Preston Smith, former Redskins linebacker, joining Packers: Report

The Green Bay Packers are not usually known for making big moves in free agency, but this year they’re adding some key defensive components.

That includes Preston Smith, who will depart the Washington Redskins after four seasons.

Smith will sign with the Packers on a four-year, $52 million contract when free agency opens Wednesday, multiple reports said Tuesday.

The Packers also are signing Preston Smith, according to a league source. Huge day for the Packers defense.

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 12, 2019

The #Packers are signing LB Preston Smith to a 4-year deal worth a base value of $52M, source said. He gets $16M to sign. He gets $27.5M over the first two years.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019

Smith played in every Redskins game for the past four years, lining up on the outside opposite Ryan Kerrigan, Washington’s sacks leader. In 2018 Smith had four sacks, an interception and a fumble recovered for a touchdown.

For his career, Smith has 164 tackles, 24.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and four interceptions.

He was expected to draw interest from teams needing a pass-rusher, and reports Monday indicated the New York Giants had “significant interest” in him.

Smith is the second key Washington free agent to reportedly agree to terms with a new team. On Monday, the news was slot receiver Jamison Crowder was preparing to sign with the New York Jets.