7 Packers players who need to be gone before the 2024 season begins

David Bakhtiari

When healthy, David Bakhtiari is still an All-Pro left tackle. He proved that in the Packers' Week 1 victory over the Chicago Bears. Despite barely practicing in the week leading up to the game, Bakhtiari looked as good as ever in the regular season opener. Unfortunately, it was the only game he played.

The emergence of Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom should give the Packers confidence that they have two quality starting tackles. Both were outstanding in the second half of the season, especially in the playoffs.

General manager Brian Gutekunst gave a non-answer when asked about Bakhtiari's future in Green Bay, saying the Packers are "monitoring" his injury situation. However, it's hard to ignore Bakhtiari's $40 million cap hit, which Green Bay can halve by moving on.

Jonathan Owens

The Packers didn't get consistent play from any of their safeties in 2023. The position becomes even more important if Jeff Hafley opts for a heavy single-high defense. This is a different approach from Joe Barry's, who played a lot of two-shell.

Jonathan Owens is a free agent and is coming off an inconsistent season. Green Bay needs to find a difference-maker at the position who is comfortable playing in a single-high defense. Brian Gutekunst could let Owens, Savage, and Rudy Ford walk in free agency and find replacements in the draft.

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