Packers Making Several Additions as Free Agency Nears, Release Veteran Linebacker

Free agency in the NFL doesn’t officially begin until
Wednesday afternoon – but early reports are showing the Packers are adding some
key pieces on both offense and defense. Multiple sources are reporting that
Green Bay has assigned to deals with pass rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston
Smith, along with safety Adrian Amos and offensive lineman Billy Turner.


Za’Darius Smith was a 2015 draft pick by the Baltimore
Ravens. He started eight games last year for Baltimore – registering eight and
a half sacks. Preston Smith is coming over from Washington, where he started
all 16 games last year for the Redskins with three sacks – he has totaled 24
& ½ sacks in four NFL seasons. Amos was a 16 game starter in Chicago last
year with two interceptions. Meanwhile, Turner started 11 games last season for
Denver, playing a combination of guard and tackle.


In wake of the moves, the team also announced the release
of linebacker Nick Perry on Tuesday. Perry – a first round pick in the 2012
draft – started 48 out of 81 games for Green Bay, with 259 tackles, 32 sacks,
an interception and seven forced fumbles. He also had seven sacks in the
postseason, which ties for third most in team history.