When Brian Gutekunst confirmed the post-June 1 waiver of cornerback Jaire Alexander, the news sounded a double alarm as a new Green Bay Packers plan was underway. The loss of an All-Pro in the secondary and, at the same time, the opening of $7.6 million in the 2025 salary cap.
According to NFL Network, Alexander would carry a cap hit in excess of $24 million, with the cut, that load drops to dead money of more than $17 million for 2025, which accounts distributes thanks to the post-June designation.
The final figures vary slightly depending on the base consulted. OverTheCap showed the Green Bay Packers with just $35.5 million available before the update, while internal projections put the amount at something close to $46 million, the sixth-largest slot in the league for 2025. In practice, Gutekunst has gained enough margin to shore up key pieces and still explore the market.
Top priority: Renew Zach Tom and Quay Walker
The first application of the “new money” should fall on right-tackle Zach Tom. Spotrac projects a four-year deal for $86.7 million (average of $21.7M/year), a figure that would make him the fourth RT to surpass the $20M annual barrier.
CasinoBeats’ 2025 guide to the best online betting sites in the US notes that some books now push same-game parlays and live player props, letting US bettors react instantly to roster news. Consequently, the moment a Zach Tom extension is reported, NFC North division futures odds are quick to realign.
After all, no one on the current squad better protects Jordan Love’s blind side on bootleg plays, and the franchise is looking to repeat the David Bakhtiari playbook of paying early to save later. On the defensive side, linebacker Quay Walker had his $14.7 million fifth-year option turned down in May.
Gutekunst said he prefers an extended contract, adjusted to the projected cap for 2027, something that also reduces the immediate cap hit. DT Devonte Wyatt, meanwhile, remains under control until 2026, his fifth year, having been activated precisely to balance the finances while the other two starters from the 2022 Draft are negotiated.
Possible cuts and restructuring on the horizon in Packers Plan
Opening up space is good, but spending requires maintenance. Among the veterans observed under the salary microscope is Keisean Nixon. A post-June 1 cut in Nixon would free up $4.67 million if fired in July.
Another route is to renegotiate nose-tackle Kenny Clark. A pro-rata extension could lower the 2025 cap hit by $6.6 million without losing core talent. These maneuvers are vital because the team projects strong inflation in the OL market. In addition to Tom, Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan are entering contract years, and maintaining line depth is always costly.
Who’s coming? Needs and outside targets
With Alexander out, the natural priority becomes cornerback. Green Bay gambled on Nate Hobbs (four years, $48 M) and renewed Keisean Nixon, but the rotation loses punch without a true CB 1. On offense, rumors link the Packers to a veteran possession receiver to complement Christian Watson.
Denver is considering releasing Courtland Sutton if there is no extension, a name that would fit the risk-controlled profile. Loose finances also make it possible to absorb contracts via trade. A late-round swap would be possible without tightening the cash flow.
Young pipeline: Draft capital and the “draft-and-develop” model
The 2025 Draft gave Gutekunst eight picks, including potential third and fifth round compensatory picks if Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs leave in 2027. The logic remains: develop internal talent, use the salary cap mainly to extend pillars, and only then target strategic veterans.
That’s how Zach Tom, a fourth-round pick in 2022, became a crown jewel. At the same time, the franchise advanced the future by selecting WRs Matthew Golden (Texas) and Savion Williams (TCU), setting the stage for eventual departures at the position. The cap space ensures that all freshmen sign without late renegotiation.
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