Packers: 3 starters who could be cut in 2021 offseason
![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) 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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2e3d68bc08ad0202a738c693a7f59f9d8ea6d9c5ea64945001d99c16814c4338.jpg)
Christian Kirksey
Ever since Christian Kirksey signed with his former defensive coordinator Mike Pettine last year in Green Bay, it was likely only to last one season. That’s probably more true now that Pettine is gone.
Kirksey technically started in all 11 games he played in this season, but saw a huge demotion toward the end of the year. Undrafted free agent Krys Barnes took over as the primary middle linebacker with Kirksey sliding over to the weak-side. Oddly enough, this was a role Kirksey excelled in and something Green Bay could explore more of next season if they do decide to keep him or bring him back. By releasing Kirksey, the Packers would save $5.6 million in 2021.