Lombardi Ave
FanSided

Packers to sign Za’Darius Smith and Adrian Amos, per report

By Freddie Boston

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Green Bay Packers are reportedly signing Za’Darius Smith and Adrian Amos.

After a quiet Monday, the Green Bay Packers have reportedly kicked off Tuesday with two huge signings.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers are expected to sign edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. Just moments later, Rapoport reported that they are also set to sign safety Adrian Amos.

And just like that, general manager Brian Gutekunst has addressed two of the team’s biggest needs in free agency. Getting help at edge rusher and safety was the top priority entering the offseason.

Smith has the potential to regularly put up double-digit sacks in Mike Pettine’s defense. He finished 2018 with a career-best 8.5 sacks. Amos was a key part of the Chicago Bears’ No. 3 overall defense last season.

And the great news is that both players are still young. Smith is 26 years old, and Amos is just 25. They could both be key contributors in Pettine’s defense for a number of years.

We don’t yet know the contracts for either player, but the Packers likely had to offer big, long-term contracts for two of the best defensive players available. But they have the cap room to make a few big moves, and it’s great to see Gutekunst being aggressive in free agency.

Edge rusher will still be a need moving forward, and it’s possible Green Bay will look to sign another pass rusher in free agency, or make the position a priority in the draft next month. But bringing in Smith is a great start.

Amos could fix the team’s need at safety, and it takes a lot of pressure off in the draft.

To become a playoff team again in 2019, the Packers had to be willing to spend money in free agency to strengthen the roster. Gutekunst has stuck to his promise, and he’s brought in two excellent players on defense.

What are your thoughts on the signings?

Home/Green Bay Packers Free Agency