Over the Cap projects the Green Bay Packers to enter 2025 with a comfortable cap outlook. The team is on track to have $27.5 million in effective cap space, the 11th-highest figure in the NFL. They also carry just $18.3 million in dead money, the 11th-lowest total leaguewide.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst has done a commendable job of reestablishing financial stability after the team overextended its resources in a final push for a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers. However, the cap will tighten next year, compelling Gutekunst to navigate another round of difficult roster decisions.
Considering the long-term structure of Green Bay's roster and the fact that they have only eight picks in this year's draft-one of the lowest totals in the Gutekunst era-trading down to acquire more picks is the smart move.
Green Bay has only 29 players signed for 2026, tied for the eighth-fewest in the league. Of the teams with fewer than 30 players under contract, they have the lowest projected cap space.
The Packers will face several key decisions next year as starters on both sides of the ball are slated to become unrestricted free agents. Zach Tom will probably reset the market, and there's little doubt Green Bay will pay him. Furthermore, if Rasheed Walker delivers another strong season as Jordan Love's blindside protector, he could demand top-tier tackle money. Meanwhile, if Sean Rhyan can build on a solid 2024 season, he should emerge as another candidate for an extension.
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs will also enter contract years in 2025. Watson, recovering from a torn ACL, won't return until December, while Doubs must bounce back from two concussions suffered in 2024. On defense, Gutekunst must decide by May 1 whether to exercise the fifth-year options for Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt.
Seven of Green Bay's 22 starting players could become free agents next year. With cap space tight, the Packers will be unable to keep everyone, making it crucial to preserve valuable draft capital. Given the strong talent pool between picks 20 and 60, the best move for the Packers would be to trade down, acquiring additional assets that can strengthen the roster depth and reduce the pressure on Gutekunst in making future roster decisions.
