Packers outbid pair of teams for pair of Smiths

The Packers paid top dollar for what they're hoping will translate into a top pass rush.

-- If you were wondering how the price of the pass-rushing tandem the Green Bay Packers acquired through free agency last week ended up so steep, wonder no longer.

According to Tony Pauline of Draftanalyst.com, the Packers outbid the Indianapolis Colts for Preston Smith in the opening stages of the free agency period. They ended up signing Smith to a four-year deal worth $52 million, with Smith carrying a $6 million cap hit in 2019. 

The Colts ended up signing Justin Houston on Thursday after spending eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and tallying 78.5 sacks. He was one of the premier names left on the market in the latter stages of free agency.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard seemingly wanted Smith enough to engage in a bidding war, but Brian Gutekunst, the general manager on the opposing side, was more than willing to dish out the money to help shore up the Packers' measly pass rush. It was the right call, especially after releasing Nick Perry and losing Clay Matthews to the Los Angeles Rams.

There was a resounding amount of hesitance after the initial numbers for Smith's deal came in, considering he was coming off of a season with the Washington Redskins in which he accumulated just four sacks. He had eight in the season prior, but hasn't missed a game in his four-year NFL career; something that certainly may have intrigued the Packers, who have dealt with a barrage of injuries within their pass-rushing unit in recent years.

The Packers' cupboard in their edge group was relatively bare prior to free agency, however, Gutekunst was sure to address that. Smith wasn't the only pass-rusher the Packers paid top-dollar for -- not was he the only Smith.

Za'Darius Smith ended up inking a four-year deal with the Packers as well, but his contract was worth up to $66 million with a cap hit of $7.25 million in his first year. But that number rises exponentially in 2020 and 2021, going as high as $20.75 million.

Smith confirmed on the Rapsheet and Friends podcast, hosted by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, that the Packers were going back and forth with the New York Jets on the opening day of free agency as well. He didn't receive clarification on where he was going until seven hours after initially discovering he may be playing for the Packers.

So not only did the Packers outbid the Colts, but they successfully managed to do so with the Jets -- both teams were among the wealthiest entering free agency. 

On the surface, Smith's numbers could've also been deemed questionable. He was coming off of an 8.5-sack year -- a career high -- but was also a consistent, reliable body for the Baltimore Ravens in his four seasons with the team.

Both Smiths are under the age of 27 and will play a vital role in the Packers' defensive front moving forward, as hinted by how heavily desired they were by Gutekunst and co. They still sport two Top-30 picks in April's draft, which is likely where they'll add another body to their suddenly-stout class of pass rushers. 

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

4 points
 

Comments (76)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
EddieLeeIvory's picture

March 22, 2019 at 05:59 am

I wonder how the previous GM would have fared in this effort to obtain these 2 talented, young NFL players.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

March 22, 2019 at 07:32 am

You know how it would have ended. With no one signed.

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Dragon5's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:33 am

I can relate to TT as I'm a tight poker player who's fared well in tournaments up to 30 peeps...it's hard to deviate from your style. Other than that, I'm more than glad he's gone. Had Finley & Collins not had their careers ended, not to mention Bostick's botched kickoff, perhaps I'd be singing a different tune about him, but his poor judgment in his latter drafts complimented by his ever increasing tightwad Teddy style sealed his fate.

7 points
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Bure9620's picture

March 22, 2019 at 07:36 am

There would not have been an effort at all

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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 12:19 pm

Well since I am one of Ted's biggest fans and critics, I can pretty much tell you what how Ted would have fared. Ted like pretty much everything he did (when healthy) would have won big time this year in free agency.

First of all Ted would not have foolishly spent all this money on 4 questionable players like Gutey did. Gutey threw 150 plus million at a dart board and is hoping he hits on all 4 unlike last year where he hit on zero of his targets. No where to go but up right?

Ted would have signed one of the Smiths, the cheaper and the better one of the two but also signed the best of the best players in hall of famer Earl Thomas. Thomas, like Woodson, Pickett and Peppers was a player that can transform a defense. Ted never overspent on free agency because it's a crap shoot but when a sure fire hall of famer came along Ted would pounce on it like a Lion on a gazelle. So if TT was still here he signs Earl Thomas and one of the Smiths and kills in the draft like usual. It's unfortunate he got sick the past couple years and according to several unnamed sources had help behind the scenes by Gute and others. I hope he gets better. One hell of a GM.

