Packers mock draft and free agency: Predicting the 2020 offseason
Roster cuts/restructured contracts
For the Packers to be active participants in free agency, they’ll almost certainly have to make some important roster moves before then. As noted earlier, all cap numbers below are according to Over The Cap.
Cut: Jimmy Graham
Cap saving: $8 million
This should be an easy decision. Jimmy Graham isn’t the same player he once was and hasn’t offered much on offense for the Packers since signing in 2018. Gutekunst’s first big free-agent signing proved to be a mistake, but he has the chance to get out of it now with a relatively low cap hit. Graham was signed to be a red-zone threat but he’s only caught five touchdowns in the past two seasons.
Releasing Graham would free up $8 million in cap room, and that could be so valuable when it comes to agreeing on long-term deals with the Packers’ own free agents and if they plan to make other signings.
Trending. Four Packers players who might be finished in Green Bay. light
Cut: Lane Taylor
Cap saving: $4.09 million
With the rise of Elgton Jenkins, it’s hard to see the Packers paying Lane Taylor to be a backup. Jenkins made the PFWA All-Rookie Team after replacing Taylor due to injury and he could be a future Pro Bowler.
By releasing Taylor, the Packers can free up an additional $4 million.
Restructured: Za’Darius Smith
Cap saving: $7.12 million
Another option the Packers could have, according to Over The Cap’s calculator, is to restructure Za’Darius Smith‘s deal. This would free up another $7.12 million for 2020, giving the Packers more financial flexibility in the short term.
Following these roster moves, the Packers would be in much better shape with $38.65 million available ahead of free agency.