Packers: Four easiest roster decisions for the defense in 2022

Four roster moves the Packers need to make on defense in 2022.

A huge month awaits the Green Bay Packers.

In just four weeks, the 2022 league year begins, which means the Packers will need to be under the salary cap. That means clearing around $50 million.

They will also need to know Aaron Rodgers’ plans and then go from there. Once the first domino falls, things could start happening very quickly in Green Bay.

Today, we’ll focus on the defense and look at four roster moves the Packers should make on this side of the ball.

Exercise Rashan Gary’s fifth-year option

This one won’t directly impact the Packers’ salary cap in 2022, but it’s a move they need to make. This offseason, Green Bay will have the opportunity to exercise the fifth-year option of their two first-round picks in 2019, edge rusher Rashan Gary and safety Darnell Savage.

Over The Cap projects that this would result in a $10.55 million cap hit for Gary and a $7.92 million cap hit for Savage, both in 2023.

Whether they should exercise Savage’s fifth-year option isn’t a straightforward decision. It’s something the Packers will need to weigh up.

But that’s not the case for Gary, who is coming off a breakout third season. Gary made 9.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits, both career-highs. He also made Pro Football Focus’ top 101 players from the 2021 season rankings, making the list at No. 34.

Picking up the fifth-year option would add another year to Gary’s deal and ensure he doesn’t become a free agent until 2024.