Green Bay Packers linebackers Preston Smith and De’Vondre Campbell re-signed on Monday in an unexpected set of moves that could reinforce the defense entering 2022.
Smith’s four-year extension gives him a chance to make $71 million over the next five seasons, per reports. The Packers signed Campbell to a five-year deal, keeping the All-Pro despite strong outside interest in free agency.
Campbell’s agent said the deal is worth $50 million with $36.25 in the first two years.
The Packers could not make the contract numbers add up for outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith, who was released Monday along with offensive tackle Billy Turner as the team works to reduce its salary-cap burden for 2022.
Za’Darius Smith underwent back surgery in 2021 after recording 13.5 sacks in 2019 and 12.5 in 2020.
Turner, 30, started 43 games the past three seasons, primarily at right tackle, and also made starts at left tackle and right guard.
Za’Darius Smith, 29, carried a $27.66 million cap figure for 2022 and will count more than $12 million against the cap upon his release, a savings of more than $15 million for the Packers.
Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith signed in the team’s 2019 free agent class.
Multiple reports pegged the value of the four-year extension for Preston Smith, tacked on to the final year of his current deal, at $52.5 million, and $65 million over the length of the five-year contract. With incentives, Preston Smith could earn $71 million.
Preston Smith, 29, had 9.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2021 and has 49.5 career sacks in seven seasons.
He played for the Washington franchise from 2015-18 before joining the Packers.