Green Bay Packers made an important agreement to move regarding Preston Smith’s deal

The Green Bay Packers made a crucial contract move on Wednesday, restructuring OLB Preston Smith’s deal, according to Field Yates of ESPN.

“The Packers and OLB Preston Smith have agreed to a restructured contract that will provide the team $2.4 million in cap room in 2024. Smith’s pay for this year is now $10 million.”

The Packers have been actively clearing space ahead of the NFL’s free agency period. Earlier this week, the team adjusted fellow linebacker Rashan Gary’s contract, saving roughly $5 million.

Smith’s contract with the Packers was officially extended in 2022 for four years and $52.5 million. The enormous contract had numerous incentives that might have totaled up to $71 million.

Smith, who has never missed a game in his career, recorded eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and four pass deflections for the Packers. As the team transitioned from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love at quarterback, Smith and the defense helped keep the Packers afloat until their stretch run, which saw them make the playoffs and defeat the Dallas Cowboys.

“I believe your strongest weapon is your pass rush. There are some great defensive backs over there as well, but I believe they rely on the pass rush. When you have a terrific pass rush, you assume as a quarterback, you need to get the ball out of your hands quickly.

So we were able to take advantage of it by putting some chips on you (Micah Parsons) and slowing you down slightly. [DeMarcus] Lawrence, slow him down a little, but I knew I’d have to stay in that pocket, take a few shots from you and those guys. I was convinced that our receivers would go out there and do what they have to do against you, DBs.”