Dash

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Demon's picture

March 22, 2019 at 01:47 pm

I think the more likely scenario would have been that Ted would go on a 2 month bender throughout the whole free agency period. Than when he sobered up he would sign a schlub from someones practice squad then hide in his office until the draft.

On draft day Old Teddy would draft a often injured player from the University of Podunk that no one has heard of . Then at his post draft press conference would tell us ( in slurred speech) that he has sizzle.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 01:10 pm

Like the President of the United States, Ted Thompson never drank a drop of alcohol in his life. Try again White Tornado. Maybe you'll do better the second time kind of like your hero Gutey throwing darts at a free agency board.

Dash

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Demon's picture

March 22, 2019 at 03:16 pm

Oh no, if thats true that Ted never touched alcohol thats even more embarassing. He made those moves while sober? SMH!

Yesterday you wanted to give Ted credit for winning the Super bowl because he signed Pickett. You must have forgotten that he was also th GM that signed Bostick then.

You can hero worship TT all you want but the truth is Uncle Ted did a piss poor job the 2nd half of his tenure in GB.
From not demanding MM can his useless asst coaches to very questionable picks in the draft and his philosophy regarding free agency. That if he didnt do anything, he couldnt do anything wrong.

Your hero is no HOFer. Ted did a less than average job in his drafts after his top assistants left. All I can say is good riddance Ted.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 04:22 pm

For a guy who claims "good riddance Ted" you certainly love to talk about him and bring him back. I can't say I blame you considering Gutey was Director of Scouting during the beginnings of Ted's illness. Pretty sure he had heavy input into those draft picks which you blame all on Ted. Several unnamed sources do in fact say this yet you are quiet as a mouse on this.

Dash

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Demon's picture

March 22, 2019 at 06:11 pm

Have you ever heard the phrase " the fish rots head first?" Who was the man in charge? You're saying Gute made those horrible picks. To that I say, wheres the proof? If Ted was off in the corner playing with his lLncoln Logs during the draft, why was he GM? Someone dropped the ball here.

Go ahead and sing his praises all you want. I could care less. The opinions of a man that spends his spare time looking for bigfoot mean very little to me.

Ted took too many shots to the head in his playing days. I would assume you are just stupid. Anyway, maybe one day if youre lucky Ted would allow you to play Lincoln Logs with him.

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Dragon5's picture

March 22, 2019 at 07:39 pm

Above all the latter season busts Ted drafted, I credit him alone for leaving at least 1 SuperBowl appearance (2007&2008) on the table as a result of his passive negotiations during the 2006 offseason when he was too tight to acquire Marshawn Lynch for better than a 4th and Randy Moss for better than a 3rd. Moss goes to a Super Bowl with New England...Lynch wins one with Seattle. Easily my biggest beef with him that still resonates to this day. I can forgive--I'll never forget.

1 points
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BELIEVER's picture

March 22, 2019 at 07:13 pm

I believe TT did a great job. How many NFC Championship games, anyway I won’t debate TT. His record is enough. I thought that he may be sick. But never saw anything stating that. Rip do you know what TT suffers from.
I seen a lot of good football over the last 25 years and TT deserves credit. He will be in the Packer Hall one day.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:15 pm

BELIEVER, it's nice to finally hear some friendly fire here for a change. Thank you for the kind words for Ted Thompson. I wish we had more people here like you. Unfortunately, I do not know what the official diagnosis is on TT. He clearly was not the same in the end and more than likely according to unnamed sources was being helped out in the past couple seasons by Gute with the draft. He will be a first ballot Packer Hall of Famer and a possible NFL Hall of Famer like Wolf. Might take him a few more years but the work he did assembling all his players mostly thru the draft was absolutely incredible. Losing Terrance Murphy, Jeremy Thompson, Johnathon Franklin, Jermichael Finley and Nick Collins to career ending injuries were painful losses as 4 of those 5 were potential hall of famers. I do wish him a long happy retirement back in Texas!!

Dash

-1 points
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JerseyAl's picture

March 23, 2019 at 09:10 am

"more than likely according to unnamed sources was being helped out in the past couple seasons by Gute with the draft."

Yep, this sounds totally believable. So it is written, so it shall be.

