Matt LaFleur Jon Runyan
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Pro Football Focus' Thomas Valentine named former Green Bay Packers guard Jon Runyan a cut candidate for the New York Giants.
A lot of pundits have linked center Tyler Linderbaum to the Green Bay Packers in free agency rumors this offseason. But it might not be long until Green Bay can add a more familiar name to its potential wish list — Jon Runyan.
Pro Football Focus’ Thomas Valentine included Runyan on his list of possible cut candidates on Monday. His availability could give the Packers an intriguing scenario, especially with Green Bay’s need at interior offensive line.
“Runyan’s 52.9 PFF grade was 65th out of 79 guards, and though he could remain as valuable depth for an offense that needs it, the Giants could aim to move on from him and address their needs at guard in the draft and free agency,” wrote Valentine.
“Cutting Runyan would save the Giants a valuable $9.25 million as they veer toward free agency. There’s every chance they could take an offensive lineman in their first few picks, even with the No. 5 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.”
Runyan left the Packers two years ago to sign with the New York Giants. He joined New York on a 3-year, $30 million deal.
Now on the final year of that contract, Runyan has a $11.75 million 2026 cap hit. The Giants could save more than $9 million with his release.
Should he become available, the question becomes whether the Packers might entertain a reunion.
Could Packers Have Interest in Jon Runyan Reunion?
The 28-year-old offensive lineman arrived in Green Bay during the 2020 NFL Draft as a sixth-round choice. It was far from guaranteed that Runyan would make the team.
But he did, and then during his second season, he became a starter.
Runyan made 50 consecutive starts for the Packers from 2021-23 before leaving in free agency.
According to the Pro Football Focus player grades, Runyan was a below average starter for the Giants last season. That’s a big reason why he’s a cut candidate.
But if released, Runyan could be an affordable interior line option. Given Green Bay’s precarious salary cap situation, the Packers are likely to be free agent bargain hunters this spring.
Why Bringing Back Runyan Might Make Sense for Packers
Even if he’s available, Runyan is not likely to be an alternative to signing Linderbaum. The Packers need an upgrade at center, and Runyan is strictly a guard.
If cut, Runyan could return to Green Bay and play guard next to Elgton Jenkins. A versatility veteran, Jenkins moved from left guard to center last season for the Packers.
But Jenkins’ transition didn’t go particularly well and then he missed the second half of 2025 with a lower-leg injury. This offseason, pundits have speculated Jenkins as a trade candidate.
The Packers could trade or cut Jenkins and save roughly $20 million in cap space. That would open up close to enough room to target Linderbaum.
Signing Linderbaum would give the Packers their needed center upgrade. Then at guard, perhaps Runyan becomes an option to play next to Linderbaum.
In six NFL seasons, Runyan has started 79 of his 96 contests. He has started at least 13 games in each of the past five campaigns.
Should he reach the open market, the Packers bringing him back to Green Bay wouldn’t be a huge free agency signing. But it could be part of a few moves the team makes to improve its offensive front overall.