The Green Bay Packers have not yet aligned themselves with the 2026 salary cap as free agency approaches in less than three weeks. They have several paths to create room, including the widely anticipated release of veteran interior offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, a move that would clear $20 million in cap space for 2026.
Still, the exact approach remains unclear. General manager Brian Gutekunst and his front office have built a reputation for springing a surprise or two each offseason, so nothing can be ruled out at this stage.
This year’s surprise, according to Jacob Westendorf of Packers on Sports Illustrated, is that the team plans to trade wide receiver Jayden Reed before the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
“Look at the contracts, look at what the Packers did in the draft last year. The Green Bay Packers love extra draft capital. The Packers are going to trade Jayden Reed before the draft for a day two draft choice,” the NFL insider commented on Andy Herman’s Pack-A-Day Podcast.
Jayden Reed and the Packers deep wide receiver core
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) celebrates scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Christian Watson (9), wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) and running back Emanuel Wilson (31) against the Arizona Cardinals during their football game Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
With a deep wide receiver group that features Reed, Savion Williams, Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, and 2023 fifth-round pick Dontayvion Wicks, all of whom are expected to contribute in 2026, Westendorf does not anticipate the Packers offering Reed a significant contract extension, particularly given his smaller size.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they add a guy in the third, fourth, fifth round this year either as a some depth at the back of that room. And then Reed is going to be a guy who…are you paying Jayden Reed a three year $30 million contract extension a year – so he gets that Jameson Williams contract or Khalil Shakir?” Westendorf continued.
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) makes a catch against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
At some point, the team has to make tough decisions, especially when so much of the payroll is tied up in a quarterback and Micah Parsons. Reed is a smaller player, he has dealt with injuries over the past two seasons, and that is not necessarily his fault. Smaller players simply tend to face more wear and tear over time.
The concept has seen little attention in Packers media, but logically it holds merit. If Reed is not viewed as part of the team’s future and they can secure compensation equal to an early third-round pick in the 2026 draft, trading him this spring could be a prudent move.