The Green Bay Packers, currently standing as one of the final four NFC teams in the NFL Playoffs, have defied expectations with an improbable regular season. This marked the inaugural season with Jordan Love as their starting quarterback, concluding with a 9-8 record and securing the seventh seed. In a historic feat, the Packers became the first seventh seed in NFL history to secure a playoff victory, triumphing over the Dallas Cowboys with a convincing 48-32 win this past Sunday.
The team’s rebuilding phase, initiated after trading Aaron Rodgers and parting ways with veterans like Allen Lazard, Mason Crosby, Adrian Amos, and Marcedes Lewis, has exceeded expectations. Despite being the youngest team in the NFL, the Packers exhibited rapid development, particularly in the latter half of the regular season. After an initial 2-5 start, Green Bay rallied with a 7-3 record in their final 10 games, clinching the last playoff spot with three consecutive victories.
As the postseason unfolds, attention is already shifting towards the upcoming offseason and potential improvements for the Packers in 2024. While the team boasts a significant number of players on rookie contracts, some key veterans with substantial cap hits for the next season might see changes. Notably, the 2024 Packers’ salary cap is noteworthy due to the absence of any dead money allocated to Aaron Rodgers, as the trade last offseason relieved the team of his substantial salary.
Presently, the Packers are set to enter the 2024 offseason with available salary cap space. According to News, they have approximately $7.9 million in cap space for the next season, excluding the $5.6 million in dead cap carried over from void years. However, with impending contract extensions for Jordan Love and the need to sign free agents and the 2024 NFL Draft class, more cap space will be required.
Amid potential roster adjustments, the spotlight falls on key veterans, including David Bakhtiari. The two-time First Team All-Pro left tackle, facing the final year of his contract with the biggest cap hit in 2024, could potentially be released, saving nearly $21 million. However, complications arise due to his injury history, which could lead to an injury grievance. Despite indications from Bakhtiari about returning to the Packers next season, uncertainties remain regarding his future contract structure.
Kenny Clark, named as the second-most likely cap casualty by Bleacher Report, seems unexpected given his standout performance with 7.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl selection. However, with a substantial cap hit, potential restructuring or contract extension discussions might be in play to retain the defensive tackle.
De’Vondre Campbell, despite an impactful presence in the defensive lineup, is also named as a potential cap casualty. While a pre-June 1 cut would yield limited savings, a post-June 1 designation could free up over $10 million in 2024. Yet, considerations must be made regarding future dead cap space.
In summary, the offseason outlook for the Green Bay Packers involves navigating salary cap dynamics, potential roster adjustments, and strategic decisions regarding key veterans, all with the aim of building on the successes of the 2023 season.
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