It isn’t uncommon for the Green Bay Packers to commit to massive trades.  Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are prime examples of that.  Last season, the Packers were even interested in trading for Jonathan Taylor, but the Indianapolis Colts’ asking price was too high.

Now one of Green Bay’s oldest players is attracting trade reports.

The Green Bay Packers Could Trade Their Oldest Player Ahead Of The 2024 NFL Draft

According to a report from FanSided:

2. Preston Smith, EDGE

The Packers have been good at knowing when to move on from players. They were able to get maximum value for Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams — and they’ve come out better than each team they’ve traded with thus far. One reason they’ve found success is their ability to groom eventual replacements.

Going from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love didn’t happen by mistake. The Packers planned for their future with each move. They’ve done the same with their pass-rushers as well recently.

In 2023, they used the 13th overall pick on Lukas Van Ness from Iowa. As a rookie, Van Ness played in all 17 games but never recorded a start. Instead, he was in a reserve role behind veteran Preston Smith.

Van Ness finished with 24 tackles and four sacks, with three sacks coming from Week 13 and after. He continued to progress throughout the season and proved he was ready for more in year two.

That’s why Smith could be someone they field calls on. Smith has been with the Packers for five seasons and has 243 tackles and 41.5 sacks for them. He’s recorded at least eight in each of the past three seasons, making him an appealing target for a franchise in need of a pass rusher.

Smith’s current contract only helps Green Bay save money as a post-June 1 cut, which means he might need to re-work his deal before being traded. That’s not ideal but it’s also not impossible.

Would The Packers Actually Trade Preston Smith?

The Packers have been in an un-official youth movement over the last few seasons.  That left Preston Smith (31-years-old) as their oldest player currently on the roster.

Their decision to move on from Smith would likely happen if their confidence in Lukas Van Ness is through the roof.  Smith is still a very reliable outside linebacker and plays well against the run.

Jeff Hafley’s new defensive scheme will want pressure on the quarterback and elite secondary play.  Smith may be part of blitz packages that Hafley wants to deploy, making him invaluable to the team.

However, if this youth movement continues, Smith is likely next on the chopping block.