The Green Bay Packers outperformed expectations in numerous ways in 2023. The team started 3-6, then went on a 6-2 run to end 9-8. The club became the youngest to make the playoffs, even upsetting the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys.
This offseason, it appears that the Packers are struggling to spend money. According to Over The Cap, the Packers are expected to have approximately -$2.8 million in cap space. However, with some creative restructures and the release of veterans such as De’Vondre Campbell, David Bakhtiari, and Royce Newman, the team may free up up to $50 million in salary space.
The Green Bay Packers outperformed expectations in numerous ways in 2023. The team started 3-6, then went on a 6-2 run to end 9-8. The club became the youngest to make the playoffs, even upsetting the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys.
This offseason, it appears that the Packers are struggling to spend money. According to Over The Cap, the Packers are expected to have approximately -$2.8 million in cap space. However, with some creative restructures and the release of veterans such as De’Vondre Campbell, David Bakhtiari, and Royce Newman, the team may free up up to $50 million in salary space.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S
The Packers are going to need a safety. Jonathan Owens, Rudy Ford, and Darnell Savage are all headed for free agency and none of the trio perfomed all that well in the first place.
Gardner-Johnson had an injury-plagued 2023 season with the Detroit Lions. The defensive back played in just 3 games but still racked up 17 tackles and an interception. Gardner-Johnson now heads back to free agency after inking a 1-year, $8M deal last offseason.
The DB may not land as big of a deal as he hopes this offseason due to his injury-marred 2023 campaign. However, Gardner-Johnson is a versatile defender who can play in the slot or as a box safety. Gardner-Johnson has at least 1 interception in each of his 5 NFL seasons and had a career-best 6 in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Donovan Smith has been a starter-caliber lineman in the NFL for many years. The lineman entered the NFL in 2015 and has started 133 games in that time. Smith spent 2023 with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped the team win its second Super Bowl in a row.
Smith completed 2023 with a 55.4 PFF grade. While not his best season, Smith surrendered only two sacks and performed admirably in pass protection.
The Packers might benefit from having an experienced lineman like Smith. David Bakhtiari and Royce Newman are likely to be cut, while Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan will become free agents. You could do a lot worse than have Smith as a backup left tackle.
On October 15, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) scores a touchdown on a 42-yard fumble return against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Hicks, linebacker
To wrap up, how about another division rival? Hicks recorded more than 100 tackles for the fifth consecutive season in 2023. The veteran is a reliable force in the center of the field and would bring much-needed experience to the Packers’ linebacker corps.
As previously said, De’Vondre Campbell is a possible cap casualty. This implies that the squad may need a seasoned presence in the middle, and Hicks fits the description. In 2023, Hicks earned a 74.5 PFF grade and finished with 107 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack. Not only would signing Hicks benefit the Packers, but it would be a significant loss for the rival Vikings.
Hicks is coming off of a deal that had a $5M average salary, and he is 32 years old, so likely wouldn’t break the bank.
