Let the Uncertainty of the Green Bay Packers Offseason Begin

The offseason for the Green Bay Packers is beginning a few weeks sooner than what we had hoped for or even expected, and with that, there is a lot of uncertainty and question marks that will surround this team in the coming months. There is the very real possibility that this roster looks quite a bit different than what it does now.

Of course, everyone will have their eyes on Aaron Rodgers for the next two months or so as he decides what he wants to do. He is still under contract for the 2022 season, but it does sound like retirement could be an option — even if it may be the most unlikely outcome — or perhaps Rodgers asks to be traded elsewhere for a fresh start.

Following the disappointing loss, he did tell reporters that he doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild–which is certainly understandable at this point in his career. Now, that isn’t to say that the Packers are going into a full rebuild this offseason either, but as I already mentioned, the roster could look different, and it’s certainly possible that they take a step backwards.

On the positive side of things, the relationship between Rodgers and GM Brian Gutekunst has absolutely improved–Rodgers himself has even acknowledged that. Given that important aspect coupled with Green Bay still being able to compete, there is a window for Rodgers to return on an extension.

The other key element to this Green Bay Packers offseason is their salary cap situation.

Over the Cap currently projects the Packers to be $40.11 million over the 2022 salary cap. But as we’ve often discussed, that is only the starting point. That figure does not include the incoming draft class, the practice squad, or any reserves for in-season spending, not to mention any free-agent additions or the re-signing of their own free-agents.

Several notable members of Green Bay’s upcoming free-agent class include Davante Adams, De’Vondre Campbell, Rasul Douglas, Robert Tonyan, Lucas Patrick, Chandon Sullivan, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Marcedes Lewis, and others.

When it comes to creating that additional cap space that is needed, a few options that the Green Bay Packers have are through contract extensions, contract restructures, or by cutting a veteran whose cap hit is greater than their dead cap hit.

A few key veterans who are still under contract for 2022 but come with salary cap savings if they are cut include Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Billy Turner, Mason Crosby, and Dean Lowry. Meanwhile, Jaire Alexander is a prime extension candidate, with Kenny Clark and David Bakhtiari being restructure candidates.

You get the idea–a lot of changes could be on the way.

Now, having said all of that, if Green Bay wants to bring back Adams, for example, they can, but remember, it’s all about give and take. If Adams is re-signed, who do they have to cut, or what other financial gymnastics have to take place to make it work? The same goes for any player or combination of players that the Packers decide to bring back.

On top of the roster decisions that have to be made, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett could very well end up with a head coaching gig and I’d imagine there is the real possibility that if that’s the case, he brings either Luke Getsy or Adam Stenavich with him as his offensive coordinator–creating another opening on the coaching staff. Plus, I’d say there’s a good chance that Green Bay is looking for another special teams coordinator once again.

We don’t know how things will play out, but regardless, there is going to be a fair share of roster and financial maneuvering done this offseason by Brian Gutekunst, Russ Ball, and Co. The end result could be a much different-looking Packers team in 2022.

Now, let the waiting and speculation begin.