The Green Bay Packers were once again one of the elite teams in the NFL during the 2021 season. The team won 13 games for the third season in a row to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC for a second consecutive year. They would ultimately meet the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round of the postseason. Matt Lafleur’s group underwent playoff heartbreak once more. Becoming bogged down on offense, Green Bay could not move the ball during the second half. They also committed multiple errors on special teams that allowed San Francisco to come crawling back into the game. Defeated 13-10 by their longtime rival, the Packers enter the offseason surrounded by question marks for the second consecutive year.
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Pending Free Agents
According to Over the Cap, Green Bay is currently $53.6 million over the projected salary cap. They chose to kick money down the road last offseason. The team moved approximately $50.9 million worth of cap charges into the future, with a large majority of it landing in 2022. With multiple key free agents on both sides of the ball, general manager Brian Gutekunst and Executive Vice President/Director of Football Operations Russ Ball will have their work cut out for them. Looking for a new deal after inking a one-year contract with the franchise in June, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell is poised to earn a significant raise on the open market. Furthermore, after making multiple season-altering plays, cornerback Rasul Douglas will also earn a substantial raise.
Davante Adams
The go-to guy for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2021, Adams enjoyed another strong season. The 29-year-old hauled in a career-high 123 receptions, including 11 touchdown catches. He also broke the franchise’s single-season receiving yards record set by Jordy Nelson in 2014 with 1,553 yards. Still one of the most dynamic offensive players across the league, Adams will earn a hefty pay increase on the open market. Reportedly wanting to be the highest-paid player at his position on his next deal, the former second-round pick has asked for $30 million per year. Looking to keep one of their franchise cornerstone players off the open market, expect Green Bay to place the franchise tag on him with the hopes of reaching an agreement on a long-term deal.
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De’Vondre Campbell
Without a contract in June last offseason, Campbell inked a one-year deal with Green Bay. One of the biggest diamonds in the rough signings across the league, the 28-year old put together one of the best years of his six-year NFL career. The unquestioned leader of Joe Barry’s defense, he racked up a career-high 146 tackles, six quarterback hits, two interceptions, and two sacks. This led the longtime Atlanta Falcon to earn First-Team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career. With a market value of $6.3 million annually, according to Spotrac, he is set to get a hefty raise on his next deal on the open market. The cash-strapped Packers will be hard-pressed to try and retain him as they try and dig out of their salary cap hole.
Rasul Douglas
Douglas was sitting on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad in early October. He ultimately was plucked off of it by the Packers after a shoulder injury to star cornerback Jaire Alexander. Strong during his abbreviated season in Green Bay, Douglas led the team and tied for fourth in the NFL with five interceptions. Making multiple season-defining plays, the former third-round pick intercepted Kyler Murray in the end zone to help the team defeat the Cardinals. He also had a pick-six of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in Green Bay’s Week 12 victory. Reportedly wanting to stay with the franchise long-term, look for Douglas to come to terms on an agreement with the team if the money is there.
Potential Cap Casualties
Needing to get under the league’s salary cap on March 16, the Packers are currently $53.6 million over. 41 players are currently signed to active contracts. They are destined to begin a dollar-shedding purge this offseason as they look to free up money throughout the roster. Look for the team to have multiple cap casualties. Beginning with outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith, the team can save over $15 million if they choose to part way with two-time pro bowler before June 1 after restructuring his deal last offseason. Furthermore, the franchise can also save close to $7 million if they cut veteran wideout, Randall Cobb.
Za’Darius Smith ($15.2 Million Saved)
Smith had a disappointing season after making his second straight pro bowl a year ago. He played just 18 snaps against the New Orleans Saints after suffering a back injury. Choosing to undergo surgery, the 29-year-old would miss the rest of the regular season. He ultimately returned in the team’s playoff loss to the 49ers, where he recorded a sack. Still one of the best pass rushers in the game, the former fourth-round pick has become too expensive for Green Bay to retain. With depth on the edge after a bounce-back season from Preston Smith and the emergence of Rashan Gary, releasing Smith is a foregone conclusion as the first task on a long list of offseason moves.
Randall Cobb ($6.8 Million Saved)
Acquired from the Houston Texans before the start of last season, trading for him was one of the asks of Rodgers. Contributing for the team in stretches, the former second-round pick hauled in 28 receptions for 375 yards and five touchdowns. Set to turn 32 years old before the start of next year, the one time Dallas Cowboy currently accounts for $9.5 million against the cap. A strong fit in Lafleur’s offense due to his ability to play both in the slot and on the outside, the team cannot pay the aging veteran at his current mark. While a restructuring of his deal could be in the works to bring Cobb back at a lower number, a parting of ways remains the most likely option.
