GREEN BAY, Wis. — Preston Smith helped expand his career with the Green Bay Packers, and the team picked up a much-needed pay-cap spot when the team reached an agreement on a new contract on Monday.
Meanwhile, pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith, who signed at Green Bay in the same 2019 free-agent class as Preston Smith, saw his time with the Packers look back on Monday as soon as he was released, the team announced. .
A source told ESPN that Preston Smith, who had a year and $12.5 million remaining on his current deal, signed a four-year, $52.5 million extension. Smith would earn $25 million over the next two seasons, with the opportunity to earn $31 million in incentives. The whole deal could net Smith up to $71 million over five seasons if he reaches all the incentives.
The release of Za'Darius Smith saves the Packers $15.75 million in salary-cap space.
The Packers announced an extension to Preston Smith but did not disclose terms.
"We are excited to see Preston continue his career with the Packers," General Manager Brian Gutkunst said in a statement. "Since coming to Green Bay, he has not only contributed to on-field production, but has been a stellar presence in the locker room and a leader for this team."
Preston Smith had to calculate $19.5 million at this year's maximum. The Packers' salaries were $45.5 million above the cap before Smith's deal, which is expected to reduce their cap charge by about $8-9 million. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers' contract extension, when it is done, will also reduce the Packers' cap number.
The Packers also issued offensive tackle Billy Turner, the team announced. The move saves them $3.142 million in cap space immediately, or $5.8 million if they name him after his June 1 release.
Packers must be under the cap by 4 pm. ET Wednesday, when the 2022 league year begins.
Preston Smith teamed up with Ration Gary to form a strong pass-rushing pairing last season, while Za'Darius Smith missed most of the year with a back injury. Preston Smith took a pay cut last season after a lousy 2021 season but bounced back with nine sacks.
In seven seasons, he has 49.5 sacks and has missed only one game. He originally signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the Packers in 2019.
Za'Darius Smith, who was named to the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons with the Packers (2019 and 2020) and was a second-team All-Pro in 2020, played only 18 snaps in the regular season last year. All had appeared in the season opener before undergoing back surgery. He did not return until an NFC divisional playoff game, losing to the San Francisco 49ers.
Last season, he attempted to secure a contract extension with the Packers, even changing agents in May. However, he dealt with a back injury which kept him out of off-season practices and most of the training camp.
Za'Darius Smith was the highest-value free agent ever signed by Gutekunst, earning him a four-year, $66 million deal. He quickly came to terms with this, posting the most sacks (26) by a player in his first two seasons with the Packers. He was one of only three players in the NFL with more than 12 sacks in 2019 and 2020, surpassing Aaron Donald and T.J. Watt.
"We would like to thank Zadarius for his contribution to the Packers over the past three seasons," Gutekunst said in a statement. "He came in and made an immediate impact on this football team, helping the team win three straight division titles. We would like to wish Zadarius and his family all the very best going forward."
Also currently on the Packers cap is the $20.145 million franchise tag of receiver Davante Adams. Neither the Packers nor Adams want him to play under the tag this season. This would provide no long-term protection for Adams and would make it harder for the team to handle his hat. Although little progress has been made in negotiations, Gutkunst said that using the tag is "more of a bridge to hope for expansion down the road." They will have time till 4 pm. ET will work on the extension on July 15.