8 Packers players (and coaches) that will not be back in 2024

Preston Smith

Unlike the other four players mentioned so far, Preston Smith has played well this season. The veteran pass rusher has stepped up big-time in recent weeks, making four sacks and seven quarterback hits in the past three games. According to Pro Football Focus, no edge defender in the NFL earned a higher grade than Smith in Week 8.

Smith is a consistent run defender and is making a difference as a pass rusher. He is one of the veteran leaders on defense, especially after the Packers traded Rasul Douglas. Smith is leading by example.

However, there's a good chance this will be Smith's final season in Green Bay.

The Packers are in rebuild mode. They won't admit it, but trading away a key defensive player like Douglas for a third-round pick tells us all we need to know. Green Bay is focused on the future, which means getting younger on both sides of the ball while creating a healthier salary cap.

According to Over The Cap, Smith's cap numbers over the next three seasons are $16.51 million, $17.51 million, and $18.21 million, and he turns 31 next month. Releasing Smith in the offseason would only save the Packers $2.52 million, leaving them with a dead cap hit of just under $14 million. However, the important part is that Smith's contract would come off the books in 2025.

Smith is playing at a high level. The Packers will likely need to move on for financial reasons, but he should have no trouble finding a new team.