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Packers Face Salary Cap Crunch, Smith's Future Uncertain

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 15:00 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Nevada, UNITED STATES

Green Bay, WI - February 8th, 2026 - The Green Bay Packers are bracing for a challenging offseason as they navigate a significant salary cap situation. The team is expected to make tough decisions regarding veteran players, and one name consistently surfacing in discussions is defensive end Preston Smith. With a looming $48 million cap hit, Smith's future in Green Bay is increasingly uncertain, and several teams - notably the Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans - are positioning themselves as potential landing spots.

The Packers' predicament isn't new. Years of shrewd drafting and player development have built a competitive roster, but that success has come with a price. Several key players are commanding large salaries, and the team must strategically manage its cap space to remain competitive. Releasing or trading Smith isn't a reflection of his performance as a whole; rather, it's a cold, calculated move driven by financial realities. While Smith has demonstrated flashes of brilliance throughout his tenure, consistent, elite-level production hasn't materialized, particularly in relation to his hefty contract.

The Value Proposition: Why Teams Are Interested

The current NFL landscape prioritizes pass rushers, and a proven veteran with Smith's experience is always in demand. The interest from the Steelers, Raiders, and Titans isn't surprising, given their respective needs. Let's delve deeper into each team's potential motivation:

• Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have been consistently seeking to bolster their pass rush since the retirement of several key defensive players in recent years. Despite investing in younger talent, they still lack a consistent, reliable threat off the edge. Smith, despite his age, offers a veteran presence and a track record of generating pressure. He could serve as a valuable mentor to the Steelers' developing pass rushers while still contributing on the field. A key question for the Steelers will be whether they view Smith as a short-term fix or a piece they can build around for the next few seasons. They've demonstrated a willingness to bring in established veterans to complement their youthful core.

• Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders' defense has struggled for consistency since their relocation. While they've made investments in various positions, the pass rush remains a glaring weakness. The team has cycled through players hoping to find an answer, and Smith represents a relatively low-risk, high-reward option. If the price is right, the Raiders could view Smith as a veteran addition capable of providing immediate impact and stabilizing a struggling defensive line. The Raiders are known for aggressive moves in free agency, and Smith could fit that mold.

• Tennessee Titans: The Titans have historically prioritized a strong running game and stout defense. However, their pass rush has been inconsistent in recent years. They've attempted to address the issue through the draft, but haven't yet found a consistent edge rusher. Smith's experience and proven ability could be a welcome addition, allowing the Titans to maintain their defensive identity while addressing a clear need. The Titans also have a relatively stable coaching staff and a strong organizational culture, which could appeal to a veteran player like Smith.

The Contract Factor: A Final Year Gamble

Smith is entering the final year of his contract, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Any team acquiring him would be betting on his continued performance and potentially negotiating an extension. The risk is mitigated by the fact that Smith's age and recent inconsistency might prevent him from commanding a massive long-term deal. Teams will likely offer a reasonable contract with incentives based on performance, allowing both sides to evaluate the fit before committing to a longer-term arrangement. The Packers themselves might consider a team willing to offer a conditional draft pick linked to Smith's future performance, securing some value even if he doesn't immediately thrive in his new environment.

What's Next?

The next few weeks will be critical as the Packers evaluate their options and gauge interest from other teams. The NFL Combine, which begins later this month, will likely provide a clearer picture of Smith's market value. While a trade remains the preferred outcome for Green Bay, a release is increasingly likely if they can't find a suitable partner. Ultimately, Smith's fate hinges on a complex interplay of financial considerations, team needs, and the veteran pass rusher's ability to demonstrate he still has something to offer.