1 points
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albert999's picture

March 22, 2019 at 01:13 pm

Hey Riproar Happy Friday
What do you think of this idea
Pick up Dez Bryant for 1.25 mil that New Orleans was gonna pay him for one year.
He’s healthy and really ready and wanting to play.
Why wouldn’t ya?

Uncle Albert

-4 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 02:09 pm

I'm so sorry..... Uncle Albert but I don't see the Packers even thinking of picking up Dez Bryant at this point. I thought last year they might have done it but it's too late now.

The Packers are all about their squeaky clean image now under Gutey and Murphy. Is Dez known for his squeaky clean image? No. Not gonna happen Uncle Albert.

I believe Murphy is targeting predominantly white millennial women under the age of 40. His goal is to get them and their young children they are now having on the Packer train. They do it with outdoor ice rinks, sledding and a Disneyland type atmosphere outside 1265. They also do it by hiring a young man for head coach that these women "like" because Murphy knows women buy on emotion. These women and their children will grow up with LaFleur as they all age. He wants these women and their children future fans to keep seats filled and the Packer merchandise gravy train sales growing strong. Any player that can potentially put their plan for their future in harms way like a Dez Bryant would be a huge mistake in their minds. I hope this answers your question.

Dash

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albert999's picture

March 22, 2019 at 03:17 pm

Yes it does and more. Thank u
WOW
To bad so sad
Bring on the Pabst and the Brandy old Fashioned sweets!
Could be another long year.

-1 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 04:30 pm

Funny you should mention that about Pabst Uncle Albert. I had an old LP tank outside converted into a giant beer storage tank. I had a special PBR truck from Milwaukee come fill it about three weeks ago. It cost a small fortune but I believe it's worth the cost considering what's possibly ahead. There's enough PBR in it to last me between two to three years or about the time Boyle takes over.

Dash

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albert999's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:18 pm

Not the best investment...will be rather stale soon like our offense if we don’t get help

0 points
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porupack's picture

March 22, 2019 at 01:26 pm

I'm pretty sure you just write to play devils advocate. Its all pretty funny what you wrote. Lots splashy splashy in the pool of logic.
I guess TT isn't GM anymore, so I suppose this is all irrelevant to even write about.
Or maybe I'm missing some bit of wisdom that it somehow it will help the team this year to establish TT is the GM GOAT and Gute is horrendous as you would have us believe.

Keep splashing, there Dash, at least you're well entertained. .

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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 02:35 pm

porupack, I assure you I write what I believe in. I have been a TT worshipper since the day he told Favre to take a hike and went with Aaron Rodgers. I love strong bold leadership. I hate wimps that cater to PC. It's also why I love Donald Trump and am not afraid to say it. I also don't give a damn about "dislikes". I am ashamed that so many people here treat TT with such disrespect, I really am. It's disgraceful and worst of all I know over 50% here don't even remember who the GM was before TT. They only know TT and yet they think he was horrible now. I grew up in the 70's and know all about what horrible really is. I am glad you find me entertaining. It's funny now how being honest and staying true to your convictions is now considered entertaining. So be it. I will continue to entertain I guess.

Dash

P.S. I do apologize to jersey Al. It seems like all I am doing is fighting with people. I do think he understands what is going on when you have pretty much one person here with a viewpoint that is opposite of pretty much 99% of the others. There's going to be push back by the herd. Pretty sure he gets is.

-5 points
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LarryPennell's picture

March 22, 2019 at 06:24 pm

I don't necessarily think you're fighting with people, I think you just like the attention. When you write about Gutekunst failing in free agency then contradict yourself writing how Gutey screwed up in letting Breeland go. You wrote that last years draft was a failure then write how Moore is going to be an excellent receiver. You cherish Thompson for successful players drafted after 2012 but the picks that failed were someone else's fault. It seems like you change your opinion more often than the wind changes direction. I would still like to hear about why you think Boyle is going to be successful. Not just because he's a 9 and feels unloved by his mother and needs a hug as you stated before.

2 points
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albert999's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:20 pm

pour another pour ur sack

0 points
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Dragon5's picture

March 22, 2019 at 02:17 pm

If you even remotely believe in numerology and its applications, then you'll probably retract the backing of Earl Thomas...he too is a snake in a pig year. These are the snakes in ProFootball Talk's top 60 Free Agents. The ranking is the far left number. The last 3 have yet to sign.

