NFL insider reveals latest details on David Bakhtiari, Packers free agency plans

The Green Bay Packers have a busy week ahead of them with the new league year on the way.

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the Packers will release former All-Pro linebacker De'Vondre Campbell on Wednesday. They will designate the move a post-June 1 cut, creating more cap space in the short term.

Campbell's release won't be the only cap-saving move the Packers make, and more could be on the way in the next few days.

But why haven't the Packers made a decision on David Bakhtiari's future yet? Which free agents could the team re-sign? Silverstein provided some insight in his latest report.

Why Packers haven't made a decision on David Bakhtiari yet

UPDATE 3/11: The Packers have released David Bakhtiari. He posted an emotional message to fans on social media, which you can read here.

The expectation was the Packers would release Bakhtiari before the start of the new league year, but why hasn't anything happened yet? According to Silverstein, there is "no hurry" to make a cap-saving move because Bakhtiari doesn't have a roster bonus due.

"Release would seem likely but maybe he wants to stay and a large cut is negotiated," writes Silverstein.

At the NFL Combine, Brian Gutekunst said he wanted to make a decision on Bakhtiari's future before free agency, but the Packers don't need to. They could wait until after the beginning of the new league year, as the salary cap impact would be no different. But a release is still likely soon. As Silverstein notes, the Packers don't need the money now, but they may need it to sign free agents later this week.

It still seems highly likely the Packers will release Bakhtiari unless he is willing to take a significant pay cut.

Packers reportedly want to bring back multiple free agents

According to Silverstein, the Packers want to bring back All-Pro returner and starting slot corner Keisean Nixon, backup tight end Tyler Davis, and key special teams player Eric Wilson.

All three make sense, but if the Packers plan to re-sign Nixon, they should've done it earlier in the year. Nixon's deal voided on February 19, leaving Green Bay with a dead cap hit of $1.1 million. They have to pay that even if he re-signs—signing a new deal before the deadline would've prevented that.

Green Bay should look for an upgrade at the slot corner position, but there's no denying Nixon's game-changing return ability. He has 1,791 kick-return yards and a touchdown in under two seasons, earning consecutive All-Pro honors.

Davis is a solid backup tight end who can contribute on special teams. He is recovering from a torn ACL. Wilson is one of the Packers' best special teams players, which was evident with his crucial fumble recovery in the divisional round. Re-signing Wilson would make a lot of sense.

Packers will likely target a safety in free agency

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Packers are "considered a threat in the safety market." He names Xavier McKinney, Kamren Curl, and Quandre Diggs as potential targets.

It's unsurprising. Green Bay desperately needs safety help this offseason, so it makes sense to take advantage of a talented free-agent class, especially with a lack of depth at the position in the upcoming draft.

The Packers have plenty of options in free agency, although McKinney sits atop the list of potential targets. He would be a game-changing addition to the secondary and should be a top priority for the Packers in free agency.

More Packers news and analysis