The Green Bay Packers have moved to ensure they enter 2022 with the same edge-rushing duo who starred last season, re-signing Preston Smith but releasing Za'Darius Smith.
The pair had played together for two years following their 2019 arrivals, before Za'Darius Smith's back injury saw him spend the majority of 2021 on injured reserve.
He played briefly in the Packers' Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints and only returned following back surgery in the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, in which he recorded his only sack of the year.
In Za'Darius Smith's absence, Rashan Gary stepped up to establish himself alongside Preston Smith.
Gary, who had only four career starts prior to 2021, led the Packers with 9.5 sacks, just ahead of Preston Smith (9.0), who matched his team-mate's two fumbles forced.
That breakout performance from Gary meant there were contrasting fortunes for Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith three years to the day since they both signed with the team.
Za'Darius Smith, whose 26 sacks across 2019 and 2020 – in which he started 32 games – tied third in the NFL alongside Aaron Donald, had the option to stay with the Packers at this year's owed cash amount, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, but instead agreed with the team's decision to move on.
Meanwhile, Preston Smith was granted a contract extension, with general manager Brian Gutekunst saying: "We are excited to have Preston continue his career with the Packers.
"Since coming to Green Bay, he has not only contributed with production on the field but has been a great presence in the locker room and a leader for this team."
Steelers to start QB Fields with Wilson hurt
Russell Wilson's injured calf will keep him out of Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, making Justin Fields the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers had named Wilson the team's starting quarterback but the 12-year NFL veteran aggravated a calf injury this past week that had side-lined him earlier in training camp.
He had tried to warmup up before Pittsburgh's game at Atlanta before the team ultimately decided to make him the emergency quarterback.
As the emergency QB, he can only take the field if Fields and backup Kyle Allen both get injured.
The Steelers acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears in March for a conditional draft pick.
The pick will be a sixth-rounder unless Fields plays 51 percent of the snaps this season for Pittsburgh, then it will become a fourth-rounder.
Fields made 38 starts and appeared in 40 games for Chicago since he was selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft. He completed 60.3 percent of his passes with 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions and added 14 rushing scores.
The 35-year-old Wilson, a Super Bowl XLVIII champion with the Seattle Seahawks, joined the Steelers a week before they made the trade for Fields after two disappointing seasons with the Denver Broncos.
Prescott pens record-breaking Cowboys contract
Dak Prescott is set to sign a record-breaking, $240million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, according to reports.
Prescott's future has been up in the air but, just hours out from their season opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, it appears the Cowboys have struck a deal with their quarterback.
The deal includes a guaranteed $231m and an $80m signing bonus.
With an annual salary of $60m, Prescott will become the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history.
This is the second extension the 31-year-old has penned with Dallas, where he will remain through the 2028 season.
Prescott led the NFL for completions (410) and touchdowns (36) last season.
Reports: Jordan Love to miss 3-6 weeks with MCL sprain
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has been diagnosed with an MCL sprain, multiple media outlets reported Saturday, and he is expected to return this season.
NFL Network reported that the Packers’ initial timetable for Love’s return is three to six weeks.
The team will reportedly seek a second opinion to be sure.
The only other active quarterback on Green Bay’s roster is Malik Willis, who was acquired via trade from the Tennessee Titans less than two weeks ago. Former fifth-round draft pick Sean Clifford is on the practice squad.
Love was injured on the penultimate play of the Packers’ 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday.
Love was 17 of 34 for 260 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in the Packers’ season opener in São Paulo.
Green Bay hosts the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 15, followed by games at Tennessee and against the Minnesota Vikings.
Entering his second season as the Packers’ starter, Love signed a four-year, $220million contract extension this summer.
Filling the shoes of the departed Aaron Rodgers, Love threw for 4,159 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season, leading the Packers to a 9-8 regular season and a play-off win over the Dallas Cowboys.
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