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Green Bay Packers: Grades for free agency signings

By Brady Busha

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Sherrick McManis #27 of the Chicago Bears and Adrian Amos #38 react after an incomplete pass to Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings turns the ball over on downs in the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Sherrick McManis #27 of the Chicago Bears and Adrian Amos #38 react after an incomplete pass to Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings turns the ball over on downs in the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 9: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 9: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Za’Darius Smith, EDGE

Four years, $66 million including $20 million signing bonus

In Baltimore, they love their defense. In Green Bay, we wanted a piece of it.

Za’Darius Smith is a hybrid linebacker that can rush off the edge or play off the ball to create problems for opposing offenses, but his talents are at their best when he’s unleashed on the quarterback. Despite playing only 66 percent of defensive snaps on average, (per Pro Football Reference) Smith racked up 25 quarterback hits.

That figure was good for 10th in the NFL, tied with J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans. Rotating Smith with the emerging Kyler Fackrell on the edge should create a situation that is ideal to recreate success in Mike Pettine’s defense this fall.

Must Read. Packers two-round mock draft following free agency signings. light

Smith has always more or less had a supporting role in the Ravens defense that allowed the fewest yards per game in both the regular season and postseason. While the numbers are a bit steeper than what would be considered ideal, this is a good deal on both ends.

Green Bay gets a lengthy edge rusher to help the war room come April, and Smith gets his chance to step into the spotlight and elevate the Packers defense to new heights come August.

Grade: B+

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