The Green Bay Packers have until next week to become NFL salary cap compliant. Even though the league raised the salary cap to over $301 million, Green Bay still is in the red. As a result, they are going to have to make a number of cuts and restructures to their roster.
Over the last several weeks, it has been widely believed that the Packers will cut Rashan Gary and Elgton Jenkins in moves that would save the organization roughly $30 million. However, these moves are not guaranteed until they happen, and even if they do, the savings will not be enough for the Packers to do what they want in the off-season.
That being said, Green Bay took its first step towards becoming cap compliant by addressing the contract of Xavier McKinney.
The Green Bay Packers have restructured Xavier McKinney’s contract
Sep 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
On Thursday morning, it was reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN that Green Bay had restructured the contracts of McKinney, creating at least a couple million dollars in cap relief:
Packers are restructuring safety Xavier McKinney’s contract for cap space, per source. Will convert his salary ($4.25M) to a bonus.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 5, 2026
According to Wendell Ferreia on A to Z Sports, the move could create up to about $1.5 million in cap space, which admittedly is not much.
That being said, every little bit helps, and more/bigger cost-saving moves are coming.
Restructuring McKinney, who is entering the third year of his four-year contract with Green Bay, is an important step, though. He has made two All-Pro teams in two seasons with the Packers, and appears primed to be an extension candidate next season.
While his interceptions totals dropped from eight in 2024 to two in 2025, he allowed a lower completion percentage (57.5%) and passer rating when targeted (69.2) last year compared to his first year with the Packers.
If he continues to be one of the best safeties in the NFL in 2026, Green Bay will certainly be offering him another contract, this one an extension, in 2027.
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