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Tuesday, March 12, 2019.
For better or worse, that day will be long remembered as one of the Green Bay Packers’ most active days in franchise history. The team acquired four top-100 free agents on the market, while severing ties with a former first round pick in Nick Perry. While the annual dollar values were met with mixed reactions by fans and media at first, they appear to be much more creatively structured than at first glance.
Overwhelmingly, the reaction to the Packers’ day of acquisitions was positive. Here is a review of some of those instant tweets from media across the country.
Packers are adding Za'Darius Smith and Adrian Amos. Really like both moves for a team that's been stale on defense.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 12, 2019
The @Packers have been uncharacteristically active during the early FA negotiation window, adding three of the top free agents available on defense: EDGE Za'Darius Smith, EDGE Preston Smith and S Adrian Amos. pic.twitter.com/NqAhuQ9TJm
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 12, 2019
The Green Bay Packers have been busy -- bolstering their defense with expected signings of Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Adrian Amos, who has been awesome during his time with the now-rival Bears.https://t.co/FlcET69d8k
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 12, 2019
(via @PFF_Mike) pic.twitter.com/IqNimdgl07
Za'Darius Smith vs. Pernell McPhee, #Ravens résumés
— Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) March 12, 2019
McPhee, 5th-rd pick
2011: 6.0 sacks
2012: 1.5
2013: 2.0
2014: 7.5
2015: Signed w/NFC North team (#Bears)
Smith, 4th-rd pick
2015: 5.5 sacks
2016: 1.0
2017: 3.5
2018: 8.5
2019: Signed w/NFC North team (#Packers) pic.twitter.com/3kK47zLEXK
Za'Darius Smith's 17 combined sacks + hits on 3rd down last year were tied for most in NFL #Packers
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) March 12, 2019
#Packers signing Za'Darius Smith is a perfect piece for a Mike Pettine defense...
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 12, 2019
Someone that can stand up rush on the edge for you but also kick inside to 3tech and even some nose in exotic subpackages. Power rusher with good/violent hand usage! Love this signing for GB.. pic.twitter.com/YsBQI6sOj3
One reason I expect OLB will still be very much a priority for the Packers in the draft is how good Za'Darius Smith is an interior rusher in sub-package. https://t.co/794RhQ7gMJ
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) March 12, 2019
The #Packers got a totally different player in @PrestonSmith94 than they did with Za'Darius Smith. Smith is going to be an edge setter extraordinaire on early downs and will win with power at the point of attack. The interception against Watson is *chef kiss*! pic.twitter.com/wTuyKc7wMY
— Andy Herman (@SconnieSports) March 12, 2019
Preston and Za'Darius Smith give the Packers their best pass-rush tandem since Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers roughly half a decade ago. Even though it's reasonable to question the contracts, the defense will improve considerably.
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) March 12, 2019
Pressures in 2018
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) March 12, 2019
All Packers Edges: 87
Preston & Za'Darius Smith: 113
So, basically, Packers got Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith (and kept their 2nd-round pick) for the cost of Dee Ford. Advantage: Gutekunst https://t.co/accqRjVhk5
— Paul Imig (@Paulimig) March 13, 2019
Billy Turner (@Big_Mountain77) provides the Green Bay Packers w/ versatility up front.
— DeVaughn Townes (@UnfilteredDT) March 12, 2019
Key notes *according to PFF*
- played 1,305 snaps at both G spots during career
- played 484 snaps at both T spots during career
- ranked 33rd among 77 Gs in 2018#NFL #NFLFreeAgency #Packers pic.twitter.com/puyTau61AK
This isn't your Ted Thompson-run Packers anymore, is it?
— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) March 12, 2019
Brian Gutekunst, Thompson's successor, is going free-agent crazy again and has already reached agreements today with 3 FAs: linebackers Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith and safety Adrian Amos. Well done, Mr. Gutekunst.
And for the Minnesota Vikings’ writer perspective...
Packers got Preston Smith, Za'Darius Smith and Adrian Amos? Jeez
— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) March 12, 2019