Packers Extend Preston Smith; Release ZaDarius Smith And Billy Turner

The Packers released Billy Turner and ZaDarius Smith. Turner's release saves $3.359 million, but a net of $2.65 million because his removal promotes a player making $705K into the top 51 highest paid Packers. Releasing ZaDarius Smith saves $15.281 million, or a net of $14.576 million.

ZaDarius Smith's release was widely expected although there were reports that Smith was offered the option to return to the team to play for the cash he was scheduled to earn - but probably with voids to reduce his cap number. ZaDarius if healthy is much better off declining that offer and entering free agency one year younger and free of the risk of injury or that the quality of his play might decline in 2022…