The Packers’ 2022 salary cap situation is a dumpster fire, to put it mildly. This is the worst-kept secret in the league as the offseason approaches following Sunday’s Super Bowl. However, there’s two names – everyone knows them – that first come to mind when envisioning Green Bay’s 2022 roster. One is under contract for 2022; the other is a free agent. But putting Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams aside, there’s a handful of other players entering the final year of their contracts who are worthy of new ones.
By extending these players, the Packers can push at least part of nearly $30 million in “dead money” to future years. This will free up cap space that will help them to afford at least some of their key free agents. Some of these free agents have been major contributors over the last few seasons. This list includes Robert Tonyan, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Yosh Nijman. There’s also De’Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas, who spent little time in Green Bay but still made major impacts. Anything the Packers can do to keep these players will go a long way towards another playoff run. It all starts with freeing up money for 2022.
Packers Rookie Contracts Approaching Expiration
The Packers exercised Jaire Alexander’s fifth year option from his rookie contract prior to the 2021 draft. Alexander’s 2022 dead money is the highest on the team (not including Aaron Rodgers) at $13.294 million. A new three-year extension can push close to $10 million of that into 2023-2025. While those seasons would also have the added burden of a high-dollar contract, for a shutdown corner like Alexander, this seems like a no-brainer. Green Bay looks to have about $118 million in salary cap room in 2023 and $175 million in 2024. A big chunk of those dollars needs to be offered to Alexander. Rashan Gary will likely see his fifth year option exercised this offseason, so there’s no need to offer that extension now. Absent a huge drop-off in play next season, the Packers will surely prioritize an extension for Gary going into 2023.
Adrian Amos
Following the retirement of Nick Collins in 2011, the Packers struggled to find answers at the safety position. Micah Hyde and Casey Hayward showed flashes of greatness but were allowed to leave in free agency. This remains a sore subject for many Packers fans. HaHa Clinton-Dix was drafted with high expectations but was gone after just a few seasons.
Ever since the Packers signed free agent Adrian Amos away from the Bears in 2019, he has quickly become a fan favorite. Amos has shown solid play at safety for three seasons and enters the final year of his contract in 2022. While his 2022 dead money is much lower – $4.082 million – every little bit helps. By extending Amos, they will not only save a few million in 2022, but also shore up a position they struggled with before Amos’ arrival.
Tough Decisions on the Smith Brothers
Za’Darius and Preston Smith joined the Packers in 2019 and immediately made a major impact. While Preston had a significantly lower influence in year two, Za’Darius continued at a high level in 2020. Following a week one injury, Za’Darius went on IR, while Preston returned to the high level of play he showed in 2019. Green Bay’s defense showed improved QB pressures in 2021, largely due to Preston’s resurgence under new DC Joe Barry. They showed that they can thrive on defense without Za’Darius. While it may be time to allow Za’Darius Smith to explore free agency, Preston Smith has shown he is worthy of an extension. His $7.250 million in dead money could be spread into 2023 and beyond, freeing up a little more to offer critical free agents.
Elgton Jenkins… No Brainer
There’s one more name worthy of conversation when it comes to contract extensions. His dead money is almost nothing heading into 2022, but extending Elgton Jenkins should absolutely be a priority for Brian Gutekunst. Jenkins’ versatility played a huge role for the Packers in the absence of David Bakhtiari in 2022.
Everyone expects Bakhtiari to be back and healthy next year. Still, the offensive line’s performance against the 49ers in the playoffs showed that unit’s depth is arguably the most important piece to a championship puzzle. The Packers were clearly missing that piece in the playoffs. Extending Jenkins provides the depth across the offensive line that not many teams have. Jenkins at his natural left guard position, next to a healthy Bakhtiari, could prove critical for the Packers as the next chapter at quarterback approaches sooner or later.
It Might Not Seem Like It, But…
Green Bay’s future is bright. Everyone knows the situation the Packers find themselves in with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. If you follow the Packers on Twitter, Bears fans are convinced their guy will usher in the next great era of NFC North dominance at the QB position. Some actually believe Adams wants to sign with Chicago because of their new offensive coordinator, Luke Getsy.
Set the Rodgers and Adams drama aside. By extending the players mentioned above with new contracts, the Packers can stabilize the foundation of what could very easily remain a playoff team, whether Rodgers and Adams are there or not. If both 12 and 17 leave, there will be several high draft picks over the next few seasons coming in return. This should not only be enough to comfort those who hope they don’t leave, but also provide important building blocks for the next phase of great Packers teams.
For More Wisconsin Sports Content:
Follow me on Twitter at @dtpayton and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
[pickup_prop id=”19592″]
