Packers 2022 offseason position review: Edge rushers
The Green Bay Packers‘ pass rush dominated in the divisional round versus the San Francisco 49ers, one of the only times all of the team’s top edge rushers were healthy together in 2021.
An offseason of uncertainty awaits the Packers, and that’s at multiple positions, not just the future of MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
And that includes the pass rush.
2021 season review
Green Bay had to go almost the entire season without top pass rusher Za’Darius Smith. He was limited in the season opener and was then placed on injured reserve, not returning until the divisional round of the playoffs, where he made one sack.
The good news for the Packers was that third-year Rashan Gary had a breakout season and Preston Smith bounced back after a disappointing 2020. The two combined for 18.5 sacks and 45 quarterback hits.
But despite Gary and Smith having strong seasons, depth at edge rusher was an issue. As a team, the Packers had a pass rush win rate of just 35 percent, ranking 27th in the NFL, according to ESPN.
The pass rush didn’t cost the Packers in the playoffs, though, rather the complete opposite. They kept Green Bay in the contest.
Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Za’Darius Smith were all healthy. According to Pro Football Focus, this trio combined for 10 pressures and five sacks/hits in the divisional round.
What’s next in 2022?
The Packers have plenty of work to do with their salary cap in the coming months, and that could have an impact on where Za’Darius and Preston Smith play in 2022.
With cap hits of $27.67 million and $19.72 million next season, per Over The Cap, it’s possible at least one of the Smith Bros. could be released to create more cap room. Other options would be contract extensions or restructures, but that could be more complicated when it comes to future years on the cap.
Gary’s breakout season means the Packers have a talented, young pass rusher to build around, and he’s only 24 years old.
One option would be to release Za’Darius Smith to save over $15 million, extend Preston Smith’s contract to lower his 2022 cap hit, then draft an edge rusher.