Ten Packers players who will not be returning for the upcoming season.
The Green Bay Packers enter the offseason with the aim of enhancing the team’s capabilities to progress further in the playoffs.
The team has discovered that Jordan Love could be a viable long-term option as the starting quarterback. While it remains to be seen if he can reach the levels of greatness achieved by Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, the Packers can at least construct a team around him.
Improvements are needed, particularly in the secondary and overall defense. Despite a promising outlook, the Packers currently exceed the projected 2024 salary cap. However, they can alleviate this through roster cuts and contract restructuring.
With 11 unrestricted free agents, two restricted, and five exclusive free agents, the front office faces crucial decisions. By making strategic cuts and opting not to re-sign certain players, the Packers can both improve the team and free up salary cap space.
One player earmarked for release is David Bakhtiari, who currently carries the highest cap hit on the team, projected at $40 million. Despite once being a standout left tackle, injuries have limited him to just 13 games over the past three seasons. He was sidelined after the season opener against the Chicago Bears.
Given his substantial cap hit and uncertainty surrounding his future playing status, Bakhtiari is a prime candidate for release. While cutting him would incur a $19 million dead cap hit, it would also provide $20 million in cap savings. Some fans are even contemplating his potential reunion with Rodgers, should he choose to continue playing, perhaps in New York.
