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The Green Bay Packers are tight against the cap and things could get ugly in a hurry. Even so, the front office seems calm, cool, and collected as they have multiple tough decisions to make. One of those necessary decisions regards Za'Darius Smith, who has entered the final year of his contract. It seems the franchise only has two options regarding their superstar pass rusher.
According to Rob Demovsky, the Packers need to make one move if they hope to keep Za'Darius Smith. Considering he's in the final year of his contract, Green Bay should aim to make a decision this offseason. Smith's contract is not favorable for this franchise, which means the front office should look to work a new deal for one of the best defensive players on the roster.
* No long term concern about Bakhtiari's knee.
* Za'Darius Smith's cap number will have to be fixed if he's to say with the team.
* Mason Crosby might be safe because with a contending team "having a championship kicker is important."
More coming on https://t.co/LfG3qVLiik
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) February 23, 2022
It's an interesting situation for the Packers. On one hand, Smith is known as one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. Having him is essential for this team to remain competitive. On the other hand, Za'Darius Smith is in his 30s and isn't getting any younger. Either way, the front office should address his contract in the offseason.
The ideal situation is he agrees to take a pay cut to help the Packers' cap situation this year. If Green Bay can provide a cap-friendly extension on top of that, then this team will be set up for years to come. However, it depends whether or not Za'Darius Smith is willing to accept a decrease in pay.
We'll see how it plays out, but the Packers have their hands full with tough decisions regarding the roster. Once Aaron Rodgers makes his official decision, we should have a more clear path into what Green Bay plans to do. Until then, all this franchise can do is play the waiting game.
