The Green Bay Packers will sign linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith when the new league year starts tomorrow. Former Redskins LB Preston Smith’s deal is for four years with a base value of $52 million with a $16 million dollar signing bonus. Former Ravens LB Za’Darius Smith’s four-year deal comes in at a base value of $66 million with a $20 million signing bonus.
Espn’s Rob Demovsky first reported on the Packers signing of Preston Smith via Twitter.
The Packers also are signing Preston Smith, according to a league source. Huge day for the Packers defense.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 12, 2019
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on the specifics of the contract via Twitter.
The #Packers are signing LB Preston Smith to a 4-year deal worth a base value of $52M, source said. He gets $16M to sign. He gets $27.5M over the first two years.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019
Rapoport also reported Green Bay’s signing of Za’Darius Smith via Twitter.
The #Packers are expected to bring in a huge addition, bringing in former #Ravens edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, sources say. They tried to trade for him a few years ago, are in prime position to sign him now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019
SportsTrust Advisers tweeted out the specifics of the Za’Darius Smith deal.
Four years, $66 million, $20 million signing bonus. $34.5 million in first 2 years. Let's go, @TheRealZSmith! #LegendsLiveHere #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/FPEcV4Ogcc
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) March 12, 2019
With these signings and the firing of head coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers are making it clear that missing the playoffs will not be a habit in Green Bay. Both stud linebackers will be welcomed additions to a middle of the pack defense that did not do enough last season to help future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers win games. While the Packer offense still needs to improve to make a run to the playoffs possible, the signings of Za’Darius and Preston Smith will help make their defense put fear in opposing teams looking to keep up with Rodgers.
