Packers: 9 reasons why Green Bay will bounce back in 2018
3. Packers have plenty of cap room, and could free up more
The Packers have maintained a healthy cap throughout the years, and the same is true this offseason. Spotrac estimates that the team currently has $18.78 million in cap room. That’s not a bad position to be in.
Where it gets interesting is with potential cut candidates. The Packers have a number of options to free up even more cap room.
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According to Spotrac, the Packers can make a $9.47 million cap saving by releasing Randall Cobb. Cutting fellow wide receiver Jordy Nelson would save them $10.22 million. While unlikely, they could also make an $11.37 million saving by releasing Clay Matthews.
Green Bay doesn’t need to suddenly release all of its highest earners. After all, those three players are all set to hit free agency next offseason.
The Packers will look to re-sign a number of their own free agents this offseason, potentially including a long-term deal for safety Morgan Burnett.
It’s also likely Aaron Rodgers will receive a new contract at some point this offseason.
Along with signing other free agents, the Packers have the resources to be active this offseason. If Brian Gutekunst decides he wants to free up some money, he will have options, and it’s doesn’t necessarily involve releasing players on the roster. Don’t be surprised if one of Cobb or Nelson restructures their current deal.