The Green Bay Packers are experiencing Christmas in June. When they released starting linebacker De’Vondre Campbell in March, they designated him as a post-June 1 cut. That designation kicked in on June 2, opening up $10.57 million in cap space for the Packers in 2024.
So, what should the Packers do with this money?
According to Over the Cap, they have $30.38 million in cap space after cutting Campbell. The Packers would have to account for some small cap charges, like the final couple of roster spots and the practice squad. However, those should not significantly reduce that number.
Green Bay seems pretty set with their current roster, so I would not predict any major changes at this point in the year. Maybe the team was just waiting for the money from releasing Campbell to free up because now the Packers have the seventh-most cap space in football.
The Green and Gold have two viable options to use that cap space. The Packers could sign one of the few big-name free agents still on the open market or save the money for the Jordan Love extension.
Green Bay likely wouldn’t add offensive players, except along the offensive line. There are capable starters at all three offensive line spots who could fill in nicely if the Packers are looking for an immediate upgrade.
A few veterans at the offensive tackle spot could fit in well if Rasheed Walker’s play drops off or Zach Tom gets injured. The Packers signed former first-round pick Andre Dillard, but he’s more of a low-end backup than a capable starter at this point in his career.
Aside from former Packer David Bakhtiari, who is available, there are other guys who have played a lot of good football and could bring some stability to Green Bay’s offensive line as an injury replacement.
D.J. Humphries was a reliable left tackle for the Arizona Cardinals. He’s 30, but Humphries would still be an upgrade. Former Chicago Bears tackle Charles Leno could fill in for depth or in an injury situation.
They could use Humphries or Leno if Tom or Walker goes down, assuming the Packers are trying to protect rookie first-rounder Jordan Morgan from having to take on a full-time starting role this early. The Packers have historically found veteran tackles to replace injured starters. Remember when Jared Veldheer came out of retirement to start a playoff game for the Packers?
If the Packers aren’t satisfied with the interior lineman, they could go after Connor Williams, who has great experience in a zone-blocking scheme at either guard or center. With the uncertainty around Sean Rhyan and Josh Myers, the Packers could bring in a veteran like Williams to push competition or earn a starting job.
There are also some big names on the defensive side of the ball. The Packers seem pretty set along the defensive line because of their players’ versatility. Having Kingsley Enagbare return to full health fills out Green Bay’s depth. It’s wiser to have dudes like Brenton Cox develop rather than give those reps to a veteran-free agent.
Green Bay could spend some money on the second level of the defense. The linebacker market is not nearly as exciting as the corners and safeties, but there are guys who could help out.
If the Packers are looking for a three-down linebacker to pair with Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper, Kwon Alexander is their only real option. Alexander has the skills to cover and stop the run. But the Packers took Cooper in the second round, and they probably want him to take those snaps.
The Packers could also use another healthy cornerback. Having Eric Stokes back to 100% is huge for this group’s depth. With Jaire Alexander leading the way and a spitfire in Carrington Valentine, the Packers are okay with this group. However, a veteran addition wouldn’t hurt.
Some big names have been among the best corners in the game in the past. Stephon Gilmore, Adoree’ Jackson, and Xavien Howard are all still unsigned. The Packers want to force more turnovers, and these guys all have a history of taking the ball away.
Green Bay also has a need at safety, and there are multiple big names still out there. The Packers already addressed that need by signing Xavier McKinney. While they nailed the McKinney signing, there is a tremendous lack of experience behind him. Second-year player Anthony Johnson Jr. is currently starting next to McKinney, but behind those two is a trio of rookies headlined by second-round pick Javon Bullard.
Justin Simmons, Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Eddie Jackson, and old friend Micah Hyde are all still available in free agency. The Packers seem content with the group of rookies and veterans in their new-look safety room. However, if the rookies aren’t ready by Week 1, the team could go after one of these guys for help.
The other option is to save that money for the Love extension. The Packers want to complete the new contract before training camp starts. They can make that a reality with the cap space they’ve created by releasing Campbell. I don’t know how much money Love will get or how long the contract would be, but it looks like that money will go to Green Bay’s franchise quarterback.
These free agents are all sitting on the market for a reason. If the Packers were going to make a move to sign these guys, they probably would have already. Love is the future, and the Packers want to ensure they have him in the fold for the long term.
