Helter Skelter » After missing the playoffs in back-

to-back years Stitched Brent Urban Jersey , the Green Bay Packers are spending big in free agency to try to get back the postseason.The Packers agreed to $183 million worth of contracts Tuesday with edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, linebacker Preston Smith, safety Adrian Amos and offensive lineman Billy Turner. The signings should improve a defense that ranked 18th in the NFL in 2018 and add some more protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.Za’Darius Smith is getting the biggest deal: $66 million over four years with $34.5 million in the first two years, according to his agency, SportsTrust Advisors. Smith, 26, led the Baltimore Ravens with 8½ sacks last season — including three in one game against Tennessee — and has 18½ in his 58-game career.Smith is one of four defenders the Ravens have already lost in free agency, along with linebackers C.J. Mosley (Jets) and Terrell Suggs (Cardinals) and safety Eric Weddle (Rams). The money Smith got from Green Bay was too high for Baltimore to consider matching.“Unfortunately for us, the market is irrational at times, and we can’t be held responsible for what other teams want to pay,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said. “All we can do is try to negotiate in good faith with agents and the players.”The Packers certainly aren’t afraid to pay for upgrades.Preston Smith agreed to a $52 million, four-year contract with $16 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the move. Smith, who had four sacks last season with the Washington Redskins, tweeted “Blessed beyond measures” with cheese emojis and the hashtag #GoPackGo after agreeing to his deal.The Smiths should upgrade a Green Bay pass rush that was third to last in the league in QB hits last season. General manager Brian Gutekunst is making changes there, too, as the team released 28-year-old linebacker Nick Perry after 81 games in seven seasons.“We want to thank Nick for his contributions to the Green Bay Packers and the community over the last seven seasons,” Gutekunst said. “He did a tremendous job on the field, was a great teammate and a true professional.”Amos agreed to a $37 million, four-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the move. Amos Youth Brent Urban Jersey , 25, started all 16 games for the NFC North-rival Chicago Bears last season and had two interceptions.Turner gets a $28 million, four-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the move. Turner, 27, started four games at left guard and seven at right tackle for the Denver Broncos last season and brings versatility to a unit that used nine linemen in 2018.The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contracts cannot become official until the new league year opens Wednesday.Six storylines for Ravens-Rams preseason game The Baltimore Ravens are set to host the Los Angeles Rams in Week one of the preseason. Although this will be Baltimore’s second preseason game, head coach John Harbaugh has stated the team will approach this matchup like it is their first preseason contest, which means the starters will likely play only one series. Below are six storylines for the game.1. The preseason debut of Joe Flacco, Lamar Jackson’s development and Robert Griffin III’s roster stockJoe Flacco is not expected to play more than a series or two, but it will be worth noting how the ‘first team’ offense performs. Flacco has seemingly had his best training camp to date, and with several new offensive weapons, how will they mesh together in a real-game situation?As expected, Lamar Jackson had an up and down NFL debut. He showcased his athleticism, while also displaying some of his weaknesses. Jackson made several impressive throws, but overthrew Hayden Hurst once and also threw an interception. Will he be able to build off of his first game? For a rookie quarterback, the preseason is about learning from their mistakes and progressing. Will Jackson progress?Robert Griffin III’s roster chances are up in the air. The Ravens may not be able to afford to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, but it appears Griffin III will not make their decision any easier. He was the best quarterback on the field during the Hall of Fame Game. Despite dealing with two drops, one of which led to an interception, he was still accurate and smart with the football. Most importantly, he stayed healthy. 2. Will one of the UDFA running backs separate themselves from the rest?With Kenneth Dixon likely sidelined for another preseason game, the three undrafted free agent running backs will have another opportunity to showcase their abilities. Alex Collins and Javorius Allen will not play more than a quarter Stitched Nick Boyle Jersey , if that, which will give Gus Edwards, Mark Thompson, and De’Lance Turner all ample opportunities to potentially earn a roster spot. Edwards was the clear-cut winner after the first preseason game. He had an impressive 16-yard run, while also having a 23-yard reception. Following the Hall of Fame Game, Edwards has had a rough week of practice, including two fumbles during Monday’s joint practice with the Rams. While Mark Thompson was the standout before the Hall of Fame Game, his stock has seemingly plummeted since then. He had a fumble against the Bears, and he struggled to find space as well. He is clearly behind Edwards in the pecking order, but can he change that on Thursday night?De’Lance Turner was treated like the sixth running back last week. Out of all of the running backs, he received the least amount of touches (4). Turner will have to make the most out of limited opportunities against the Rams if he wants to make the 53-man roster. He is a smaller running back, who is a home run threat, but he has yet to showcase that. Turner did make one impressive play on a punt return, which should slightly boost his roster stock.3. Will Breshad Perriman bounce back?Perriman has underperformed since he was drafted with the 26th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He has battled several injuries, while also struggling to produce on the field. Perriman’s biggest weakness is his inability to catch the football. On the first offensive drive in the Hall of Fame Game, he dropped a pass that resulted in an interception. Perriman did bounce back with two catches later in the game, but naturally, the drop is the biggest takeaway from his performance. His roster spot is indeed up in the air, and he has an uphill battle to secure a spot. However, if he can put together four solid preseason performances, in which he showcases an ability to catch the ball consistently Youth Nick Boyle Jersey , he could make the roster.4. Will the rookie wide receivers get more of an opportunity?Rookie wide receivers Jordan Lasley and Jaleel Scott did get ample opportunities during the Hall of Fame Game to produce. Both players are considered to be near-locks to make the roster, but in order for them to contribute during the regular season, they need to showcase their abilities in the preseason. 5. Zach Sieler vs. Bronson KaufusiSieler and Kaufusi are seemingly battling for what could be the final spot on the roster along the defensive line. Kaufusi had a fantastic game, but some of his production came as a result of lining up on the edge. His versatility is enticing, but the Ravens may not need much help at that position.Sieler quietly had an impressive showing in the Hall of Fame Game, and he could push Kaufusi to the wrong side of the roster bubble. Sieler is considered to be a five-tech, but he does have some versatility. This position battle is quietly becoming one of the tightest competitions.6. Who will gain an edge in the inside linebacker competition?The weakside linebacker spot is up for the taking. Kenny Young and Patrick Onwuasor are considered to be the front-runners for this position battle, and at this point, it is an even competition. Peanut is the superior run defender, while Young is far better in coverage. As training camp and the preseason continue to progress, each player will have more opportunities to win the job.Outside of the two starting jobs, the Ravens usually keep two backups. With Young, Peanut and C.J. Mosley all roster locks, there is likely only one spot remaining. The competition is between Albert McClellan, Kamalei Correa, Myles Humphrey, and Alvin Jones. McClellan and Correa are considered the front-runners, and they both have the versatility to play outside or inside linebacker as well as special teams. Correa is coming off of a monster three sack, one interception and one forced fumble performance, while McClellan struggled immensely. All eyes will be on Correa to see if he can repeat his dominant performance last Thursday.