Green Bay Packers Citizen GM: Let’s talk free agents

Evan Dietrich-Smith

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Evan Dietrich-Smith: a fourth-year offensive lineman, Smith was recently promoted to full-time center. He has been very productive and a nice addition in both run and pass blocking. Aaron Rodgers has sung Smith’s praises over the course of the year. He spent the better part of his three previous seasons learning as a backup.

1. Smith will return to the Green Bay Packers if – injuries subside. The Packers will re-sign Smith because he is a versatile lineman and can play anywhere. He was a plug-in for 2011 and again in 2012, anywhere depth was needed along the line. Jeff Saturday was benched in favor of Smith halfway through the 2012 season, as his game finally peaked and he was ready to tackle the starting center position. He has done a solid job through 2013, though he played through nagging injuries.
2. Smith will walk if – the Packers decide to improve the offensive line instead of working on the defense through the draft. This will not happen, as J.C. Tretter and Bryan Bulaga are both coming off season-ending injuries and will be healthy additions to the offensive line in 2014. Smith will most likely retain his spot at center, with Tretter, Sherrod and Bulaga competing for ailing positions along the unit. You can never have too many healthy offensive linemen.