As the 2022 season begins, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Green Bay Packers. Everything from what the offense will look like, to who may or may not return to the team in 2023. It is no doubt a tough pill to swallow.
1. Aaron Jones
For starters, running back Aaron Jones who signed a four year, $48 million contract in 2021 had to restructure his contract in order to help the Packers clear up salary cap space for this year.
However, Jones will have a massive cap hit of $20 million in 2023. If they cut him before June 1 2023, the team will save $16 million. If they cut him before then when they would only save just shy of $11 million.
This will no doubt be a difficult decision for the team to make. He is a top five running back in the NFL and is the Packers most important player not named Aaron Rodgers.
2. Mason Crosby
Secondly, fans should keep an eye on kicker Mason Crosby. Crosby will be entering the final year of his contract and more importantly, he’s 38 coming off knee surgery this last off-season.
The Packers recently added depth to the kicker position by signing Ramiz Ahmed to the practice squad. In what could be Crosby’s final season, Ahmed waits in the wings for his opportunity.
Whenever his last season will be, Mason Crosby left his mark on the Packers franchise and will forever be a fan favorite.
3. Randall Cobb
Lastly, fans should keep a close eye on wide receiver Randall Cobb who was traded from the Houston Texans to the Packers in 2021
While Cobb has had a great career in a Packers uniform, health has been the number one concern.
He missed the Packers final five regular season games last season due to a groin injury. When he did make his return in the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers, he was virtually non-existent. Will this year be Cobb’s last dance in a Packers uniform?
Final Thoughts
There are many other great Packers that are on this current roster who’s future is undecided beyond this year. There will come a day where beloved players from the Packers will depart and it will hurt without question. But no matter what happens moving forward, the Packers as a team have a bright future ahead of them.