“Packers Explore Trade Options for Aging Edge Rusher Preston Smith Amid Shift to Youthful Roster”
The team has actively sought to become younger on offense over the last two seasons, and this strategy now seems to extend to the defense as well.
On October 23, Rob Demovsky from ESPN reported that the Packers have started to gauge interest in edge rusher Preston Smith’s contract from other teams ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline on November 5.
Reports indicate that the Packers are shopping Smith, who at 31 is the team’s second-oldest player, and they are considering acquiring someone to enhance their pass rush. Demovsky noted, “Smith has a hefty salary ($12 million this season, $12.6 million next) and has seen a decline in his performance. He may be a candidate for release after the season, so the Packers could look to trade him now for some value.”
Smith, under a $52 million contract that extends through 2026, has managed only 2.5 sacks in eight games this season, following three consecutive years with between 8 and 9 sacks.
Given his age, salary, and drop in production, the Packers are unlikely to receive a significant return for him in a trade. However, trading Smith for any draft pick in 2025 could benefit Green Bay by alleviating his salary and making space for younger edge rushers.
Rashan Gary recently signed a four-year, $96 million contract in October 2023 but has also struggled this season, recording only 2 sacks.
In the same piece discussing Smith’s potential trade, Demovsky’s ESPN colleague Seth Walder identified Jadeveon Clowney, a defensive end for the Carolina Panthers, as a possible trade target for Green Bay.