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How Can the Packers Create Much-Needed Cap Space?

Originally posted on The Lead | By Kevin Ray | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 9:38 PM ET

Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst faces several challenging decisions in the 2026 offseason. Most notably, Gutekunst must find a way to create salary cap space to fully participate in offseason activities. The Packers are currently $1.5 million over the 2026 NFL salary cap.

Free agency and the 2026 NFL draft are looming. Green Bay must enter these periods armed with ample cap space to fully capitalize. The Packers’ front office will need to make some challenging decisions to create that space. As a result, several notable veterans may find themselves searching for a new home.

Packers’ Potential Cuts

The Packers’ offensive line managed several injuries over the course of the 2025 season. Young players stepped up and adequately filled the gaps created by veteran absences. Green Bay can take advantage of those successes by moving on from some established veterans on the offensive line.

Aaron Banks and Elgton Jenkins both rank within the top five cap hits for the Packers’ 2026 season. Banks ranked 69th of 81 qualifying guards in 2025, and Jenkins missed 10 games due to injury in his age 30 season. The Packers’ investment in these players has not been met with the necessary production to maintain the relationship.

The Packers could save nearly $20 million in cap space this offseason by moving on from Elgton Jenkins

The 2x Pro Bowler is 30 years old with an injury history and had contract disputes during last training camp.

Hard to imagine he stays on the team under his current contract. pic.twitter.com/VJBui9hF8c

— SleeperPackers (@SleeperPackers) February 17, 2026

Rashan Gary represents another possible cap casualty for the Packers. Following a disappointing close to the 2025 season, Gary’s $28 million cap hit in 2026 is hard to justify.

Extending an X-Factor

Removing unfavorable contracts is a popular way to reduce salary cap strain. Another way is by extending contracts of existing players to move money around. Safety Xavier McKinney is just 27 years old and is one of the most effective players on the Packers’ roster.

McKinney only has two years remaining in his contract and has a cap hit of $19 million or more in each year. Green Bay would be wise to secure McKinney’s future with the Packers and spread his cap hit beyond the 2027 season.

The Packers have options to create cap space. Any option that keeps good players in Green Bay should be celebrated.

The Packers finished with 3 players on PFF's Top 101 players of 2025 list: Xavier McKinney, Jordan Love and Micah Parsons. https://t.co/WTTEowC2uV pic.twitter.com/7qL2BSWJsD

— The Packers Wire (@ThePackersWire) February 20, 2026