The Green Bay Packers enter the offseason aiming to enhance the team’s performance for deeper playoff runs. They’ve discovered that Jordan Love has potential as a long-term starting quarterback.
While it’s uncertain if he’ll achieve the same level of success as Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have a foundation to develop around him.
The Packers are in need of improvements in their secondary and overall defense. Despite a promising outlook, they currently exceed the projected 2024 salary cap. However, they have the option to generate additional cap space through player cuts and contract adjustments.
With 11 unrestricted free agents, two restricted free agents, and five exclusive free agents, the front office faces critical decisions. By making strategic cuts and opting not to re-sign certain players, the Green Bay Packers can both enhance their team and create salary cap flexibility.
The Green Bay Packers must release three players to create room under the salary cap.
David Bakhtiari
He currently carries the highest salary cap impact for the Packers, projected at $40 million. Bakhtiari, once regarded as the premier left tackle in the league, has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 13 games over the past three seasons. Following his appearance in the season opener against the Chicago Bears, he had to be sidelined again.
Given the substantial cap allocation and uncertainty surrounding his future playing ability, Bakhtiari emerges as a prime candidate for release. Although his release would incur a $19 million dead cap hit, it would also result in $20 million in salary cap savings. Some fans are even willing to see him potentially join Rodgers in New York if he chooses to continue playing.