38 Mark Ingram RB 12-21-1989 33 SAGITTARIUS SNAKE
10 Earl Thomas S 05-07-1989 3 TAURUS SNAKE
16 Matt Paradis C 10-12-1989 4 LIBRA SNAKE
22 K.J. Wright LB 07-23-1989 3 LEO SNAKE
60 Brandon Marshall LB 09-10-1989 1 VIRGO SNAKE
27 Ziggy Ansah EDGE 05-29-1989 7 GEMINI SNAKE
40 Muhammad Wilkerson DE 10-22-1989 5 LIBRA SNAKE

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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 02:49 pm

Dragon5, I am psychic like you are and while I did enjoy your numerology yesterday I can honestly say I am not convinced of it. At least not yet. We know Earl Thomas is a Snake, TT, Boyle and I are horses, Rodgers is a pig and that Lare is more than likely a Rat but I still am not convinced as it relates to free agency. Time will tell I guess.

Interested in Gutey, Murphy and LaFleur. Can you do them for the viewing audience? Tell us what their numbers mean. It might bring the herd here much calmness or on the other hand maybe it brings more anxiety. Pretty sure most would enjoy and want to know their numbers here. I have to be honest, I'm not getting a lot of positivity from these three guys on my end. Maybe you can change or convince me otherwise. I'm willing to have an open mind Dragon5

Dash

-6 points
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Dragon5's picture

March 22, 2019 at 03:44 pm

I am no psychic, clairvoyant, or any of such...just an amateur interpreter of numbers.

I need DOBs.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 04:39 pm

Gotcha!!

Mark Murphy - July 13, 1955

Brian Gutekunst - July 19,1973

Matt LaFleur: Nov 14, 1979

-3 points
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Dragon5's picture

March 22, 2019 at 05:47 pm

Murphy 4LP CANCER GOAT
A 4LP would suggest Murphy is a tireless hard worker, direct / blunt in his ways with a "his way or the highway" mentality accentuating the law & order aspect of 4LPs. Cancers usually find family most precious. I always thought Sterling Sharpe exemplified a 4 pretty well. Seems Murphy does too.

Gute 1LP CANCER OX
A 1LP would suggest Gute is an aggressive leader. We've certainly seen that thru FA & draft moves the last couple years. Ox is the enemy sign of the GOAT, so if Murphy stays in charge, Gute could find himself on a short leash should he error too often early in his GM career.

MLF 33LP SCORPIO GOAT
33LP--the master teacher certainly sounds appealing to Pack fans. He's made it to NFL head coach so there's certainly ability there for him to get this far. Scorpios tend to be quite loyal, but, much like Gute is subservient to Murphy, MLF will likely find himself in the same quagmire as a GOAT to enemy OX Gute and also be on a short leash.

Gute is the odd man out given the current power structure.

1 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 06:17 pm

Wow, so if you go by your numbers and my initial gut this is bad news for Packers fans just as I thought. We have two cancers in the front office and two goats and an Ox. There is power struggles all over this situation and that's not even mentioning Aaron Rodgers who's a pig. He's all about power and money and finds it very difficult to take advice which is AGAIN opposite of LaFleur (the master teacher) and a GOAT.

Well, this is yet again another hit for me. Sorry folks. Of course people will continue to deny until the bitter end.

I wanted Rex Ryan - Dec 13, 1962 -7 (Tiger)

Second choice was:

Josh McDaniels - April 21, 1976 -3 (Dragon)

-2 points
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Lare's picture

March 22, 2019 at 06:47 pm

Goats, ox, pigs, snakes, it's getting to be more like Animal House here than it is a Packers fan forum.

1 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 07:00 pm

You forgot rat Lare. By the way I need your life path number Lare. Don't lie. I already know what it is.

There's plenty of subjects for ALL members here to comment on. If you and others don't like what Dragon and I and a few others are talking about than do what I do when I see people talking about something I don't like. I simply don't respond. Try it Lare.

Dash

-5 points
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albert999's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:23 pm

All the numbers bullshit is a little to much Riproar
Dragon needs to take a drag

1 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:58 pm

Uncle Albert, I can't speak for Dragon5 but I assure you I will not be talking about this much longer. Just having a little fun with this and trying to learn a little. It is the offseason and frankly how many times can a person say Hockenson. For me this was the most fun I've had since I came here talking about these numbers but to each his own I guess. Back to the exciting mock drafts.

