Packers cap space hint at potential blockbuster move 1 Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive line Rashan Gary (52) reacts to a missed field goal by the Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Packers cap space hint at potential blockbuster move

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 6:29 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers parted ways with two key former roster pieces on Monday, trading edge rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick and releasing interior offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins.

The Packers freed roughly $11 million in cap space by trading Gary, then later released Jenkins after failing to find a trade partner for the versatile All-Pro guard and center. That second move, which saved nearly $20 million in 2026, wasn’t strictly necessary given Green Bay’s current cap situation. The team didn’t make any moves on the first day of the legal tampering period that required additional cap space, nor were they in such tight financial shape that moving the 30-year-old was essential.

Are the Packers gearing up for a big move?

It’s possible another motive is behind the decision. Justis Mosqueda of the Acme Packing Company publication suggests that releasing Jenkins could indicate the Packers are setting up for a major move in the coming days.

“We don’t need cap space and he had no triggers so a big move might be coming” Mosqueda wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

We don’t need cap space and he had no triggers so a big move might be coming https://t.co/pPIQV9YeA1

— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) March 9, 2026

After releasing Jenkins and trading Gary, the Packers now have roughly $31.5 million in cap space. If Green Bay is indeed preparing a statement move, there are several players they could target. On the trade front, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter has reportedly been considered as a possible choice.

Green Bay Packers: Christian Watson's Wild Recent Activity Shows He's Recovering Well From Injury But GM Preaches Patience on 5th Year WR 3 Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In free agency, a cornerback like Riq Woolen or Nahshon Wright could address a significant need, while an edge rusher such as K’Lavon Chaisson or Bradley Chubb would provide starting-level talent to a unit that recently lost Gary and fellow defensive end Kingsley Enagbare, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the New York Jets on Monday.

There aren’t many major moves the Packers could realistically make, especially since they are without first-round picks until 2028. Still, the team could very well pull off one or two impactful moves this week.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: