Six Potential Cap Casualties for the Green Bay Packers This Offseason

The Green Bay Packers offseason has started and there will be plenty of issues for the organization to address. As of right now, the Packers are projected to be over the likely 2026 salary cap, and the team will have to create cap space before the league year starts. One way to do this is to release veteran players who are no longer playing to their cap numbers. Here is a look at six potential cap casualties for the Packers this offseason. They are listed in no particular order.

Potential Cap Casualties for the Packers This Offseason, Number One: DE Rashan Gary

Rashan Gary got off to a great start to this season but that seems like a long time ago. The former first-round pick out of Michigan was expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the addition of Micah Parsons to the defense.

Gary recorded 4.5 sacks in the first three games of the season and 7.5 in the first seven games. But in the final 10 games, he failed to record a single sack or tackle for loss.

The Packers could save $11 million in cap space by parting with Gary. They could also restructure his deal or reach a new agreement with him on a lower cap hit, but that is unlikely. With Parsons and Lukas Van Ness returning and the potential of younger edge rushers like Brenton Cox, Barryn Sorrell, and Collin Oliver, the Packers have a big incentive to part ways with Gary.

Number Two: C Elgton Jenkins

Elgton Jenkins moved from left guard to center last offseason. The Packers felt he had Pro Bowl potential in the middle of the offensive line, but the position switch proved a disappointment for the two-time Pro Bowler.

Jenkins struggled to play up to his previous standards. Both his run blocking and pass blocking efficiency fell off according to Pro Football Focus. Worse yet, he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9.

Jenkins wanted to renegotiate his contract before this season started but GM Brian Gutekunst declined to do so. The Packers don’t have an heir apparent at center under contract, but they could save $19.5 million in cap space by moving on from Jenkins.

Potential Cap Casualties for the Packers This Offseason, Number Three: CB Trevon Diggs

Trevon Diggs presents a very different situation. The Packers claimed him off waivers before the regular season finale. That means they assumed his prior contract. That hardly mattered for one game, but there is no way Diggs plays for the Packers next year with a $15 million cap hit.

The Packers will either release Diggs outright or negotiate a new deal with the former All Pro cornerback for a much more reasonable salary.

Number Four: K Brandon McManus

The idea that the Packers could cut kicker Brandon McManus this offseason remains a possibility. The veteran kicker struggled through a disappointing season including three missed kicks in the Packers playoff loss to the Bears.

The Packers already re-signed Lucas Havrisik to a futures contract. Havrisik replaced McManus when he suffered a midseason injury and set a franchise record by kicking a 61-yard field goal. At the very least, he will compete with McManus in training camp.

Gutekunst could also just cut ties with McManus now to save some cap space, but that is less likely.

Potential Cap Casualties for the Packers This Offseason, Number Five: CB Nate Hobbs

Nate Hobbs struggled through a disappointing and injury-plagued first season in Green Bay. The Packers would only save $1 million by cutting him loose this offseason, so it’s unlikely that’s the course they choose to take.

The issue hanging over Hobbs’ head remains his skill set. Hobbs plays best in the slot, but the Packers already have Javon Bullard starting there. Hobbs hasn’t proven he can be effective on the boundary. It’s more likely the team will keep him to fight for a boundary corner role in training camp given the limited savings involved.

Number Six: G Aaron Banks

The Packers signed Aaron Banks as a free agent last offseason to add size and muscle to the offensive line. They expected Banks to be a decent pass blocker but a stronger run blocker and to open up holes for Josh Jacobs. Unfortunately, Banks struggled through injuries and a disappointing performance. His PFF grades were below average across the board, and he was not an upgrade at left guard over what Jenkins did a year ago.

If Banks can stay healthy next season, he could return to his previous form. The Packers certainly hope he can do that and he did play a bit better late in the season.

They could also save some real money by moving on from Banks (especially post June 1) although that is probably not the way they’ll go. The interior offensive line remains unsettled so letting Banks go may not be the best option. With Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan set to be unrestricted free agents and with Jenkins likely to be let go, parting ways with a fourth offensive lineman doesn’t make a lot of sense.