Packers’ three worst contracts entering the 2019 season
Za’Darius Smith
Four years, $66 million ($20 million guaranteed)
Za’Darius Smith could become a star player in Mike Pettine’s defense, there’s no doubt about that. But after spending big in free agency to bring him to Green Bay, he’ll need to make a huge difference at edge rusher.
According to Over The Cap, Smith’s average salary of $16.5 million is the ninth highest among edge rushers in the NFL. Smith’s average salary is the same as Chandler Jones‘, and just ahead of Melvin Ingram and Jadeveon Clowney. The biggest difference is that the Packers are hoping Smith’s total sacks increase in Pettine’s defense, whereas the other three players are already at the top of their game.
In the past three seasons, Jones has 41 sacks. Ingram has 25.5 and Clowney has 24.5. In the same time, Smith has 13 sacks. Although he has also started considerably fewer games, which is important to note.
But the Packers signed Smith based on his potential to be a consistent pass rusher who puts up double-digit sacks each season. But what if he doesn’t reach that level?
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Here’s a look at Smith’s cap number over the next four seasons, according to Over The Cap: $7.25 million this year, $17.25 million in 2020, $20.75 million in 2021 and $20.75 million in 2022. For that money, the Packers need Smith to be one of the best edge rushers in the league. He absolutely can be a star in the Packers defense, but Gutekunst has taken a risk.