Raiders: 10 cut candidates to keep an eye on
- Edge Preston Smith, Green Bay Packers
- Cap savings if cut: $12 million (post-June 1 cut)
During the 2019 offseason, the Green Bay Packers signed Preston Smith to a four-year, $52 million contract. In his first campaign with the club, he recorded a career-high 12 sacks and formed a strong pass-rushing tandem with Za’Darius Smith.
While Za’Darius continued his rampage against quarterbacks, Preston took a step back because of coverage duties, finishing with four sacks this past season.
The Packers selected Rashan Gary with the 12th pick in the 2019 draft. He’s a cheaper replacement for Smith on the edge. The Michigan product made strides in his second season, recording 19 quarterback pressures, five sacks and five tackles for loss while playing just 44 percent of the defensive snaps.
At 6’5″, 265 pounds, with the ability to rush the passer and drop back into coverage, something he’s comfortable doing as a second-level defender, Smith can play the Leo role in Bradley’s defense. Through six seasons, he’s tallied 40.5 sacks, 47 tackles for loss, 20 pass breakups, and five interceptions.