Packers salary cap: Predicting Za’Darius Smith’s future

Za’Darius Smith only played in two games for the Green Bay Packers this past season due to a back injury, one of them being the divisional round of the playoffs.

What’s next for Smith? Is there any chance he’s back in 2022?

The Packers have some big salary cap decisions to make, one of them being Smith’s future.

Note: Salary cap information in this article is according to Over The Cap.

Za’Darius Smith’s 2022 salary cap hit

Za’Darius Smith’s 2022 cap hit is currently $27.67 million, the second-highest for the Packers behind Aaron Rodgers.

What are the Packers’ options?

The easiest way for the Packers to make a cap saving with Smith’s contract would be to release him. Doing so would create $15.28 million. That would have a dead cap hit of $12.38 million, which is far from ideal, but it’s significantly lower than what the Packers are currently set to pay.

Another option would be to work on a long-term extension with Smith. This would allow the team to potentially lower his 2022 cap hit by pushing some of the money into future years when the cap should be higher.

This is a riskier option, though, as Smith is entering his age-30 season and only played in two games this year due to injury.

Prediction

My prediction is that Z’s time in Green Bay will come to an end. Even if Aaron Rodgers returns and Green Bay commits to going all-in for 2022, the team can’t pay everybody. A contract extension is an option, but I think they will move on from Smith to help get under the salary cap.

Rashan Gary’s breakout season makes this an easier choice. Green Bay can then look to the draft to add some more depth to the pass rush.

A tough decision, but Smith may have played his final snap for the Packers.