In 2018, Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith combined for 113 total pressures on 869 total pass-rushes. Combined, a pressure every 7.7 rush attempts.#Packers EDGE rushers accumulated 88 total pressures on 984 rushes, a 12.3 average. — PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) March 16, 2019

Pressure statistics suggest the Green Bay Packers improved their pass rush in a major way during free agency.

According to Pro Football Focus, recently signed linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith combined for significantly more total pressures on fewer pass-rushing opportunities than the Packers’ entire edge-rushing group last season.

The Packers are essentially swapping out Clay Matthews and Nick Perry for the two Smiths, who will join Kyler Fackrell, the team’s pass-rushing leader last season.

Za’Darius Smith tallied 61 total pressures for the Ravens, including 25 quarterback hits and a team-leading 8.5 sacks. Preston Smith managed only four sacks in Washington, but he still produced 52 total pressures. Together, the two could revitalize Mike Pettine’s ability to disrupt the quarterback.

The Packers agreed to contracts worth $118 million to sign the two players. They also cut Perry at a dead cap cost of $11.1 million. It was a costly but necessary investment in a position group of great need.

As long as Za’Darius and Preston Smith produced at levels similar to last season, the Packers will receive far more production and disruption from their edge-rushing group in 2019. Throw in a potential high draft pick, and the position could significantly improve in just one offseason.