Packers News: Latest free agency moves, Jaire Alexander, David Bakhtiari, Yosh Nijman
The second week of free agency is off to a far quieter start for the Green Bay Packers, but they are still making moves as they continue to build their 2024 roster.
Green Bay stole the headlines by surprisingly releasing Aaron Jones and signing Josh Jacobs a week ago. The Packers also landed the best safety available by bringing in Xavier McKinney. The big spending could be over, but Green Bay can still upgrade the roster in the remainder of free agency.
Part of that includes re-signing players. Two more of the Packers' free agents signed deals this week, with one returning to Green Bay.
Packers re-sign Robert Rochell, lose Yosh Nijman in free agency
Free agency has quietened down for the Packers after an electric start last week, but there were some notable moves on Monday. ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports that Green Bay has re-signed cornerback Robert Rochell.
Rochell was active for nine games last season, playing exclusively on special teams. A former fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams, Rochell will compete for a roster spot this summer.
The Packers lost backup tackle Yosh Nijman, who is signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Green Bay loses a player with 22 career starts at left and right tackle, increasing the need to draft multiple offensive linemen.
Packers choose not to convert roster bonuses for Jaire Alexander and Elgton Jenkins
You may have noticed the Packers have restructured fewer contracts this offseason. They are in a far healthier cap situation, especially with the NFL increasing the 2024 salary cap number to $255.4 million.
Green Bay had the opportunity to add cap space by converting a couple of roster bonuses into signing bonuses. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers chose not to do this with Jaire Alexander's and Elgton Jenkins' deals.
#Packers did not convert roster bonuses due CB Jaire Alexander ($8M) and G Elton Jenkins ($5.1M) to signing bonuses in order to save cap. Both were paid on their due date, March 15. That leaves about $10M in base salary between the two that could be converted later if needed.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) March 18, 2024
It shows the Packers are in a far stronger position with the salary cap than in recent years. They can take on the additional cap hits now without needing to push money into future years, which is good news for 2025 and beyond.
David Bakhtiari is 'focused on returning to play' in 2024
Recently-released tackle David Bakhtiari plans to keep playing this season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided an update on Bakhtiari's status.
When the #Packers released All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari, there were some questions about what's next. My understanding: He is diligently rehabbing and is focused on returning to play this coming season, I'm told. He's taking it as it comes. But plans to play.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2024
The door likely closed on a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers in New York, but several contending teams would benefit from adding the five-time All-Pro once he's cleared to play. Bakhtiari is still an outstanding pass-protector. If he's healthy and can play the majority of the regular season, his next team will get a bargain.
Bakhtiari may have to wait until he's healthy before signing somewhere, but there shouldn't be any shortage of interest around the league once he's available.
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