The Green Bay Packers are in the process of assembling a notably youthful team, prompting discussions about the potential trade of veteran players such as Preston Smith before the start of training camp.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has proposed several bold trade scenarios for the Packers, including the possibility of parting ways with Smith, alongside considering defensive acquisitions. Ballentine offers reasoned arguments for such a move, suggesting that while trading Smith isn’t an urgent necessity, it could prove financially prudent, especially given the emergence of Lukas Van Ness, last year’s first-round pick, as a potential replacement.
Smith, presently under a four-year, $52 million contract extension, is scheduled for free agency in 2027. However, the Packers might opt to trade him sooner to alleviate their financial burden.
Smith has enjoyed a consistent NFL career, though not marked by stardom. Before turning professional, he excelled during his tenure with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, earning first-team All-SEC honors in his final season. Drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith spent his initial four seasons with the Washington Football Team, registering 24.5 sacks and four interceptions. His move to Green Bay in 2019 saw him achieve his career-best season with 12 sacks.
Since joining the Packers, Smith has been a dependable presence, amassing 41.5 sacks and six forced fumbles over five seasons. Despite lacking national recognition, he has consistently contributed to the team’s defensive efforts.
However, at 31 years old, Smith’s effectiveness may decline in the near future, prompting suggestions that the Packers should consider trading him this offseason to preemptively address any decline in performance.
Lukas Van Ness, selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft from Iowa, is seen as Smith’s eventual successor. Although relatively untested as a pass rusher in college, Van Ness’s impressive physical attributes and limited but impactful performances for the Packers in his rookie season have raised expectations for his development.
With the team transitioning to a 4-3 base defense under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Van Ness’s size and playing style are seen as better suited to this scheme. However, until Smith’s performance diminishes, Van Ness is likely to serve primarily as a rotational player rather than a full-time starter.
