The Green Bay Packers are splitting up the Smith Brothers.
Preston Smith is getting a contract extension to remain at Green Bay while Zadarius Smith is being released, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
According to a source informed of the situation, the Packers agreed to a four-year extension with Preston for $52.5 million in new money.
The 29-year-old pass rusher was set to enter the final year of his contract. The new agreement gives Preston more than $65 million over five years, with the opportunity to make $71 million per rapport. Preston gets $14 million a year.
In 2021, Preston produced a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2020 campaign with nine sacks, 38 tackles and two forced fumbles.
Signing Preston for an extension continues the Packers' effort under a salary cap ahead of the opening of the new league year. Aaron Rodgers' new deal reduces QB's significant cap number. Preston's expansion will likewise allow Green Bay to pursue big cap numbers in future seasons.
Meanwhile, Za'Darius' $26.7 million pay-cap hit was shaky. Fellow 29-year-old pass rusher played in one regular-season game before returning for the postseason. Za'Darius is perfectly healthy as head of free agency.
NFL Network's Tom Pelicero said Zadarius had the option of staying on this year's cash dues, but both sides ultimately decided parting ways were the best. Cutting Z means there is no compensatory draft pick implication of signing Edge Rusher, which is notable for some teams (such as his former club in Baltimore).
The Packers need to fall under the salary limit until the opening of the new league year on Wednesday. Smith's expansion on Monday and the release of another is part of the equation.
The Packers are also issuing offensive tackle Billy Turner, per Pellisero. The team later confirmed both the releases.