When Preston Smith was signed to a free agent contract in 2019, the Packers expected Smith to help the defense with its pass rush.
With Smith and former Packer Za’darius Smith firing on all cylinders, the Smith Bros brought life to the Packers Defense.
While Za’darius left the Packers back in the 2022 offseason, Preston has stayed loyal to the Packers.
Smith was rewarded for staying loyal to the Packers by signing an extension back in 2022.
The contract was a 4 year contract worth 52.5 million dollars.
We’ll take a look back on how Preston Smith became one of the veteran leaders on the Packers defense.
2019
When Smith come to the Packers via free agency, it was expected that he would start opposite Za’Darrius Smith as an edge rusher.
Preston immediately made an impact in his first game against the Bears.
He had 1.5 sacks and 3 QB hits.
Though out the season the Smith Bros reeked havoc on opposing offenses backfields.
Along with that came a new feeling and energy in the locker room.
Both Za’darrius and Preston would do game interviews together, hence why they were called the “Smith Bros”.
Preston finished off the year with 12 sacks.
That was good for 2nd on the team behind Za’Darrius.
2020-2021
Preston hit a bit of a roadblock in 2020 when it came to sacks.
He only had 4 sacks all year in 2020.
Smith also seemed to struggle with his weight that year.
Entering 2021, Smith came back slimmer and stronger than he was the previous season.
While Smith only had 4 sacks in 2021, he took the role as veteran and leader on the Packers defense.
With Za’darrius out for the majority of the season the Packers needed a leader like Preston.
He became a mentor to Rashan Gary, who was developing into a really good edge rusher.
What Preston brings to the Packers defense in 2024?
Since then Smith has be one of the cornerstones of the Packers defense both on the filed and off the field.
Smith brings not only experience but leadership to what is now a young Packers defense.
Not only is he one of the oldest tenured players on the team, but Smith still plays at a high level.
While some might thing Preston is winding down his career, it seems like Smith has a lot left in the tank.
That is good for the Packers who don’t really have too much depth behind Smith and Gary.
With 2022 draft pick Kingsley Enagbare and 2023 first round pick Lukas Van Ness still developing, they’ll need that mentorship from Smith.
Conclusion
Packers fans would have never thought that Preston Smith would’ve lasted longer in Green bay than Za’Darius back in 2019.
Based on the stats and Pro Bowl selections, you would’ve though the other Smith would’ve stayed longer.
But Preston has been loyal to not only the front office but his teammates as well.
This young team looks up to him when needed and it has shown the last couple of years.
The scary part of all of this is, Smith doesn’t seem like he planning to retire anytime soon.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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