Preston Smith Is Quietly Having An Excellent Season

Green Bay’s pass rush has faltered against some weak offensive lines in recent weeks, so having one of the team’s highest-paid players showing up in a big way in a must-win game was delightful.

If teams focus on covering Gary, we need to see these kinds of performances from Smith.

It feels imminent that Joe Barry’s time in Green Bay will soon come to an end. The defense was excellent against Minnesota, and Matt LaFleur praised it. But Barry’s overall body of work isn’t impressive. LaFleur’s comments don’t seem like a coach dedicated to keeping his lackluster coordinator around.

We don’t know exactly what LaFleur will seek in his next coordinator. He could stick to a similar scheme with a better coordinator or could (and probably should) consider a different scheme and philosophy.

Whatever route he goes, that new DC will need skilled pass-rushers, something a team can never have too many of. And a nine-year veteran in the room will make that person’s life much easier.

Pass rush coordinator Jason Rebrovich has always lauded Smith’s leadership and value in the locker room.

“He’s got nine years of experience in this league,” Rebrovich said in December. “That’s a lot. I put my arm around him and ask him questions about what his daily routine is and how he does it. How he’s seen it.”

The team just signed Gary to a massive extension and has a promising first-round talent in Lukas Van Ness. Ideally, the Packers want that duo as their starters.

Green Bay has Smith signed through the 2026 season, but the team has a potential out this offseason. Smith is the sixth-highest-paid player on the roster, which might feel too high for the EDGE3 role.

But even if Van Ness takes a big leap next season, you still want a reliable veteran like Smith around. A modern defense needs to harass the quarterback as much as possible. Injuries happen, and a savvy coordinator could find ways to get all three edge rushers on the field simultaneously.

While the Packers have embraced the youth movement, Smith is still producing in his early 30s. His leadership is valuable, especially considering the Packers are likely bringing in a new coordinator. Whether the Packers keep Smith on his current deal or try to restructure his contract, Preston Smith should be a valuable piece for the next regime.