Full offseason simulation highlighted by a major trade

The different elements of the NFL offseason are fun to discuss in isolation. It’s enjoyable to try and predict who the Green Bay Packers might sign in free agency, or who they’ll draft each year, but I think it’s even more worthwhile and instructive to do all of it together. So, using the tools over at sticktothemodel.com and other data found on Spotrac/OverTheCap, I’ve put together a full offseason simulation for you to read through. As a disclaimer, this is less of a prediction and more of a “what I would do” type simulation. I used all avenues to improve the Packers roster in this simulation. I released a few players, signed others, drafted a full class of players, and made one major trade to set this team up for immediate Super Bowl contention! Hope you enjoy, and let me know in the comments below what you might have done differently. 

Releases (2026 cap space saved by release in parenthesis) 

1. Elgton Jenkins (20 million)
2. Rashan Gary (10.5 million) 
3. Brandon McManus (1.9 million) 

In the case of Elgton Jenkins and Rashan Gary, it is simply time to move on. Both of these players have seen their overall play decline, struggled with the injury bug and have put questionable effort on tape. If this isn’t enough, the contract structures for these two makes it almost a sure thing. I think we’ve seen the last of Jenkins and Gary as Green Bay Packers. 

Contract Restructures

1. Josh Jacobs (4 million) 
2. Xavier McKinney (1.5 million) 
3. Jordan Love (6 million) 

As pseudo GM of the Green Bay Packers, I am only going to consider restructuring guys that I want on my team for the entirety of their contracts. The elephants I am obviously referring to with that statement are Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs. 

Restructuring Banks alone could save over 4 million against the cap. A Hobbs restructure could save some money as well. The problem is that restructuring Banks/Hobbs now makes them harder to release in 2027. I’d like the Green Bay Packers to release them next year, so I’m not going to mess with their contracts now.  

Trades

1. 1. Trade Karl Brooks and a 2026 3rd round pick to the Titans for T’Vondre Sweat and a 2026 6th round pick

I’ve got to credit Andy Herman of the Pack-a-Day Podcast for the initial idea here. He highlighted this as a potential move on one of his shows a few weeks back, and I can’t get it off my mind. 

Sweat is a 362 pound interior defensive tackle that would perfectly fill the void in Jonathan Gannon’s 1.5 gap scheme. Sweat played limited snaps due to injury last year, but he recorded the 4th best run defense PFF grade out of all defensive tackles. Sign me up for that.  

1. 2. Trade Keisean Nixon away for a 2026 5th round pick

I wouldn’t even say I am the biggest Nixon hater out there at this point. I think he could be a decent CB2 or a real solid CB3 in the right situation. The problem is that he sees himself as a CB1. He has said that in locker room interviews multiple times, and I suspect it’s why he didn’t return kicks or punts in 2025. 

On locker clean out day, Nixon hinted that he is going to ask for an extension. He said he felt he played well enough to deserve one. For me, that is a non-starter. But with the NFL cap continuing to rise, Nixon is likely to see many other non premium corners get paid big money. Players have requested a trade over much less. Trading Nixon would save the Green Bay Packers 5 million on the 2026 cap. 

1. 3. Trade Isaiah McDuffie away for a 2026 7th round pick

I just can’t easily see the fit for McDuffie in this new defensive scheme. A quarters based system that plays lots of penny, like new DC Jonathan Gannon’s, puts tons of pressure on its off ball linebackers. McDuffie is a solid downhill linebacker, but having him play coverage on more of an island seems like a poor recipe for success. Moving on via trade would save the Green Bay Packers just over 3 million on the cap. 

Cap Space Check-In 

After all releases, trades and restructures, the Packers have just under 50 million in cap space for this offseason simulation. Keep in mind that the team must save 12-15 million of that to sign their incoming draft class. 

For clarity, I am going through the rest of this offseason simulation like I have about 30 million dollars to spend on free agent players. The Packers always like to save a small chunk of money for potential in-season moves, so I’ll try not to blow through the whole budget.  

Free Agents Signed 

1. 1. Cade Mays C (4 years, 11 million AAV) 

Mays is a 26 year old former 6th round pick of the Carolina Panthers who has developed into one hell of a center. Watching Carolina this year, the sheer physicality of their offensive line always popped out. Bryce Young wasn’t great this season, but that team still won their division despite him, because of their consistent run game. Mays was a big part of that. I could really see this one happening. 

1. 2. Leo Chenal LB (3 years, 8 million AAV) 

I’ll admit the player is more enticing than the potential fit here. Chenal, the former Wisconsin Badger, has been a part time player for the Kansas City Chiefs. That being said, his performance and production has been pretty remarkable in those part time snaps. Whether it’s run defense, pass coverage, or pass rushing, Chenal has done it well throughout his first 4 years in the NFL. 

The problem is that Chenal hasn’t had much experience playing as a true Mike backer for the Chiefs. Nick Bolton has most recently taken those responsibilities in KC. With Quay Walker walking out the door as part of this offseason simulation, that type of linebacker is what the Packers will need. Maybe Chenal just needs the chance? I could see it. It could just be the sentimental value of the Wisconsin ties, but I’d love to see this one happen. 

1. 3. Martin Emerson Jr CB (1 year, 2 million AAV) 

Many probably don’t remember, but when that Browns defense was really rolling, young Martin Emerson Jr was a huge reason why. Emerson had a really rough 2024 season. To be fair, so did everyone else on the Browns. But sadly, his 2025 season was also lost to a torn achilles tendon suffered last spring. That’s why he can be had for so cheap. He hasn’t played up to his capabilities since 2023.