3 players Packers could cut in 2023 to create cap room

Preston Smith

Possible cap savings in 2023: $10.6 million

Like with David Bakhtiari, releasing Preston Smith would give the Packers a greater 2023 cap saving if the transaction took place after June 1. Green Bay would then create $10.6 million in cap space, rather than $3.28 million if the move happens before then.

Smith is having a solid season for the Packers, making 5.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits in the opening 12 games.

However, he has been a little inconsistent. Smith has made two sacks in the previous two games, but before that, he had gone five games without making a sack.

Whether Smith remains in Green Bay next year could depend on the direction of the team. If the Packers decide to start over and begin a rebuild, they could decide to move on from Smith.

If Aaron Rodgers is back and the Packers are committed to challenging next year, they may decide to keep key veteran players like Smith.

It’s unclear whether Rashan Gary will be ready to return from injury in time for Week 1, so edge rusher may be an area of need for the Packers in the offseason if they move on from Smith. But with Kingsley Enagbare showing potential in his rookie year, the Packers may have confidence he can develop into a starter.