3 Packers cut candidates entering 2026 offseason

This was the most obvious candidate, and perhaps the one that fans are clamoring for the most. There was a time when McManus was one of the more reliable kickers in the league. He was the kicker for the Broncos during their Super Bowl win a decade ago. Just two years ago, McManus made all 30 of his extra-point attempts and only missed one of his 21 field goal attempts. It seemed like McManus was the solution to the Packers’ kicker problem since Mason Crosby’s departure.

In Year 2, though, McManus had a steep decline. He missed six of his 30 field goal attempts and one of his 33 extra-point attempts in the regular season. He was benched earlier in the season for Lukas Havrisik, but was later activated once again. McManus struggled in his first three games back with the Packers, but he settled into a nice groove after. It seemed like McManus’ kicking woes were behind him.

Instead, his worst performance came at the worst possible time. McManus missed two field goals and an extra point against the Bears in the Divisional Round. In total, McManus cost the Packers 7 points, all of which were crucial misses. Cutting a kicker early is hard (kickers don’t grow on trees), but expect Green Bay to move on if they find a decent replacement for the aging kicker.

Rashan Gary, DL

This one stings for Packers fans. Rashan Gary has been a staple of the Packers’ defense since 2019. The former first-round pick has enjoyed a lot of solid seasons as one of Green Bay’s top pass rushers. With the arrival of Parsons, Gary was expected to thrive alongside the former Defensive Player of the Year.

Instead, Gary has regressed significantly. His 7.5 sacks number is deceptive: the Packers pass-rusher has not recorded a single sack since Week 9 of the season. His effort has also been lackluster, giving up mid-play at times. Gary has not been the pass-rusher that he was before the season.

Aside from his questionable effort, the Packers also have a financial incentive to cut Gary. Letting go of Gary after the June 1 deadline would save Green Bay $19.5 million in cap space in 2026. Even cutting the pass rusher early would save the Packers around $10 million in 2026 cap space. That should be a good reason for the team to cut their losses.

Elgton Jenkins, C

Moving to the other side of the offensive line, it’s time to talk about Elgton Jenkins. Drafted in the same year as Gary, Jenkins has been struggling over the last few seasons due to injuries. With his play declining due to said injuries, the Packers signed guard Aaron Banks this past offseason and moved Jenkins to center.

Jenkins saw some success as a pass-blocker: he ranked seventh among 40 centers in pass blocking according to PFF. However, Jenkins suffered a lower-leg fracture in Week 10 of the Packers’ regular season. The center was placed on injured reserve shortly after and never played this season again.

Will Jenkins find that same form again next season? It’s hard to say. Between his lengthy injury history (he’s already suffered a torn ACL early in his career), Banks taking up his former position at left guard, and his declining athleticism, there’s an argument to be made that Jenkins should be cut. Financially speaking, it also benefits the Packers to let Jenkins go: the team will save north of $19 million cutting or trading the center this offseason, even if he’s moved before the June 1 deadline.