The dawn of a new era is upon the Green Bay Packers. With Jordan Love taking over as the starting quarterback after Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets, the team is in a clear transitional period.
That has led to plenty of questions about what to expect from the team during the 2023 season. How Love will perform is a mystery as his opportunities to play have been far and few between. It is anyone’s guess what kind of production he will provide for what is a very inexperienced offensive unit.
If the Packers are going to win games, it will be because of their defense. There are some experienced players on that side of the ball and after underperforming during the 2022 season, they will be motivated to get back on track.
However, will some of those veteran players want to stick around for the upcoming season? It is hard to envision the Packers being contenders unless Love blows away all expectations and performs at a Pro Bowl-type level. That could lead to some older players wanting an opportunity elsewhere.
One player who could fall into that category is pass rusher Preston Smith. Smith was named a potential surprising cut candidate for the Packers this offseason. Without many no-brainer cut candidates, Smith could find himself on the chopping block, but it would have to be at his request.
Green Bay wouldn’t receive much salary relief moving on from him, as only about $2 million would be cleared and $4 million would remain in dead money. Focusing on the development of their young players will be key this season, which could lead to a veteran of Smith’s stature looking to move on.
He will be turning 31 during the regular season, so he should have plenty of good football remaining ahead of him. Alas, spending one of those final prime years for what could be a rebuilding season may not be what he wants.
The Packers also used the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on pass rusher Lukas Van Ness. If Rashan Gary is able to get back on the field and looks healthy, the Packers could see Smith as an expendable piece to save at least a little bit of cash.
