Packers: Top 5 priorities for general manager Brian Gutekunst this offseason

4. Restructure Jordy Nelson’s contract or release him

Gutekunst has a few tough decisions to make regarding players already on the roster.

Jordy Nelson is one of them. Nelson turns 33 in May and is coming off a disappointing season. He finished with just 482 yards (his lowest total since 2009) and six touchdowns.

Nelson isn’t the same explosive playmaker he once was, and Davante Adams has become the clear No. 1 option in the passing game. But according to OverTheCap.com, Nelson is set for a $12.6 million cap hit in 2018, third-highest on the team.

If Gutekunst decided to release Nelson, the Packers would save over $10 million on the cap.

They don’t necessarily need to cut the former Pro Bowler. Restructuring his deal might be the best option to lower his cap hit.

This question will also be asked of Randall Cobb ($12.8 million cap hit) and Clay Matthews ($11.4 million). But both Cobb and Matthews were more effective in their respective roles than Nelson in 2017.

What’s clear this offseason is that the Packers are committed to change. Nelson’s excellent career can’t be factored into any decision on his future. The team needs to get younger at various positions, including wide receiver.

Nelson’s current cap hit is far too high.