Ed Policy Matt LaFleur Brian Gutekunst Packers News
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Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, left, stands with head coach Matt LaFleur.
The Green Bay Packers are expected to move on from some of their big name players during the 2026 offseason.
They won’t likely retain many, if any, of their top free agents such as wide receiver Romeo Doubs, offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, and linebacker Quay Walker.
Green Bay also may release one or more veteran players in order to save salary cap space. The folks over at Pro Football Focus named one cut candidate for every NFL team on Monday, and the player they prosed for the Packers is one that has been flying a bit under the radar.
Green Bay Packers DL Karl Brooks Named Potential Cut Candidate
Here is what PFF analyst Thomas Valentine had to say about Green Bay potentially moving on from Brooks:
“There aren’t many obvious cut candidates for the Packers heading into the offseason. Veteran running back Josh Jacobs is an option, but he still has more than enough left to give the Packers’ offense, especially after posting an 85.8 grade this past year. Karl Brooks was the Packers’ sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and could be the name to watch. Brooks played to a 46.3 PFF grade in 2025, and moving on from him would save the Packers a modest but equally important $3.6 million in cap space.”
The Packers selected Brooks in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He had a decorated collegiate career at Bowling Green, and was named first-team all-MAC in 2022. Brooks made an instant impact for Green Bay as a rookie, recording four sacks, one forced fumble, and four passes defensed.
In 2024 he blocked a game-winning field attempt against the Chicago Bears, which earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. This past season Brooks set a career high in tackles with 28, but recorded just a half sack. 2026 will be the final year of his rookie contract.
Packers Are Better off Keeping Karl Brooks
Packers 53-Man Roster Projection Before Training Camp 3
GettyPackers defensive tackle Karl Brooks.
While it would be nice to save $3.6 million, it’s not like that’s a huge hit if Green Bay was to keep Brooks. The Packers can save much more significant money by releasing offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins or defensive end Rashan Gary. If they were to move on from both, it would save them a whopping $164 million.
That would put the Packers in a very comfortable position with their salary cap moving forward, and render the need to cut Brooks unnecessary. Green Bay doesn’t have great depth along its defensive line, particularly in the middle. Starting defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt has had troubles staying healthy, so the team needs quality depth behind him.
Brooks’ 2025 season was a bit of a disappointment, but it’s far from unreasonable to believe that he can bounce back. He is still just 25 years old, and should be heavily motivated playing in a contract year. Playing in new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s “multiple” scheme could benefit Brooks’ skills. Gannon had a lot of success during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles getting the most out of his defensive linemen.