Packers Could Release Key Veteran To Open Cap Space

The Green Bay Packers roster looks to be pretty set for 2024. There are a few needs that still exist, but nothing glaring. Depth in a few areas, such as cornerback, is the most pressing need the team has remaining.

Instead, the focus for the remainder of the offseason will be on the looming contract extension for quarterback Jordan Love. He put together some incredible performances in 2023, his first season as a starter. But, with only 18 career starts under his belt, are the Packers ready to hand him a long-term team similar to what Jared Goff signed with the Detroit Lions?

A major reason that is their focus is because of salary cap implications. Green Bay is in good shape, projected to have $62.4 million in 2025. Right now, they have $19.8 million in salary cap space, so they can make some moves if they feel the need.

In the NFL, teams can never have too much cap space. Having as much wiggle room to operate as possible is ideal. If the Packers wanted to create some more spending power, there are a few things they can do.

One of them, in the opinion of Kris Knox of Bleacher Report, is to release veteran running back AJ Dillon. Dillon was a free agent earlier in 2024 after his rookie contract expired. The Packers opted to re-sign him, but he will be facing a ton of competition in the backfield.

Green Bay signed Josh Jacobs away from the Las Vegas Raiders with a lucrative contract. The team also used a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on MarShawn Lloyd out of USC. Emanuel Wilson remains on the roster as well and offers some special teams versatility, which Dillon doesn’t.

Depending on how the offseason workouts go, Dillon could certainly be on the chopping block. But, the team wouldn’t be saving a ton of money against the salary cap. Despite his earnings being $2,575,000, only $1,292,500 counts against the salary cap.

Dillon did struggle during the 2023 season, but given his minuscule cap hit, is releasing him worthwhile? He knows the offense well and provides the team with some insurance in case injuries hit the backfield.

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