Packers: Lane Taylor still part of team’s plans in 2020

It seems Lane Taylor is still part of the Packers’ plans.

Entering the offseason, two names continued to come up when discussing potential cut candidates for the Green Bay Packers: Jimmy Graham and Lane Taylor.

By releasing both players, the Packers would be able to free up more cap room, which would be crucial when it comes to re-signing key players over the summer and bringing in free agents.

Unsurprisingly, Green Bay moved on from Graham after two disappointing seasons. But it now seems that Taylor remains part of the team’s plans moving forward.

Taylor agrees to pay cut in final year with Packers

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Taylor has agreed to a pay cut in the final year of his current deal. This allows Green Bay to free up $3 million in cap room, which could be so important when it comes to offering David Bakhtiari and Kenny Clark contract extensions in the near future.

As for Taylor, what does this mean for his role in 2020?

For now, being a backup guard seems to be the most likely outcome. Elgton Jenkins is locked in as a starter at guard after an outstanding rookie season. Billy Turner was the starting right guard all of last season and should continue in that role. However, if Turner struggles, Taylor will provide competition for the starting job.

Taylor would be an excellent option as a backup offensive lineman but he has plenty of starting experience should he win the right guard job. Taylor has been with the Packers since 2013 and has played in 78 games, 49 of which he’s started.

He became a full-time starter in 2016, starting 45 games between 2016 and 2018. He started both games he played last year before suffering a season-ending injury.

Jenkins’ impressive first year makes it difficult for Taylor to win a starting job, but he’s clearly still part of the Packers’ plans moving forward.