Dash

-2 points
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albert999's picture

March 23, 2019 at 08:51 am

Touche

0 points
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Lare's picture

March 22, 2019 at 06:25 am

It's interesting that the Colts dropped out of the bidding for Preston Smith and then signed Justin Houston who is 4-years older for about the same amount of money ($12 million per year vs $12.5 million per year).

Goes to show that everyone has their own idea of what's an appropriate value of something.

1 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:07 am

I think it shows what happens when you let yourself get outbid. You still have a need, you still have to fill it, and now you're going to have to look at what's left on the market. How many times have we seen the Packers do this - sign the bigger name who is older?

Houston's ceiling is higher and his floor is also a lot lower, almost certainly, just because of age. Houston hasn't posted a double-digit sack season since 2014, and odds are he never will again.

What these signings tell me is the Packers think they can win with steady production from the outside. They don't need superstars. But they do need guys who will be there.

13 points
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porupack's picture

March 22, 2019 at 06:33 am

Well, we sure don't have an indecisive GM, and he's not afraid to go all in (for better or worse, we shall see).

We can also be sure that he isn't doing this piecemeal, acquiring just a random upgrade here or there. He clearly determined that he needed these 2 pieces in place, and was willing to pay dearly for them before executing the rest of his offseason plan.

8 points
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Packer_Fan's picture

March 22, 2019 at 06:54 am

It takes guts to do what Gute did. And you may think what Gute made some real risky moves, but I just don't think so. He signed players that are ascending, that have been reliable and not hurt often, that are just as good and probably better than what we had last year and are approaching their best years. Would the Pack again be an elite team with Perry, Clinton-Dix, Matthews and some old guard? No. Gute IMHO had to do what he did.

5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

March 22, 2019 at 07:38 am

They were predictable moves. We were short three Edge people. The safety situation was shaky at best with Tramon covering short term. The Guards were sieves last year and Rodgers was getting way too much pressure. Someone has to cover the fllanks and it sure ain't Spriggs. Let's move along.
See it, fix it. OT, DT/EDGE, S, TE expected high picks in this draft. DT, RB, G from the four and five picks.

1 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:11 am

I actually think the contract structures will prove to be much less risky and overpriced in the coming years than they look right now. The cap hits basically go up as the cap is expected to go up. It's genius Jerry, genius!

1 points
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stockholder's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:29 am

Based on Peppers, Perry, and Mathews. The numbers for younger players work. Inflation, Cap hits going up, Draft need, and experience, are a win for the packers. Beating others teams to the punch is priceless.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:35 am

Z. Smith's cap hit increases by 238% in '20 over '19.
It increases by 20% in 2021 over 2020. Some hope there with the new CBA.

P. Smith's cap hit increases by 225% in 2020 over '19.
It increases by 18.52% in 2021 over 2020.

The cap increased by 26% way back in 1998 and by almost 20% in 2006, but it was just 6.11% and 6.21% the last two years, and the cap has grown in the 6% to 8% range almost all other years.

These two players have to produce and be above average pass-rushers to make these contracts look good.

1 points
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CheesyTex's picture

March 22, 2019 at 01:39 pm

Reynoldo: Could we have your take on these back-loaded contracts if the Smiths do not pan out? It appeared to me that most of the guaranteed $ was in the first two years, so that the big $ in years 3 and 4 that puffed up the total contract $ could be saved if either (or both, perish the thought) was not playing to the numbers.

Would appreciate your insight. Thanks.

1 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

March 22, 2019 at 10:17 pm

There wan't a new contract the last two years, so the % increase the last two years is irrelevant. Yes, they are strapped for this season and next season. That is just two years. There is every reason to think they will be fine in years three and four.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 23, 2019 at 02:33 pm

The Preston and Za'Darius Smith contracts are risky. I am not even harping on the structure. Za'Darius Smith has never had a season worth $16M. Preston has never had a season worth $13M.

These two players have to ascend! In other words, they have to have better seasons than they have ever put down on tape in the past to justify their deals. I like the signings, but they are risky and gutsy moves.

0 points
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Savage57's picture

March 22, 2019 at 06:57 am

Upside: Attending to huge need position in FA allows Gute massive flexibility in 2019 draft.

Downside: Double dip at one position used up cap space which may have been spread across entire roster to better round out team.

