuring the contract of Za’Darius Smith.
Za’Darius Makes a Statement
This morning on Twitter, Za’Darius Smith posted the following:
I want to be a Packer for life‼️
— Za'Darius Smith (@zadariussmith) March 10, 2021
Needless to say, Packers’ fans feel the same way. After all, Za’Darius Smith has been among the best pass rushers in the NFL since coming to Green Bay as a free agent in 2019. With the salary cap going down, questions about Z’s future and/or what the team will do with his contract have abounded.
However, this statement can only mean one thing: the Packers have restructured his deal, namely his roster bonus. In doing so, the Packers could save $2.5 million in cap space.
Packers scenario heading into free agency:
✅Max restructure Rodgers' salary & roster bonus
✅Restructure both Smiths' roster bonuses
✅Extend Adams
✅Cut LowryWith the draft, practice squad, 53 man roster, and half their usual in-season fund…
They have $7.2M to play with. pic.twitter.com/sWZVGCLCzg
— Ken Ingalls – Packers Cap 💰 (@KenIngalls) March 10, 2021
Of course, restructuring Z’s roster bonus isn’t the only thing the Packers can do with him. They could also extend his contract, which would free up even more money in 2021. While this possibility has not been discussed much in the media, it surly has been discussed between Smith and the Packers’ front office.
An extension for Z hasn't been discussed much, but could be a boon for both sides. https://t.co/z4qVFMoLKW
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) March 10, 2021
Za’Darius Smith as a Packer
Ever since coming to Green Bay, Za’Darius Smith has been a force. Two season in Green and Gold have seen Smith accumulate 26 sacks, more than half of his 44.5 career total. In just two years, he has amassed more sacks with the Packers than he did in four with the Ravens. Green Bay suits Smith. No wonder he wants to stick around.
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