As the Green Bay Packers look for opportunities to make room in its salary cap, the Kansas City Chiefs are trying to take advantage of it. Za’Darius Smith, the star outside linebacker of the Packers, who missed almost the entirety of the 2021 season may be staring at his last few days in the Lambeau Field.
The Packers who are in desperate need to accommodate high capped players like Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, would most likely bid Smith adieu. Za’Darius has a cap number of $27,661,250 for the year 2022, according to Over The Cap. Which is unlikely for the Packers to hold on to, especially during these times. And so teams like Ravens have already considering Za’Darius as a trade prospect.
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If the Packers release Zadarius Smith, the #Chiefs have been called “smart money” as a potential new destination. https://t.co/bh0bEdy3au
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) February 27, 2022
Kansas City Chiefs are rumored to monitor the veteran outside linebacker ahead of the 2022 season, according to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network. The Chiefs are already dealing with their own cap casualty, Frank Clark. Furthermore, Melvin Ingram is heading towards free agency, leaving behind a big LB void.
Kansas City Chiefs to monitor Za’Darius Smith
Za’Darius had no contribution to the Packers this season. The edge rusher re-injured his back during their season opener against the New Orleans Saints. And that first game of the season proved to be his last. During that game, he recorded just one tackle. And the Packers lost to the Saints 38-3.
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Smith spent a total of three seasons with the Packers. Though his 2021 season was a complete flop, his previous two seasons were very productive and impressive. He totaled 13.5 sacks in 2019 and 12.5 in 2020, making him one of the three players to have 12-plus sacks in each of the two seasons. The other two being Aaron Donald and T.J. Watt.
However, the Packers have the likes of Rashan Gary and Jonathan Garvin for that spot, who also have significantly fewer requirements in the salary cap. However, the 29-year-old OLB could complement the Kansas City Chiefs well. Should the Packers stick to the Smith? Or should Smith take the opportunity and hop on board with the Chiefs?
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