-4 points
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Samson's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:12 am

The key to most FA signings is that it allows a GM to draft based on player talent instead of team need. -- Gute did exactly that.
Two losing seasons requires a team to change up their approach. -- I look for Gute to pull some surprises during the draft also.

This is a new day with a new regime.

6 points
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albert999's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:13 am

Gute is sure not afraid and on another note and a sure upside would be to go get Dez Bryant for 1.25 million what he was gonna get paid to play for the Saints for one year. Great weapon for Rodgers with plenty of energy and wants to win basically a rookie deal money wise.
Just a thought and why not???

-11 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

March 22, 2019 at 03:57 pm

He's washed up. Physically and mentally.

0 points
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albert999's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:24 pm

name a better free agent receiver at that price

0 points
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albert999's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:25 pm

better
name a better free agent receiver period or in the draft

0 points
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Edshrinker's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:16 am

Instead of having to take the BEST AVAILABLE edge rusher in the draft... we can not take the best available PERIOD. ANd a part of me thinks (by what we addressed in FA) that Gute sees TJ Hockinson as the best at 12 (if he is still there). We did nothing with our skill positions - I have to believe he has a plan there in the draft

0 points
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stockholder's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:38 am

Hoek will be there. And if they take him over OLIVER. It will be the biggest regret the packers have had since Mandrich. Gute can't stop building the defense. The #1 paid position in the NFL is QB. Defense is next. Not TEs.

3 points
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porupack's picture

March 22, 2019 at 10:26 am

yeeaaah, truuuue, but QBs can't throw, block and catch on the same play.

0 points
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mrtundra's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:46 am

A few post FA mocks I looked at yesterday had Devin White go off the board with pick #5 and Hockenson going at #8 or #10. Fant fell to us at #12 but we picked Ed Oliver, DT, who fell a few spots. Those same mocks had us taking WR A. J. Brown at #30. I do not see that happening for our #30 pick but I can definitely see Gute grabbing Oliver at #12, especially if Hockenson and White are gone.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

March 22, 2019 at 04:08 pm

The hierarchy is QB, OT,Pass Rusher, CB. You have the franchise QB now you have the trilogy for BPA. Taylor/Dillard Oliver/Wilkens/ Farrell over a TE especially Fant; @ #30 is a BPA spot for a OT, EDGE, S CB, #44 S, CB, DT
#75 TE, CB , WR, whatever way they evaluate the Board. Josh Oliver has similar stats and combine as Fant. You can get him in the third rd.
Abram at #30 or Chauncey-Gardener/Thornhll with # 44. It still looks like
Safety and OT are primary needs. Everyone knows I have little faith in Spriggs.

-1 points
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holmesmd's picture

March 22, 2019 at 05:06 pm

Ed Oliver is similar in size to Aaron Donald. He’s short and “lite”in the pants. He looks like he may be capable of becoming a player similar to Donald but he just as easily could end up getting pushed around by NFL OL players. A bit too much uncertainty for me at #12.

0 points
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Since'61's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:33 am

Gute's FA signings were assets used for maximum benefit. He used his cap space to sign 4 players who can play on day one. None of them are Reggie White type of signings but they should contribute and improve the Packers roster immediately. Who knows the Smith's are young enough to evolve into great players.

If he used the draft to fill these 4 positions he would not be sure how long it would take for them to become effective contributors.

Now Gute can use the draft on some skill players and other areas where the roster needs young depth, like OL, TE, Safety, ILB, RB, and WR. Hopefully whoever we select with our first 3 picks can come in and contribute in 2019.

So far, so good for Gute with his asset management. Thanks, Since '61

9 points
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Lphill's picture

March 22, 2019 at 11:00 am

very Patriot like moves, guys who you can plug in and play and then move on.

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:46 am

The way I see this. Packers saw a weakness, and tried to make it a strength.

IMO, the defense is going to look completely different this year because of going out and acquiring the Smiths. We ranked high in sacks last year but that was mostly due to Pettine creatively blitzing. The QB hits and pressures were quite low. Smiths will be able to help out with that.

Imagine what Pettine will be able to do schematically if he only has to rush 4 guys and sometimes 5.

Being able to drop 7 guys into coverage is something we haven't been able to do in quite sometime.

After adding 2 pass rushers, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they drafted one of the Devin's for ILB. An ILB with speed that can cover, would allow the defense even more flexibility. We haven't really had a guy like that.

