Goodbye Preston Smith!

[Schultz]

I firmly believe that if Preston did not ask to be traded, he would not have been traded. As usual most if not all of our speculation was mostly wrong. IMO. It was fun though.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I think you’re like most of us, concerned why would turn a perfectly good DE without replacing him? It’s a ? we all had but you answered it yourself so it’s obvious I’m not implying he’s Preston’s direct replacement. My contention was never that. What I am displaying is we’ve got a couple players that can handle an increase in backup duty. Thats all I’m saying. I’m not saying he’s HOF or Probowl or a FT Starter or anything like that. I am saying he made the 53 and while you discount that because he’s undrafted, doesn’t make his ability any less. There are Many Drafted players sitting at home at this minute that he beat out. I think we put too much emphasis on draft stock. The only thing we know is when he’s been out there in limited snaps he impressed. Arron cant do any more than that

Now that we’ve got that behind us! I’ll answer your question the best I can.
Arron has a history that shows he’s really a hybrid between the two. He’s played at BOTH LB and DE (snd initially Safety) His most effective production came from Rushing the Passer at DE in 2021. He put up 6 Sacks including multiple strips that resulted in 6 Forced Fumbles. He also had an Elite TFL #. Putting up 16 Losses on 40 Tackles. Thats unheard of. Now for reference it is at the FCS level, but that’s not a normal TFL rate even in College or in lower echelon Conferences. I see absolutely no reason he hasn’t earned 10-15 snaps per game to take up slack.

No doubt Mosby has the tools and potential. All I am saying, and I think the news from Preston indirectly confirms it, this wasn't a move by Gute because he thought Mosby was the better player.

 

[milani]

New news on the Preston Smith trade.

He actually requested to be traded.

"A few weeks ago, I requested a trade," Smith said. "I didn't feel like I was being useful in the system. It wasn't catering to my play style. Moving forward, I wasn't surprised when I got the call. I got what I asked for."

Preston Smith Explains Why He Requested Trade From Packers

Smith on Tuesday was dealt to the Steelers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick.

www.si.com

Honesty. The Packers must have considered this when they went to Hafley concerning the 4-3.

 

[tynimiller]

I firmly believe that if Preston did not ask to be traded, he would not have been traded. As usual most if not all of our speculation was mostly wrong. IMO. It was fun though.

Agree, GB respects the hell out of P, and the fact you really don’t want your aging Vet anything but all in.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Other than picking a guy off a practice squad or signing a street free agent, how would add anybody to the team down the stretch? The options are extremely limited. Nobody is talking about Enagbar because he hasn't done much this season. He may pick-up a few more snaps but at this point, I think the front office is aware of what he can and can't do. That's why Gute was highlighting Cox and Mosby as getting many of Smith's snaps.

Yeah Engabare has flashed potential here and there but hasn't put anything together consistently. So I think you're right, Smith's departure - aside from the cap savings and 7th round pick - will give Cox and Mosby a chance. Mosby looks interesting so why not see if there is something there?

On a related note. and just my opinion - the mid-season trade deadline is used primarily by good teams who have one hole to patch, and by bad teams going nowhere collecting draft picks for a rebuild. The deadline doesn't work well for a team like the Packers where the needs are deeper and long term (CB group, Edge rush group). Those needs are better addressed in the offseason through the draft and FA. I'm thinking of how Gluten transformed the S group last offseason with draft picks and FA (McKinney).

For example, aside from Stokes' rookie year, I don't remember the last time GB had two solid, dependable CBs. Yeah JA is very good when he can play, but everyone else is JAG. It seems like the Packers have been trying to solve the CB problem for a long time. That doesn't mean they should stop trying. A combination of FA and the draft worked well for the S group, so why not for CBs? They should have a decent amount of cap space for FA.

 

[Heyjoe4]

New news on the Preston Smith trade.

He actually requested to be traded.

"A few weeks ago, I requested a trade," Smith said. "I didn't feel like I was being useful in the system. It wasn't catering to my play style. Moving forward, I wasn't surprised when I got the call. I got what I asked for."

Preston Smith Explains Why He Requested Trade From Packers

Smith on Tuesday was dealt to the Steelers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick.

www.si.com

That makes sense. He's a veteran with a few years left in the league and he still has some mileage left. Why not play in a system better suited to his style? He'll be remembered as a very good player for the Packers. He certainly handled his exit with class. I think both sides got something they wanted.

 

[Sanguine camper]

With Smith and his declining production in the 4-3, he knows the hand writing is on the wall in that he would've been cut after the season because of his 2025 cap hit. Rather than struggle the remainder of the season, he asked for a trade to a 3-4 team. If he plays well for the Steelers we'll know his decline was primarily caused by the scheme change. If he continues to struggle, then it's probably age catching up with him. He was a good player for the Packers and I hope he rebounds with Pittsburg.

