5 ways Packers can go all-in for 2022 season with Aaron Rodgers

4. Extend contracts to lower 2022 cap hits

Another way to lower 2022 cap hits would be to work on contract extensions. If Gutekunst and Russ Ball structure the new deals right, they can allow for some much lower cap hits in the current year before the cap hits increase down the line.

A good place to start is to look ahead to the 2023 free agents. That list includes Adrian Amos, Jaire Alexander, Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith, Billy Turner, Dean Lowry and, of course, Aaron Rodgers. Some of the players on this list could be cap casualties this offseason or even agree to have their contracts restructured, but extensions could also come into play.

It would make a ton of sense to work on long-term deals for Amos and Alexander, in particular. Amos has been an important part of the Packers’ secondary the past few years and he’s only 28. Alexander is an All-Pro cornerback who the team will want to re-sign regardless of whether Rodgers stays or goes. Alexander will be set for a huge new deal in the near future.

The way these deals get structured is important. It’s entirely possible to lower 2022 cap hits by signing players to new deals. For an all-in team, this would be a great way to create cap space.