Football is a tough business. It is one of our go-to distractions from the real world, demonstrated by record breaking Super Bowl ratings once again.
Sports are also one of the few businesses that people who cannot perform the task they are watching, are the first to call for someone who can do that job, to lose their job. Seeing people get released and traded is often a harsh reminder that the gladiators we watch on Sundays are people too.
All that said, it is part of the business that teams need to move on from guys who aren't performing at the level that is required to win a Super Bowl. While I personally rarely advocate for guys to lose their livelihood, the players on this list should be easily able to find another job in the NFL, it just shouldn't be with the Green Bay Packers.
Whether it be due to performance or cap savings, these guys may need to go.
1. Keisean Nixon
Cornerback has been one of the most talked about positions of this offseason. While much of that conversation has been about Jaire Alexander, and whether or not he will play for Green Bay in 2025, the conversation may need to switch to Keisean Nixon.
Nixon, primarily known for his kick returning ability has had to play a more prominent role on defense due to lack of depth at the position, and he has struggled.
Nixon is an excellent returner. However, he is on record saying he no longer wants to be a return man and focus on being CB1. That is an excellent goal, but the numbers do not support that.
In 2024, he allowed 464 yards and three touchdowns in coverage, good for a passer rating of 78.9. That is pretty good for his standard, considering his career numbers equate to a 94.9 passer rating allowed and a 68.6% completion rating when targeted. Moving on from Nixon would save the Packers about $2.4 million, and allow them to get a returner who may give them better starting position by simply kneeling down and not allowing for fumbles and/or holding penalties.
2. Kenny Clark
This is a tough one to write. Financially, it would make sense for the Packers to actually hold on to Clark, despite a down year. He would count $20.3 million against the cap if he is on the team, and a dead cap of $26.8 million if he is cut. The question the team needs to answer is if Clark's production outweighs the extra $6.5 million that the team could spend to move on?
Clark's numbers were down in the 2024-25 season, as he totaled 20 solo tackles and only 1 sack. A lot of what Clark does may not show up in the stat column. Still, if Green Bay was going to move on from him from a cap perspective, now may be the time, as he has a $31 million cap hit next year.
Clark has been great, but he is a product of a 3-4 defense, and in the 4-3 base that Jeff Hafley runs, it may be time to build depth elsewhere.
3. Bo Melton
Financially, this one isn't in the same caliber as the other players. Bo Melton is already a free agent. Depth at receiver definitely needs to be addressed, given that Christian Watson will be out for a pretty big chunk of next season, and Romeo Doubs may have an uncertain future given his concussion history. That said, Green Bay really should let Melton walk in free agency.
That said, Green Bay really should let Melton walk in free agency. The 25-year-old is a pretty solid option as a depth guy, but the Packers should be addressing the WR spot in 2025, whether it be free agency or the draft, perhaps both. With potentially better and more proven talent coming in, let Melton walk and give someone else a shot.