General manager Brian Gutekunst hinted at the Green Bay Packers being more aggressive in free agency, and he has taken the first step to making it happen.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports the Packers have restructured Rashan Gary's deal, creating $4.79 million in cap space.
Even with a historic rise to the NFL's salary cap, the Packers needed to make multiple moves to clear space. Restructuring Gary's deal was expected, giving the team more flexibility this offseason.
It's the first of many moves we could see in the coming weeks.
Packers begin process of clearing cap space with Rashan Gary restructure
The Packers still have work to do on the salary cap. Before the Gary restructure, Over The Cap projected that Green Bay had -$2.2 million in "effective cap space," which factors in how much cap space they have after signing 51 players and the upcoming draft class.
Restructuring Gary's deal helps fix the problem, but it's just the beginning.
Green Bay could also restructure the contracts of Elgton Jenkins and Jaire Alexander, moves that would create around $15 million.
The Packers will likely release multiple players, including David Bakhtiari, which would save almost $21 million. Green Bay could also move on from De'Vondre Campbell and Royce Newman.
Gutekunst has options to create cap space, allowing the Packers to make signings when free agency begins next month. Green Bay needs help at safety, but using free agency could be the best option. There isn't much depth at the position in the draft, and the Packers may struggle to land a Day 1 starter if they miss out on the top prospects like Miami's Kamren Kinchens and Minnesota's Tyler Nubin.
Even with the increased salary cap, restructuring Gary's deal always seemed likely. It's the first of many moves the Packers will make.