The Green Bay Packers haven’t been known for signing top-tier free agents. It had been years since the Packers dipped into the free agency pool in a massive way. However, 2024 saw them sign both Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs. Arguably two of the best on the market.
What they have been known for is signing their own to lucrative contracts. Rashan Gary, Jaire Alexander, Kenny Clark, Jordan Love (soon), and even Aaron Jones (even though this year didn’t work out).
Now the Packers are realizing they got an even bigger win this off-season by doing just that.
The Good News Keeps Coming For The 2024 Green Bay Packers
According to Wendell Ferreira of A to Z Sports:
Rashan Gary signed a four-year, $96 million deal. The most team-friendly aspect of the contract is that there are no guarantees after year 1 — the total guarantees are just $34.6 million. Practically, Green Bay won’t cut Gary before 2026, but they have more flexibility.
“It’s great to get that taken care of,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said right after the extension was reached. “Obviously, it’s well-deserved and he’s earned everything. I’m a big believer in people that approach it the right way, that are talented, that come to work with mindset and determination that he possesses. He’s a tone-setter. So, I’m really happy for him, I’m happy for our organization.”
Eighteen months after declining two firsts and a third-round pick from the Los Angeles Rams for Brian Burns, the Panthers couldn’t find an agreement, so they ended up trading him to the New York Giants for a second-rounder. Burns signed a five-year, $141 million contract ($28.2 million per year), with $87.5 million in guarantees.
Last year, even coming back from an ACL injury, Gary had 60 pressures (one pressure every 6.4 pass rush snaps, according to PFF data). Meanwhile, Burns had 40 pressures (one every 9.15 pass rush snaps).
But the difference is probably not that big, especially projecting future performance. Either way, Allen got a five-year, $150 million deal with $88 million in guarantees. The $30 million yearly average is third among defensive players, only behind Nick Bosa and Chris Jones.
The Packers Cap Situation Is Expected To Be In A Very Good Place
Bleacher Nation recently published the current salary cap situations for each team:
Rank | Team | Average Age | Players Currently Signed | Cap Space (Top 51)* |
1 | New England Patriots | 26.96 | 69 | $47,429,144 |
2 | Washington Commanders | 27.12 | 74 | $43,718,633 |
3 | Tennessee Titans | 26.38 | 64 | $31,746,647 |
4 | Los Angeles Chargers | 26.4 | 57 | $31,576,637 |
5 | Philadelphia Eagles | 26.2 | 77 | $31,233,172 |
6 | Arizona Cardinals | 26.63 | 77 | $29,720,227 |
7 | Detriot Lions | 26.62 | 64 | $26,762,854 |
8 | Las Vegas Raiders | 26.59 | 62 | $25,276,353 |
9 | Kansas City Chiefs | 26.26 | 69 | $24,654,155 |
10 | Cincinnati Bengals | 26.51 | 61 | $24,552,332 |
11 | Houston Texans | 27.05 | 77 | $24,193,521 |
12 | Chicago Bears | 26.78 | 68 | $23,260,808 |
13 | Green Bay Packers | 25.65 | 68 | $21,405,357 |
14 | Denver Broncos | 26.72 | 71 | $18,057,692 |
15 | Minnesota Vikings | 26.85 | 67 | $17,568,153 |
16 | Indianapolis Colts | 26.61 | 76 | $17,494,348 |
League Average | 26.76 | 67.8 | $17,228,798 | |
17 | Los Angeles Rams | 26.29 | 62 | $15,053,021 |
18 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 26.67 | 69 | $12,740,838 |
19 | Baltimore Ravens | 27.1 | 58 | $12,314,281 |
20 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 26.78 | 74 | $12,196,003 |
21 | New Orleans Saints | 27.29 | 64 | $9,149,871 |
22 | New York Giants | 26.43 | 71 | $8,385,465 |
23 | San Francisco 49ers | 27.45 | 73 | $7,516,182 |
24 | Altanta Falcons | 26.82 | 66 | $6,739,896 |
25 | Dallas Cowboys | 26.69 | 62 | $6,248,896 |
26 | Cleveland Browns | 27.08 | 76 | $4,636,182 |
27 | Buffalo Bills | 27.22 | 63 | $4,244,255 |
28 | Miami Dolphins | 27.37 | 67 | $4,197,965 |
29 | Carolina Panthers | 27.4 | 70 | $3,939,661 |
30 | Seattle Seahawks | 26.55 | 62 | $2,580,860 |
31 | New York Jets | 27.45 | 66 | $2,232,337 |
32 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 26.38 | 66 | $495,798 |
It has been widely rumored that the Packers could be in line to sign another free agent this off-season. Safety still remains a need for this team and there are numerous veterans available.
They recently added another cornerback to their roster. More could be on the way.
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