The Green Bay Packers made a significant move on Tuesday by trading away veteran pass rusher Preston Smith, signaling their commitment to a younger lineup on defense for the remainder of the season.
This decision opens up more playing time for some promising up-and-comers, including former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare, who will now join Rashan Gary as key figures on the edge. Additionally, the team is looking forward to seeing more from developing talents like Arron Mosby and Brenton Cox.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst expressed excitement about the chance to let these younger players shine. Speaking on the team’s official website, he said, “We’re excited to see both of those guys, see some more snaps. I think certainly they’ve earned it.” Gutekunst praised Mosby and Cox’s performances in training camp and ongoing work during practice, suggesting that the team believes in their potential to make an impact.
The move to trade Smith may have surprised some outside of Green Bay, but it’s not entirely unexpected. Smith’s production has been lower this season compared to previous years. According to Next Gen Stats, he managed only a 7.1% quarterback pressure rate on 156 pass-rush snaps in 2024. The Packers had already started to limit his playing time, giving him just 21 snaps in their Week 9 game.
Smith’s departure also reflects the Packers’ strategic shift in defensive schemes under coordinator Jeff Hafley. Smith was seen as a questionable fit in Hafley’s new approach, which likely contributed to Green Bay’s decision. With Smith’s cap hit set to reach $14.1 million in 2025, it’s clear the team was already considering moving on. By trading him now, the Packers at least received a seventh-round pick instead of potentially letting him walk for no return.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
The organization is optimistic that increased snaps for Van Ness, Enagbare, Mosby, and Cox will give the defense an added boost. Gutekunst expressed confidence in this young group, saying, “From that entire group, we need more from those guys as we move forward into the second half of the season, and I think we’ll get that.” His comments reflect the team’s belief that these players have what it takes to rise to the challenge.
With the Packers on a bye in Week 10, this young group will have a valuable opportunity to prepare before their next game in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears. The added time off should allow them to settle into their new roles and bring fresh energy to the defense as they prepare for the matchup.
As the Packers move into the second half of the season, they’re hoping that this younger, energized defensive line can bring some much-needed intensity. The team is optimistic that these changes will help boost their performance, creating a more dynamic and adaptable defense.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these young players respond. With a renewed focus on youth and potential, Green Bay is making a bold bet on their future—one they hope pays off as they look to finish the season strong.