3 Packers who could be cut before playing a snap in 2022

DT Dean Lowry

Dean Lowry is coming off a career year. It would be a surprise if he didn’t make the Packers’ initial 53-man roster at the end of the summer.

So, why might the Packers even consider moving on from their 2016 fourth-round pick?

One reason is his contract. According to Over The Cap, the Packers would save almost $6 million by releasing Lowry post-June 1. Green Bay has already saved a lot of cap space this offseason and, right now, doesn’t desperately need to make any moves.

But that could possibly change if they made a big free-agent move.

The other potential reason is the Packers’ defensive line depth.

Kenny Clark is a Pro Bowler and the Packers’ best defensive lineman. They added free-agent Jarran Reed in free agency, who has 80 career starts and 24.5 career sacks. Reed should compete for a starting job.

They also drafted Devonte Wyatt in the first round. Wyatt is talented enough to make an instant impact on all three downs. He, too, will likely compete for a starting job in Joe Barry’s defense.

The Packers invested a fifth-round pick in TJ Slaton a year ago, and he showed plenty of potential in his rookie season. If Slaton continues to improve his game over the summer, he will all but guarantee a roster spot.

Green Bay also drafted Jonathan Ford in the seventh round this year.

The Packers typically keep five or six defensive linemen on the 53. Clark, Reed, and Wyatt are locks. Slaton has a great chance to make the roster, too.

Lowry is good enough to make the top five or six, but with the Packers’ great depth along the line, they could opt to make a cap saving.