The Green Bay Packers are still fighting for a playoff spot, and right now, all the focus is on this season.
Coming off another disappointing performance against the New York Giants and their third-string quarterback, the Packersโ defense has been a major discussion point yet again.
Specifically, defensive coordinator Joe Barry, who has never finished with a defense that finished above No. 20 in the NFL during all his stops as a defensive coordinator.
No matter how this season ends, the Packers are going to have some difficult decisions to make this offseason
In a recent piece for PackersNews.com, Insider Pete Dougherty wrote about the upcoming difficult decisions the Green Bay brass will have to make due to salary cap hits coming from Aaron Rodgers and other recent moves that wonโt have them free and clear until 2025.
Doughtery speculates the salary cap will raise by an estimated $31 million in 2024 (noting the true number wonโt come out until the offseason), but in that instance, the Packers would be roughly $15 million over the โ24 cap.
Obvious Move To Free Up Green Bay Packers Cap Space
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While they would lose roughly $20 million in dead money, one of the easiest routes to free up cap space next season is to finally part ways with left tackle David Bakhtiari, who has played in just 17 of 59 possible games since they inked him to a deal worth $86 million in mid-November of 2020.
With Brian Gutekunst and company trending toward a younger roster all around, itโs safe to say the front office may prioritize a left tackle in the draft and move on from the veteran.
Releasing Bakhtiari would save about $20 million on their cap because theyโd be wiping his 2024 salary off their books, so itโs probable they go that route.
Will The Green Bay Packers Move On From Two Veteran Defensive Staples?
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Doughtery notes there are important decisions to be made with the running back duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon and doesnโt expect the Packers to keep both of them, but he also brought up two veteran defensive staples who could be on the chopping block after this season.
The first? Preston Smith.
The reliable edge rusher has been solid for the Green Bay Packers this season with 5.5 sacks and 41 tackles, but Doughtery believes he will be one of the toughest decisions for the front office this offseason.
