4 Green Bay Packers who could be released in 2021

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 27: Latavius Murray #28 of the New Orleans Saints is pursued by Christian Kirksey #58 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 27, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

2. Christian Kirksey

It will important to see how both Christian Kirksey and Kamal Martin finish the year at inside linebacker. Kirksey has already missed a number of games due to injuries–coming back last week–and that’s been a theme for three years running now. Martin, a rookie with upside, could flash enough playmaking ability to make Green Bay comfortable moving on from Kirksey after just one season.

The Packers owe Kirksey $8 million next year, but could save $6 million if they let him go. That’s an enticing offer for a player who has missed more than half the games and hasn’t been great when he’s been on the field. There’s a lot of ballgame left when it comes to Kirksey, but the writing could be on the wall.

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