I don't want to sleep on Burks but if they think that Bush or White is going to be special, don't be surprised if they take one with their first pick.

Something else to consider is for the future. Martinez will be a FA next year. They might look to replace him with one of those guys.

Our defense should be much improved this year. And it starts with the additions of Smiths and Amos.

3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:45 am

Agreed. Teams always knew what Perry was going to do on the field. He was hard to disguise. The Smiths can do multiple things. How important which 4 or 5 guys are rushing remains to be seen, but it looks like Pettine will have the ability to change it up frequently.

3 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

March 22, 2019 at 10:17 am

exactly.

That is also a great point. With the Smiths Pettine will be able to do a lot of different things with them. It gives Pettine a lot of options which is a good thing for a guy who is as creative as Pettine is.

Being able to mix and match the pass rush will really help the Secondary too. Creating that confusion could force the QB's into some bad throws which means the DB's might be able to jump routes more often.

I'm excited to see the direction the defense goes this year.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

March 22, 2019 at 04:24 pm

Assuming he brings in another EDGE/OLB with speed to completey hem in the QBs. Like you said both Smiths can charge from the edge or with theirhand on the ground. A five to six prong attack.

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porupack's picture

March 22, 2019 at 10:32 am

Great point TGR, probably the reason GB parted with him more than just simply a matter of production and/or availability (though they would certainly be strikes against him). He was a solid contributor, but just not fitting Pettine's need for disguise and diverse assignments.

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Packer_Fan's picture

March 22, 2019 at 11:14 am

What I like about the Smith's is the number of hurries and hits. They had more than all of the Packer OLB did total. That will allow Pettine scheme better. Makes the Smith's contracts look like a good value

2 points
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Lphill's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:05 am

if at 12 a guy named Devin is there , either one, the Packers must take him. especially if they think they will lose Martinez next year.

1 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

March 22, 2019 at 10:03 am

I believe the reason Gutey was so aggressive going after Mr. and Mr. Smith was because he was convinced they are ascending players in their mid twenties to replace older, expensive, descending players.

Za'Darius was very well scouted for Gutey by Hendrickson, his new right hand man. Hendrickson helped draft Z and watched him perform on every play as a top personnel man in Baltimore.

Preston was very scouted for Gutey by new ILB coach Olivadotti who was his position coach in Washington.

Gutey really wanted these guys because they both came with high grades from men who knew them well.

7 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

March 22, 2019 at 04:26 pm

Bullseye.

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Montana's picture

March 22, 2019 at 11:13 am

Gutes FA signings shows his commitment to improving our defense, I applaud his sand.

1 points
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cheesehead1's picture

March 22, 2019 at 11:51 am

Glad we singed younger free agents unlike last year. Graham was a mistake IMO. Like Since ‘61 said, these two Smiths aren’t the next coming of Reggie White, but they sure seem like an upgrade, we shall see. Drafting so high we really need Gute to have a special draft and get us a couple of studs/game changers. Go Pack!

3 points
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CoachJV's picture

March 22, 2019 at 08:46 pm

Wow... this has become the Psychic Network.

Anyone wanna read my palm??? (as it is smacking the shit out of you)

Can we stick to football without Miss Cleo Riprock talking about voodoo or whatever?

5 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:50 pm

FYI, we HAVE been discussing football Coach JV, you just don't like the discussion. Move along and start your own discussion on a topic you enjoy but don't tell others what they should talk about ok? Dragon5 and I can't help it we hit on something that so many enjoy reading. Isn't this the point of being here?

Dash

-3 points
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CoachJV's picture

March 22, 2019 at 10:37 pm

You actually mean to say that Dragon 5 hit on something and you decided to ride his coattails? Because that's the reality...

You're just like Cartman in that South Park episode where he steals Jimmy's joke and actually convinces himself that he wrote it... LOL

Just say "Screw you coach, I'm going home"... LOLOL...

1 points
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albert999's picture

March 22, 2019 at 09:29 pm

(smacking the shit out of u)?
that’s football? and classy.
go to bed

-4 points
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CoachJV's picture

March 22, 2019 at 10:40 pm

Hell yes 'smacking the shit out of you' is football... ask Deacon Jones!

0 points
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albert999's picture

March 23, 2019 at 08:57 am

Your comment was directed at a person/s not football
this is no place for that

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