The Green Bay Packers exceeded expectations in the 2023 NFL season, largely due to Jordan Love’s breakout performance as the new starting quarterback. Love’s stellar season, ranking second in the league for passing touchdowns, catapulted the team into playoff contention, securing an away win against the Cowboys and nearly eliminating the 49ers. This unforeseen success has shifted the Packers into a win-now mode, rendering any plans to trade veteran players obsolete.
Despite this, a recent suggestion from Bleacher Report proposed trading linebacker Preston Smith. While Smith has been consistent, with at least eight sacks in four of the past five seasons, his contract comes with a hefty price tag, prompting discussion about his value compared to the potential salary cap relief and draft picks a trade could yield.
The emergence of rookie Lukas Van Ness, who boasts a comparable sack-to-snap ratio to Smith, further fueled speculation about Smith’s potential departure. However, several factors weigh in favor of retaining the veteran linebacker. Firstly, the Packers have already addressed their financial constraints this offseason and chose to keep Smith despite other roster adjustments. Secondly, while Van Ness shows promise, he is still a developing player, and the Packers’ leadership believes maintaining a high level of performance is paramount over minor cap savings or draft picks.
Additionally, the value of veteran leadership on a young roster cannot be overstated. Smith’s contributions extend beyond sacks, as he consistently applies pressure, hurries, and hits on opposing quarterbacks, making him a valuable asset to the team’s defensive strategy.
In conclusion, while the idea of maximizing future assets and cap space is tempting, the Packers are prioritizing immediate competitive success and nurturing their young talent. Preston Smith’s consistent performance and leadership make him an integral part of the team’s present and future ambitions.