The Packers have the fifth-most salary cap space in the NFL.
According to Over The Cap, they have $35.5 million in free space heading into this season. Now many people are automatically thinking that the Packers should sink their teeth into a T.J. Watt trade, which would bring the dynamic pass rusher from the state of Wisconsin back home.
But it’s not exactly that easy. The first order of business should be re-signing Zach Tom. He is the best offensive lineman Green Bay has and is a free agent after 2026. He should be a priority. Linebacker Quay Walker is also a free agent after 2026. His athleticism would be sorely missed if it were on another team.
Christian Watson is a free agent after this season, but I’m not sure you can bring him back unless he’s willing to come back on a reduced rate that’s highly incentivized after all of his injuries.
Fast forward to 2027 and the Packers have tight end Tucker Kraft and wide receiver Jayden Reed becoming free agents. You could also argue for Elgton Jenkins, who has played a very good role by becoming a Jack of all Trades. However, he turns 30 this coming Dec. 26 and I don’t see Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst ponying up for another large contract for a guy that could soon be hit with a bevy of injuries.
And that takes me back to Watt. He has already missed 14 games as a pro, including one game due to an MCL sprain he suffered this past January, which sidelined him for the AFC Wild Card playoff game. Watt turns 31 in October. He has been a seven-time Pro Bowler and was named the 2021 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year after tallying 22.5 sacks. He has averaged 13.5 sacks over eight seasons and has been the cornerstone for the Steelers defense.
“I think you have to have the mentality that when you step on the field, you’re the baddest dude out there,” said Watt in 2023.
And he has backed that up time and time again with key tackles, batted passes and quarterback hurries that have translated into success for Pittsburgh. The problem is, Myles Garrett’s contract was so ridiculous this past offseason that it has left him no choice but to draw a line in the sand with his contract negotiations. The Browns are paying Garrett $40 million a year and Watt is entering his final year of his $112 million deal. He’s getting around $21 million in 2025.
I agree that Watt should be paid like Garrett, but it’s a fight that the Packers shouldn’t be worried about. They have a young roster that is ripe with young talent.
First, they need to address what players are key to their success like the ones I mentioned above and next, they have to develop a plan of how to make that happen.
Would it be nice for the Packers to have Watt on their team? Heck yes it would. Mainly because I’m still not sure about Luke Van Ness or Devonte Wyatt. Both of those guys were first round picks that the Packers put their trust in to be mainstays on defense.
The Packers may have room in their wallet now, but there are plenty of expenses on the horizon.