Packers cut candidate may have saved his job by taking a pay cut

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur will experiment with the offensive line in the weeks ahead as he figures out the best starting five.

That has already included giving Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins first-team snaps at center, a move that could possibly create room for first-round pick Jordan Morgan to start at left guard. Time will tell.

Former starter Royce Newman faces an uncertain future with the Packers after losing his spot as the primary backup guard to Sean Rhyan last season.

Newman started two games as cover for Jenkins, playing 136 snaps. Per PFF, he allowed nine pressures, seven hurries, and one sack in those two contests. He only played another 10 snaps in the remaining 13 games, with Rhyan earning more opportunities.

With only a year remaining on his deal, Newman needs to show consistency at training camp to have a shot at making the 53-man roster, but he may have increased his chances with a contract restructure.

Packers guard Royce Newman takes pay cut to increase chances of making roster

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the Packers have restructured Newman's contract by reducing his base salary and adding incentives. Packers cap expert Ken Ingalls broke down what it means, noting that Newman took a $866,000 pay cut.

As Ingalls notes, none of it is guaranteed, which means the Packers could still release him this summer. A lower cap hit could also increase the chances of making a trade, as another team would take on less risk.

Taking a pay cut may have been Newman's only option to stay in Green Bay. The team could've moved on and created cap space, but this restructure has saved almost $1 million.

Newman faces competition for a roster spot and needs to play well at camp and in the preseason. Taking a pay cut may help his chances.

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