The Green Bay Packers are heading into the 2026 offseason with a familiar challenge: navigating the salary cap while trying to keep a competitive roster intact. With quarterback Jordan Love and linebacker Micah Parsons set for major cap hits in the coming years, the front office-led by cap wizard Russ Ball-will need to get creative.
The Packers are currently projected to be $15.2 million over the salary cap, and that number could shift slightly depending on the finalized league-wide cap figure. But one thing’s clear: moves have to be made.
Fortunately, Green Bay has options. Some of them are tough.
Some are strategic. But all are necessary if the Packers want to stay flexible and aggressive in building around their young core.
Let’s take a closer look at how the team could free up nearly $60 million in cap space this offseason-and what those moves might say about the direction of the franchise.
1. Releasing Elgton Jenkins - $19.53 million in savings
This one feels like it’s been coming. Elgton Jenkins, once a cornerstone of the Packers’ offensive line, was shifted from guard to center this past season-and the results weren’t great.
His transition didn’t take, particularly in the run game, where his Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade ranked 30th out of 40 qualified centers. That’s not what you want from a player carrying a hefty cap hit.
Then came the injury. A lower leg fracture in Week 10 ended his season prematurely, and with his 2026 cap number set to balloon to $24.3 million, the Packers have a clear financial incentive to move on.
Jenkins has been a two-time Pro Bowler and a reliable presence up front, but declining performance and injury concerns make this a logical-if difficult-decision. Cutting him would clear nearly $20 million in space.
2. Releasing Trevon Diggs - $15.03 million in savings
Trevon Diggs’ time in Green Bay was more of a cameo than a chapter.
After being claimed off waivers, Diggs played just one meaningful snap for the Packers. That’s it.
While his All-Pro credentials from his Dallas days are still on the résumé, the fit in Green Bay never materialized. The good news for the Packers is that there’s no financial penalty for moving on-his entire $15 million cap hit can be wiped clean with a release.
There’s always a chance the team could explore bringing him back on a more team-friendly deal, but either way, the current number isn’t sustainable. Expect the Packers to clear this cap figure and move forward.
3. Releasing or Trading Rashan Gary - $10.98 million in savings
This one stings a bit more. Rashan Gary came out of the gates on fire this season, racking up 7.5 sacks over the first seven games. But a deeper look shows much of that early production came while Micah Parsons was wreaking havoc on the opposite side, drawing double teams and creating opportunities.
Once teams adjusted and Gary had to win more battles one-on-one, the production dried up. He didn’t record a single sack over the final nine games of the season. For a player with his physical tools, that’s a red flag.
The trade market may not be robust given the late-season drop-off, which means a release could be the most realistic path. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but clearing nearly $11 million in cap space might be the right move if the team doesn’t see him as part of the long-term plan.
4. Restructuring Xavier McKinney and Zach Tom - $9.07 million in savings
Not every move has to involve saying goodbye. The Packers also have the option to restructure a few contracts, spreading out cap hits over future seasons. The risk, of course, is that it creates financial pressure down the line-especially with Love and Parsons due for major paydays-but in the short term, it offers much-needed relief.
Restructuring Xavier McKinney’s deal could save about $5.97 million, while adjusting Zach Tom’s contract could free up another $3.1 million. These are smart, calculated moves that don’t weaken the roster today, but they do require long-term planning and discipline.
5. Releasing Keisean Nixon - $5 million in savings
Keisean Nixon brings value. He’s experienced, he’s a two-time All-Pro returner, and he’s been asked to play CB1 snaps in Green Bay’s secondary. But that last part might be the problem.
Nixon had a rollercoaster of a season. There were flashes of solid play, but his lowest moments came at the worst times-most notably in the playoff collapse against Chicago. He gave up a critical 4th-and-8 conversion to Caleb Williams, then missed a key tackle that allowed D’Andre Swift to score the game-winning touchdown.
At a $7.2 million cap hit, Nixon is priced like a starting corner. But if the Packers don’t believe he’s that guy, it’s hard to justify keeping him. Moving on would save $5 million and signal a commitment to upgrading the secondary.
Bottom Line
The Packers have some tough decisions to make this offseason, but they’re not without options. Between releasing underperforming veterans, restructuring key contracts, and making forward-looking choices, Green Bay can free up nearly $60 million in cap space.
Russ Ball has done this dance before. He knows how to thread the needle between fiscal responsibility and roster competitiveness. And with Jordan Love and Micah Parsons anchoring the future, the Packers are in a window where smart cap management is more important than ever.
This offseason will test Green Bay’s ability to balance loyalty, performance, and the bottom line. But if they get it right, they’ll be positioned to reload-not rebuild.