Green Bay Packers Brian Gutekunst past trade wins, Marshon Lattimore

Green Bay Packers Should Monitor Cap Casualties For Help At Key Positions

Matt Brown

The Green Bay Packers are entering the 2026 offseason with limited draft capital after trading away their first-round picks for Micah Parsons. With compensatory picks in play and a need to preserve future assets, General Manager Brian Gutekunst may need to get creative in free agency. One potential avenue? Targeting players who are cut by other teams, also known as cap casualties.

Why Cap Casualties Make Sense for the Green Bay Packers

When a player is released by their team, they become a “street free agent,” meaning signing them does not impact the compensatory pick formula. This allows teams like the Packers to address roster needs without jeopardizing their ability to earn compensatory draft picks for players lost in free agency.

For a team like Green Bay, which has consistently fielded one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, adding experienced players through this route could provide a much-needed boost. The Packers have reached the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, but a lack of veteran depth has been a recurring issue. Targeting cap casualties could help address this while preserving the team’s long-term strategy.

Potential Cap Casualties to Watch

According to Over the Cap and other sources, several high-profile players could become available as cap casualties this offseason. Here are some names that could fit the Packers’ needs:

Defensive Line

  • DeForest Buckner (Colts): A dominant interior presence, Buckner could provide an immediate upgrade to Green Bay’s defensive line. His $23 million cap hit makes him a potential cut candidate.
  • Daron Payne (Commanders): Another elite defensive tackle, Payne’s $22.4 million salary could make him expendable for Washington.
  • Arik Armstead (Jaguars): With a $14.5 million cap hit, Armstead could be a cost-effective addition to bolster the Packers’ pass rush.

Cornerbacks

  • L’Jarius Sneed (Titans): A versatile cornerback with a $16 million salary, Sneed could solidify Green Bay’s secondary.
  • Jaylon Johnson (Bears): At $16 million, Johnson is another potential target who could bring experience and playmaking ability to the Packers’ defensive backfield.
  • Darious Williams (Rams): With a $7.5 million cap hit, Williams could be a more affordable option for Green Bay.

Offensive Line

  • Mekhi Becton (Chargers): A former first-round pick, Becton’s $10 million salary could make him a cap casualty. He would provide depth and competition on the offensive line.
  • Tyler Biadasz (Commanders): A reliable center with an $8.3 million cap hit, Biadasz could help stabilize Green Bay’s interior line.

Other Notable Names

  • Jonathan Greenard (Vikings): An edge rusher with a $19 million salary, Greenard could add firepower to the Packers’ pass rush.
  • Maliek Collins (Browns): A solid rotational defensive tackle with a $10 million cap hit.
  • Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings): A cornerback with a $5 million salary, Rodgers could provide depth and special teams value.

Strategic Considerations

While these players represent intriguing options, it’s important to note that not all of them will be cut. Teams often restructure contracts or find other ways to retain key players. However, the Packers’ front office will undoubtedly monitor the market closely to identify opportunities.

Additionally, signing cap casualties allows the Packers to address immediate needs without compromising their compensatory pick strategy. With key players like Malik Willis, Romeo Doubs, and Quay Walker potentially leaving in free agency, Green Bay is poised to earn multiple compensatory picks in 2027. Preserving this advantage will be critical to maintaining the team’s long-term competitiveness.

The Bottom Line

With no first-round pick in 2026, Brian Gutekunst and the Packers will need to think outside the box to improve the roster. Targeting cap casualties offers a low-risk, high-reward strategy that aligns with the team’s philosophy of balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability. As the offseason unfolds, expect Green Bay to be active in exploring these opportunities.

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