Overview: Jordan Love, a third-year quarterback, remained unproven halfway through the season. A 6-2 record, highlighted by a playoff performance versus the Dallas Cowboys, put any remaining fears to bed. Love is Green Bay’s present and future quarterback, and general manager Brian Gutekunst is open to discussing a long-term contract extension.
Love is surrounded by a strong group of young receivers, forcing the Packers to seek elsewhere this offseason to address gaps. Cap space is limited, and Green Bay will have to make some moves to address issues on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield. However, the future appears bright.
Key Free Agents
RB A.J. Dillon and RG Jon Runyan Junior.
CB/Return Specialist Keisean Nixon
FS Darnell Savage
SS Jonathan Owens
Who’s in/out: Savage and Nixon appear to be on their way out after the Packers declined to offer them extensions that would have saved the team millions of dollars in cap room for the upcoming season. Dillon might also go as the Packers work out their running-back situation (more on Aaron Jones below). Runyan lost reps to second-year player Sean Rhyan last season, indicating that he, too, could be on his way out.
Key free agent needs.
Safety
Offensive line
Positions: linebacker, cornerback
Why are there so many holes? If Savage is done in Green Bay, safety will be a key priority. With Owens also set to enter free agency, the Packers could be missing both of their starting safeties from last season. Given the likely movement at left tackle (again, see below), as well as Runyan’s anticipated departure, preserving Jordan Love is a major concern, despite the fact that the free-agent market is limited. Nixon’s likely departure creates a need for cornerback depth.
Do they have the money?
They don’t. According to Spotrac, the Packers have only $350,000 in cap space, indicating that cuts are imminent. That will most likely result in the Packers losing at least one major figure who no longer commands a hefty contract.
Potential notable cuts
LT David Bakhtiari RB Aaron Jones (LB) Preston Smith
Why they may be gone: Bakhtiari, a five-time All-Pro, hasn’t been the same or as available since tearing his ACL in 2020. He’s only appeared in 13 games over the last three seasons and has a $40 million cap hit in 2024. Jones demonstrated his worth in the postseason following an injury-shortened regular season, but he has a $17.6 million salary hit in 2024. If Jones is willing to restructure, that is the most likely course of action. Smith remained effective last season, recording eight sacks. But, at 31, his $16.5 million cap hit in 2024 may be too much.
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