 

[Heyjoe4]

With Smith and his declining production in the 4-3, he knows the hand writing is on the wall in that he would've been cut after the season because of his 2025 cap hit. Rather than struggle the remainder of the season, he asked for a trade to a 3-4 team. If he plays well for the Steelers we'll know his decline was primarily caused by the scheme change. If he continues to struggle, then it's probably age catching up with him. He was a good player for the Packers and I hope he rebounds with Pittsburg.

Well said. I didn't realize it until today - Smith never missed a game while in GB. That's unreal. Anyway, he was a great player, a great Packer, and for a professional athlete, an understated kind of guy. Just did his job and he did it well. I do wish him well in Pittsburgh and thank him for the work he did for the Packers.

 

[OldSchool101]

No doubt Mosby has the tools and potential. All I am saying, and I think the news from Preston indirectly confirms it, this wasn't a move by Gute because he thought Mosby was the better player.

Oh no obviously not I agree with that. That said, if you told me to give you a list of 5 starters on Defense that get immunity to a trade or season ending injury? Preston would not make my list. It’s nothing personal I think he’s a good human being and all that. He’s been consistently good, but also consistently waning this season.

I’ll go on record to say that I think his more recent level of production can be eventually replaced. I’ll even speculate it’s not some massive dropoff when we divide up his snaps. I believe he’s been struggling with this for longer than you and I know about it. Possibly a month or so. Do I want a guy playing that’s checked out and going through the motions? Absolutely not. I’d rather rip the bandaid off now. We have 2 weeks to prepare and move forward. I don’t think this changed much of anything in the long term I hope that’s not too disrespectful. Wish him all the best and glad he’s in the AFC.

 

[OldSchool101]

I’ve often wondered if Quay Walker could play DE. He’d be undersized at 245lbs now, but he’s got the frame to pack on 10-15 pounds. Just from the eye test, he seems to do better attacking. I remember when we drafted him and scouting reports commented he’s a rare one because he could be a sound Mike LB, yet also could converted outside or used as a Pass Rusher and how rare that ability is when talking about an Off Ball LB. When i watch his tape? If he’s on his heels he gets washed away like a ripped up pair of boxers fighting Class 4 Rapids. He’s another one that’s almost out of his element. Hes just very average for me inside. Once he engages he’s a very good tackler and aggressive but he doesn’t do well against blocks in the second level. He had a very high QB pressure rate when rushing (25 Pressures in 1 season when used sparingly) and I’d like to see him used more in that capacity. Seems like his talent is being wasted. Just my opinion from my semi Novice eye test

 

[Pugger]

He became a liability when we switched to a 4-3. He needed to go during final cut downs.

Just let walk during the final cut downs? That would be dumb. At least we'll get something for him, even tho it is a late round draft pick.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

Just let walk during the final cut downs? That would be dumb. At least we'll get something for him, even tho it is a late round draft pick.

How much cap money did we spend on him this year?

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

Preston fit the 3-4 defense, not the 4-3 we see more prevalent now. It doesn't necessarily mean his skill levels have diminished, it's just that they don't fit the Packer needs. He did a good job in GB, and we should be happy for him, if he's going to get a chance to play.

We lost 2 games last year cause he was 30 years old with a bad knee and trying to cover a running back.

 

[milani]

How much cap money did we spend on him this year?

Last I heard it was 8 mill.

 

[tynimiller]

We lost 2 games last year cause he was 30 years old with a bad knee and trying to cover a running back.

Yes because one or two isolated moments in a game cost the game.

Preston has been one of the most dependable pieces to our defense since he got here.

 

[OldSchool101]

Last I heard it was 8 mill.

I’m not always sure on the accuracy Spotrac and and similar sights are and sometimes hard to read into those. The two I looked at showed identical. Preston and GB renegotiated his contract in 2024, it reduced his compensation $2.4mil in the process. His cap hit displays just $2.02mil in 2024. I know that sounds miniscule.
According to PackerWire post renegotiation, Preston would earn $10mil but had a $14.1mil cap hit. Not sure why these sites are so far apart on that number.
In either case it’s really a mute point now

On a side note. I forgot how reliable he was. Missing just 1 game for us starting in 2019. That’s impressive

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

We lost 2 games last year cause he was 30 years old with a bad knee and trying to cover a running back.

Right, because Gary, LVN, and Enagbare, were so much better options to cover running backs.

I doubt the defensive game plan for games is "lets make sure to put an OLB on a receiving RB every snap. Yes, there are times when things break down and a guy like Preston ends up having to cover a RB. I'm not putting a lot of emphasis on an OLB's ability to drop back into coverage. When did you see Gary, LVN or Enagbare drop back into coverage?

Yes because one or two isolated moments in a game cost the game.

Preston has been one of the most dependable pieces to our defense since he got here.

Spot on. It gets tiring reading "fans" misplaced/misguided negativity. It also seems to consistently come from certain fans, especially after a single loss.

