Green Bay Packers Re-Sign or Let Go & Prediction: Dennis Kelly

Green Bay Packers tackle Dennis Kelly (79) provides pass protection from Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) during their preseason game Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Houston Texans beat the Green Bay Packers 26-7.Mjs Kelly 22 Jpg Packers15
Green Bay Packers tackle Dennis Kelly (79) provides pass protection from Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) during their preseason game Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Houston Texans beat the Green Bay Packers 26-7.Mjs Kelly 22 Jpg Packers15 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers tackle Dennis Kelly (79) works offensive guard Jacob Capra (60) during training camp Wednesday, August 11, 2021 in Green Bay, Wis. The team plays their first preseason game Saturday at home against the Houston Texans.Mjs Kelly 39 Jpg Packers12 /

Why the Green Bay Packers would let Dennis Kelly walk

Depending on what happens with Billy Turner this offseason could change things, but right now, the Green Bay Packers’ depth at the offensive tackle position is in very good shape. If Turner is back, he will be the right tackle, Bakhtiari will be back at left tackle, and the Packers also have Yosh Nijman as well as Elgton Jenkins when he returns from injury.

A year ago, at this time, there was much more uncertainty. Nijman was still an unknown while Bakhtiari was still sidelined, putting Jenkins at left guard. However, that isn’t the case in 2022.

Kelly is also 32-years-old, and while the entire offensive line had their issues against San Francisco in the playoffs, it was Kelly who was the weakest link. In that one game, he was credited with one sack, five pressures, and he was also called for a penalty.

Also, it’s not as if Kelly is going to break the bank by any means, his cap number in 2021 was only $1.325 million, but we also don’t know what kind of spending power the Packers will have given their salary cap situation. And if they do decide to bring him back, I’m guessing it won’t be until summer.