The Green Bay Packers had the busiest single day in free agency in franchise history Tuesday. General Manager Brian Gutenkunst reportedly inked four new players in an avenue that previous GM Ted Thompson never did with this kind of fervor.
Tuesday started with reports of Green Bay signing edge rusher Za'Darius Smith. Minutes later safety Adrian Amos was set to bolster the safety position. Preston Smith was the next addition Tuesday morning adding another outside linebacker. Finally, offensive lineman Bill Turner was signed by the green and gold.
Gutenkunst later announced the release of Nick Perry to make all the moves look financially feasible and the re-signing of Clay Matthews took a big hit Tuesday as well.
Smith and Smith combined for 110-plus pressures of opposing quarterbacks last year alone. That number alone gives Packers fans a sense that the defense will be much improved in 2019.
Amos started all 16 games for the Bears and had two interceptions last season. The signing weakens a division opponent and gives Green Bay a likely starter in the defensive secondary.
Za'Darius Smith will reportedly receive $16.5 million per year. That number puts him as a top-five paid player at the edge rusher position in the NFL. The move is no Ron Wolf inks Reggie White type deal, but Green Bay is hoping Smith's impact could get the Packers back to the Super Bowl.
Aaron Rodgers is still in the prime of his career and moves like the ones that were made today indicate Green Bay is ready to help #12 get a handful of additional shots at bringing a few more Lombardi's back home.
