Green Bay Packers OLB Za’Darius Smith deleted Packers-related items from his social media on Friday. Paired with his contract situation, it leaves one to believe he will not be back in 2022. Smith, going into the final season of a 4 year, $66 million dollar deal he signed before the 2019 season, has a cap number of roughly $28mm for next year.
Smith was hindered with a severe back injury, which required surgery, during 2021. He played in 2 out of a possible 18 games, both on a pitch count. Given his recent injury history, coupled with his cap number and Green Bay’s current cap situation, it makes sense that the Packers are likely moving forward without Z, as Andy referenced above.