Packers make surprising roster move to create cap space

The Packers have released tackle Billy Turner.

Well, this was unexpected. We knew the Green Bay Packers would need to make some tough decisions this week to get under the salary cap, but this isn’t one many predicted.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Packers have released right tackle Billy Turner. Per Over The Cap, this will save the Packers $3.36 million in cap space.

For what is a (relatively) small cap saving, Green Bay is losing a key player on offense.

Turner was signed in 2019 and has started 43 games in Green Bay since, some at guard but most at right tackle. He has been a reliable part of the offensive line the past couple of seasons. With injuries across the line, Turner has been able to play in almost every game and offered some much-needed continuity and reliability on the right side.

Per ESPN, he was tied for first in pass block win rate among tackles in 2020.

Now, Turner will hit free agency and likely get paid well elsewhere.

Perhaps this move shows the Packers’ confidence that David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins will be ready to go in Week 1. With Bakhtiari at left tackle and Jenkins at right tackle, maybe that’s the future starting combination that makes sense. In that scenario, paying Turner starting money wouldn’t be the best move.

Regardless, tackle becomes a bigger offseason priority now. Even if Bakhtiari and Jenkins are the starters next season, losing Turner hurts the depth in a big way. Green Bay should look to draft a tackle to develop in the early rounds next month.

Turner was one of four big free-agency signings by the Packers in 2019, and he has provided some excellent play on the right side of the offensive line.

This is a surprising move, but one of many that helps the team get under the salary cap.