Packers make free agent splurge with four signings

The Green Bay Packers, in a little over two hours, came to terms with four different free agents, marking a drastic change in spending philosophy.

The Packers kicked off their shopping spree by signing former Ravens defensive end Za’Darius Smith, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported. The terms of his deal have not been released yet, but the Packers finally nabbed the player they had tried to trade for a couple of years ago. Smith will be a huge addition to a pass rush that struggled mightily to create consistent pressure on the quarterback in 2018.

According to Rapoport, the Packers immediately followed up their signing of Smith by reeling in safety Adrian Amos on a four-year, $37 million deal. The Packers stole Amos from their division rival, the Chicago Bears. Amos is an extremely physical safety, who is a massive upgrade from Kentrell Brice both in coverage and in the box. Amos is just 25 years old, and was drastically more affordable than Landon Collins on the open market.

Green Bay wasn’t done yet, either. As Rob Demovsky of ESPN reported, general manager Brian Gutekunst added another big free agent to the front seven, snatching Preston Smith away from the Washington Redskins. Smith’s decision reportedly came down to the Colts and Packers, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.

Smith’s deal will be for four years and $52 million, with $16 million guaranteed. Smith only had four sacks last year, but is a great run defender and will be a significant contributor to what is now a scary pass rush. The Green Bay front line now features Za’Darius and Preston Smith, Kenny Clark, and Mike Daniels. Preston Smith has never missed a game in four years in the NFL.

Gutekunst didn’t stop without adding to the offense either. The Packers brought in free agent offensive lineman Billy Turner on a four-year, $28 million deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Turner is no star by any means, but is a versatile offensive lineman who played several different positions during his time in Denver. The deal is extremely front-loaded, as Schefter noted that $11 million of it is going to Turner in the first year of the deal.

In 16 games last season with the Broncos, Turner allowed three sacks and 27 total pressures, according to Jason B. Hirschhorn‏ of SB Nation. Those are not game-changing numbers, but the Packers were desperate for that type of production last season. Matt LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett are still in need of more help at the skill positions, which could be addressed on draft night.

The Packers have shown interest in other free agents as well, though it is hard to see the Packers backing up the truck for anyone else. The team has released longtime pass rusher Nick Perry in order to make salary cap space for the four incoming free agents. Le’Veon Bell and Cordarrelle Patterson have been linked to the Packers in recent hours.

For now, the Packers have made substantial improvements to a defense that desperately needed them. Two pass rushers, a safety, and an offensive lineman are going to give the Packers tremendous flexibility on draft night, in which they have two first-round picks.