 

[OldSchool101]

What’s amazing is Preston only played a total of 49 snaps across the last 2 games. (Likely to honor his trade request and phase him out). That means he averaged less than 25 snaps per game, yet we still played decent overall in Defense. I don’t think those snaps being spread around will have some profound negative effect though. You feed LVN and Enagbare each 5+ snaps and we’re talking 10-15 snaps to go around off what we’ve been recently tracking.

Preston’s involvement has been waning going back a couple seasons.
2019-84% snaps (season high)
2022-80% snaps
2023-66% snaps
2024-54% snaps

While Preston was good overall across his tenure, it’s a fact that his usage was dwindling and he was on pace to set career lows in tackles, sacks and pressures. It no longer became unattainable to achieve his more recent production. Pacing 37 tackles, 4 sacks and 19 pressures across a 17 game season is not terrible, but it’s not playing up to his $10mil, 2024 salary either. I like Preston, I think he’s a good guy I really do. But his heart wasn’t in this anymore.

 

[SudsMcBucky]

I’m not always sure on the accuracy Spotrac and and similar sights are and sometimes hard to read into those. The two I looked at showed identical. Preston and GB renegotiated his contract in 2024, it reduced his compensation $2.4mil in the process. His cap hit displays just $2.02mil in 2024. I know that sounds miniscule.
According to PackerWire post renegotiation, Preston would earn $10mil but had a $14.1mil cap hit. Not sure why these sites are so far apart on that number.
In either case it’s really a mute point now

On a side note. I forgot how reliable he was. Missing just 1 game for us starting in 2019. That’s impressive

I tend to like OTC and they corraborate the $2.02MM cap savings for the remainder of the year.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Preston's contract pretty much assured that he wouldn't be a Packer beyond 2024. I think the switch to a 4-3, pretty much put the final stamp on it. Now had Preston liked playing in a 4-3 and thrived in it, then maybe we are talking about a different story for The Packers and Preston moving forward.

The Packers did the classy thing and traded Preston to a contender, but more importantly, a contender that has been running a 3-4 defense since 1982. I wish him the best of luck and hope his career flourishes for many years to come.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Now for the fun part of the Preston Smith pick. For all you draft guru's, which pick will the Packers get in the 7th round?

The Packers’ compensation for Preston Smith could be any of 5 draft picks

Have fun figuring this one out

www.acmepackingcompany.com

 

[OldSchool101]

Now for the fun part of the Preston Smith pick. For all you draft guru's, which pick will the Packers get in the 7th round?

The Packers’ compensation for Preston Smith could be any of 5 draft picks

Have fun figuring this one out

www.acmepackingcompany.com

The 2nd of that Eagles one I think I read? I also liked another persons take (I can’t remember which article said it). The Packers basically traded Malik Willis for Preston Smith. We gave up a 7th and then recouped that 7th. Savings precious Cap $$ and gaining a valuable contingency plan at QB. It is a neat way to think about it.

So, as long as I’m dreaming.. (and bored during our Bye). What could we get for Malik? I doubt GB trades him but IF they did so before the 2025 draft? For 1 season and potential future help he garners a 4th Rounder (possibly a pick swap such as we send Malik with a 7th back)

 

[OldSchool101]

I did notice Preston had over $35mil payout over the 2025-2026 seasons. So as you said @Pokerbrat2000 it wasn’t sustainable. I think there was a 75% Preston was gone in 2025.
1. He had already taken a paycut (-2.4M) in 2024.
2. He’ll turn 33 years old midway through the 2025 season.
3. His play had declined and his position fit was marginal at best in this Defense.

 

[Sanguine camper]

We lost 2 games last year cause he was 30 years old with a bad knee and trying to cover a running back.

Any time a guy like Preston at 265-270 pounds is covering a running back, chalk it up to stupid coaching. No way do you blame that on the player. It would be similar to a team having a 210 pound RB try and pass block a 275 pound DE. It's just a mismatch that competent coaching avoids.

 

[tynimiller]

The 2nd of that Eagles one I think I read? I also liked another persons take (I can’t remember which article said it). The Packers basically traded Malik Willis for Preston Smith. We gave up a 7th and then recouped that 7th. Savings precious Cap $$ and gaining a valuable contingency plan at QB. It is a neat way to think about it.

So, as long as I’m dreaming.. (and bored during our Bye). What could we get for Malik? I doubt GB trades him but IF they did so before the 2025 draft? For 1 season and potential future help he garners a 4th Rounder (possibly a pick swap such as we send Malik with a 7th back)

In truth I would place TOP being a third round only through conditions being met.

A good friend of mine in a scouting department feels strongly GB could likely get a fifth or fourth this upcoming draft with a conditional in 2026 tied to what Malik does which would realistically cap at a 4th…or 3rd if like some lunacy conditional is met.