Preston Smith

Career StatsD-

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		176	466	71.0	5
2025		13	24	0.5	0
2024		17	32	4.5	0
2023		17	48

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Preston Smith's one-year, $1.3M deal represents a solid value pickup that earns a B- CVI, positioning this as a clear steal for whichever team lands the veteran pass rusher. While Smith profiles as a depth piece at this stage of his career, his production history far exceeds what you'd typically expect from a player commanding barely above minimum wage—this is the type of contract reserved for unproven rookies or aging players on their last legs, not someone with Smith's resume. At 31, he's certainly past his prime years, but edge rushers often maintain effectiveness deeper into their careers than skill position players, and his recent stint in Green Bay showed he can still contribute meaningful snaps. The minimal financial commitment provides tremendous upside with virtually no downside risk, as teams can easily move on if performance declines while potentially getting above-average rotational production. This signing screams "prove-it deal" for Smith and represents the kind of low-risk, high-reward move that savvy front offices use to add veteran depth without hampering future salary cap flexibility.

Performance Analysis

Preston Smith's D- grade as a free agent signals the potential end of what was a productive NFL career. The veteran edge rusher was a key part of Green Bay's defense for years, including their Super Bowl run, and accumulated solid sack numbers across multiple seasons. But the production has dried up, and the D- grade reflects a player who is no longer generating the pressure that justified his roster spot. Smith's declining athleticism has made it harder for him to win one-on-one matchups against NFL tackles. The fact that he's a free agent rather than on a roster tells you everything about how teams view his remaining value. If Smith returns to the league, it'll be as a minimum-salary depth piece, not the featured pass rusher he once was.