Sources – Packers add 2 smuggers, DB to D



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In one morning, the Green Bay Packers made three moves to reshape their struggling defense. According to league sources, they agreed to negotiate two pass smugglers to Za's Darius Smith and Preston Smith, as well as Adrian Amos (security).

The deal was finalized on Tuesday and can be signed at the NFL opening on Wednesday at 4pm. AND. The NFL network was the first to report agreements between Za Darius Smith and Amos.

The second year general manager of the Packers, Brian Gutekunst, was to be active in free agency, especially to add smugglers, but it is perhaps even more than expected. They first agreed to an agreement with Za'Darius Smith, who led the Ravens with 8.5 sacks last season, then they sent Amos away from his division rival, Chicago, to provide some help in high school. Less than two hours later, they reached an agreement with Preston Smith, who has 24.5 sacks in his four seasons with the Redskins.

This is a boon for second year defensive coordinator, Mike Pettine, who has been retained by new coach Matt LaFleur.

The Packers' additions contrasted sharply with the losses of the Baltimore Ravens. C.J. Mosley should sign with the New York Jets, Terrell Suggs will head to the Arizona Cardinals and Eric Weddle will join the Los Angeles Rams after being cut.

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Za's Darius Smith, 26, was the # 1 NFL defense bag leader with a career career record of 8.5 last season. His 60 under pressure players were ranked 17th in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

Smith is a part-time starter who follows the same path as Paul Kruger and Pernell McPhee, both of whom posted big bag numbers in their contract years for the Ravens and who went on a big contract elsewhere.

Choosing the fourth round in 2015, Smith has recorded 10 sacks in his first three seasons before bursting in 2018.

Smith has had a sport hernia operation after the season, but he should be ready for off-season training in the spring.

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The intriguing part of Smith is his potential and his efficiency. He hit the quarterback on 25 of his 485 assists (5.2%), which is more than Kansas City Chiefs defenseman Dee Ford (4.7%).

Smith scored three career goals in last season's win in the shutout (21-0) in Tennessee, where the Ravens have a team record of 11. But Smith has only reaped three sacks in his last 11 games, including a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in the playoffs.

After scoring 24.5 sacks in his first four seasons with the Redskins, Preston Smith had just four sacks in 2018. He was not strong enough for the Redskins with just four forced fumbles – only one of the last three seasons – and four interceptions. .

The 26-year-old is durable, however, he starts every game in his first four seasons in the NFL. He excelled in running and often fell in the cover to help pass play. His length – he measures 6 feet 6 inches with long arms – and his athleticism allowed him to become an immediate starter.

The Redskins selected him in the second round (38th overall) of the 2015 draft, using him to replace Brian Orakpo after his departure as an independent agency. Smith finished with eight sacks in his rookie season, with five in the last three games.

Smith was lined up mostly on the right side while the Redskins turned their outside linebackers more in the last two seasons, but he sometimes rushed from the left or even to the center.

Amos, 25, has played in 56 of the 60 games he has competed in since his fifth round pick (142nd overall) of the 2015 draft.

He started the 16 games safely for the Bears' No. 3 defense last season, finishing with two interceptions, nine defensive passes, one sack and 73 tackles.

Amos also had an interception in the 16-15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs, scoring a Nick Foles pass to Nelson Agholor in the end zone in the second quarter.

Pro Football Focus ranked Amos eighth among the top NFL security teams last season, scoring an overall score of 82.7.

Green Bay needed help for his safety. Two years ago, the Packers had a pair of veterans safe, but last season they left Morgan Burnett left the free agent position and, during the season, traded Ha Ha Clinton-Dix against the Washington Redskins for a fourth round pick in this year's draft. After the Clinton-Dix trade, they transferred veteran cornerback Tramon Williams safely to finish the year. Kentrell Brice, another part-time starter, will become a restricted free agent this week.

Jamison Hensley and John Keim of ESPN contributed to this report.

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