Packers 2021 free agency predictions: Who stays, who goes?

Corey Linsley: Walks

It was reported by Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated last month that it is expected Corey Linsley will be playing elsewhere in 2021. Huber noted that the Packers still hadn’t reached out to Linsley to discuss a new contract, perhaps the biggest clue that they are set to replace their first-team All-Pro.

This offseason as much as any other, tough decisions have to be made. While nothing is certain, it sure feels like the Packers believe they can replace Linsley at center and should use their limited available cap space elsewhere, perhaps re-signing Aaron Jones.

If Jones is franchise tagged, it would be a real challenge to work out a long-term deal for Linsley too.

Losing a player as talented as Linsley is never easy, especially as he’s coming off a career-best season. If Brian Gutekunst made me the Packers GM today, I’d do everything possible to bring him back. The Packers are a win-now team and protecting Aaron Rodgers is the top priority.

But that’s why I’m not the GM. I’m not paid to make the tough decisions. Things could certainly change in the next couple of weeks, but we’ve seen this scenario play out time and again in Green Bay. I wouldn’t bank on Linsley being re-signed this offseason.