The Green Bay Packers have multiple players that they could (and probably will) potentially cut within the next several days. The reason for this, of course, is to get under the 2026 NFL salary cap. These players, to put it plainly, did not play well enough or spend enough time on the field to justify their cap hits. What is more, these same reasons are also why Green Bay will not try to restructure them.
Age, of course, also plays a factor.
Among the two players most commonly mentioned as potential salary cap cut candidates are pass rusher Rashan Gary and center Elgton Jenkins. Indeed, the Packers can save over $30 million just by releasing these two players alone.
However, PFF has another suggestion, one that, frankly, does not make much sense.
PFF suggests the Green Bay Packers release Karl Brooks
Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Karl Brooks (94) walks off the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
In their recent article in which they name the perfect cut candidate for every NFL team, PFF suggests that the Packers part ways with 2023 sixth-round pick, Karl 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.”
Green Bay does indeed have a history of moving on from late round picks before the end of their rookie contracts. Based on PFF’s grading of Brooks, too, one can see where they are coming from in their suggestion.
But the fact of the matter is that the defensive line is one of the Packers’ most shallow positions in terms of depth. With no first round pick in 2026 (or 2027), they are going to be limited as to who they can add in the NFL Draft.
In other words, releasing a player who played just 59% of defensive snaps last season does not make much sense for the Packers. At least, not on the defensive line.
One would assume that Green Bay would prefer Brooks takes a step forward in 2026 and could net them a nice compensatory pick when he signs as a free agent elsewhere in 2027.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at@theotherRobin19 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!