Packers: 10 ways Green Bay can have perfect offseason

10. Free up cap room

Ted Thompson and Russ Ball have ensured Green Bay’s salary cap always remains in good shape, and that’s no different entering Brian Gutekunst’s first offseason in charge. But for the Packers to make the type of moves they might need to this spring, while also extending Aaron Rodgers’ deal, they will need to free up some cap room.

According to Spotrac, the Packers have approximately $18.78 million available. That will quickly be eaten into with a few re-signings and the upcoming draft class.

RELATED: Future is uncertain for Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb

The good news is that the Packers can easily free up additional cap room. The bad news is that doing so forces Gutekunst to make some tough decisions right out of the gate as GM.

Three names to watch are Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga. While it’s unlikely the Packers will release all three, moving on from one or two could free up enough cash for 2018.

According to Over The Cap, the Packers would save $10.22 million by releasing Nelson, $9.47 million for Cobb and $4.70 million for Bulaga. They could also save $11.37 million by cutting Clay Matthews, but he should remain a key piece in Green Bay’s defense under new coordinator Mike Pettine.

The Packers should look to free up cap room ahead of free agency. It’s up to Gutekunst to make these tough decisions.