Mason Crosby ($2.3 Million Saved)
The longest-tenured player on the roster not named Rodgers, Crosby struggled mightily in 2021. The 37-year-old made just 25 of his 34 field goal attempts to rank 31st in the NFL with just a 73.5 percent conversion rate. This was the second-lowest mark of his 15 year NFL career. Currently set to account for $4.7 million against the cap next year, he has looked to be in decline over the last few seasons. With the franchise choosing to keep kicker JJ Molson on the practice squad all season long, the UCLA Bruins alumn had a reliable college career. He also has the leg power to step in and kick in the cold conditions at Lambeau Field.
Open Market Free Agent Targets
Already way over the projected salary cap total for 2022, the first step for the Packers in free agency will be retaining their own free agents. However, the team has already made it public that they would like Rodgers to return under center next season. This means that they will once again spend as close to the cap total as possible while pushing money further down the road like last offseason. Unable to pursue higher-level free agents due to their spending constraints, Green Bay will instead need to focus on veteran free agents who will come in on cheaper value contracts. Furthermore, the team can also focus on younger, unproven players who will come in at significantly less money than others on the open market.
Melvin Ingram, Kansas City Chiefs
Ingram inked a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason. He struggled during his time in the steel city. The veteran pass rusher started just six games for the team, where he recorded 10 tackles and one sack. Ultimately traded to the Kansas City Chiefs at the trade deadline, the 32-year-old provided the AFC West champions with a much-needed threat off the edge for their post-season run. In three playoff games, he racked up five tackles, two sacks, and one pass breakup. Not expected to command much on the open market as he enters his age 33 season in 2022, Green Bay could ink Ingram to a short-term, low-cost deal. He would provide a veteran presence and production off the edge.
Rashard Higgins, Cleveland Browns
A fifth-round pick of the Browns in 2016, Higgins struggled last season after a career year in 2020. The Colorado State alumn started just four games for the team. He hauled in just 24 receptions for 275 yards and one touchdown while being a healthy scratch on multiple occasions. Still just 27 years old, look for him to explore the open market after struggling to take the next step in his development in Cleveland. He would provide the Packers passing game with another weapon as a big body possession receiver. After signing for just $2.38 million on a one-year deal in 2021, Higgins should check in around the same AAV on his next contract.
O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Drafted 19th overall by the Buccaneers in 2017, Howard has yet to become the dominant over the middle threat that many expected him to be in Tampa Bay. He has been stuck behind veteran tight end Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate on the team’s depth chart over the past few seasons. This has led the University of Alabama product to haul in just 26 receptions for 281 yards and three touchdowns over the last two years. Largely a reclamation project as Howard looks for a change of scenery on the open market; he would still provide the Packers with one of their most dynamic threats at the tight end spot over the past decade.
Previewing the 2022 NFL Draft
Green Bay currently holds the 28th pick in the first round. This was confirmed after they fell to the 49ers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The team will also hold the 59th pick in the second round and the 92nd pick in the third round. Rounding out their draft haul, the franchise will hold six selections on the third and final day. With needs along the roster at the edge position and at wide receiver, the team also needs to add depth at the offensive tackle spot and along the defensive interior. Aggressive during his first few drafts as the general manager of the Packers, look for Gutekunst to go up and get a player if one of his guys begins to fall.
Round 1, Pick 28: Wide Receiver
Green Bay will undergo significant changes at the position heading into next season. Adams is set to hit unrestricted free agency after making the All-Pro team for the second consecutive year. Furthermore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, Malik Taylor, and Equanimeous St. Brown will all be looking for new deals. The franchise needs to finally invest premium draft capital into a pass catcher. They have not selected a first-round wideout in over 18 seasons. A deep class at the receiver spot, look for 4-5 players to go in the opening round. Potential options at 28 include Chris Olave, Drake London, Jahan Dotson, and David Bell.
Round 2, Pick 59: Edge Rusher
One of the first steps in the offseason for the group will be parting ways with Za’Darius. They will either need to trade or cut the veteran pass rusher to shed salary. In addition to this, Preston could also become a cap casualty, with nearly $13 million in available savings if he is cut. Needing to address the edge spot even if one of them is playing elsewhere next season, the franchise will be left with Gary, Jonathan Garvin, and Tipa Galeai on the active roster. A deep class of pash rushers in 2022, look for Green Bay to target guys who offer significant length and athleticism. Players who fit the mold include Cameron Thomas, Myjai Sanders, and Drake Jackson.
Round 3, Pick 92: Defensive Tackle
Over the past few years, this has been a clear hole on the roster. Green Bay has been searching for a capable running mate to pair with pro bowl nose tackle Kenny Clark. Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster have played well in stretches. However, the former is set to count for $8 million against the cap, while the latter is a free agent. They need to target guys who offer significant size and strength along the interior. The team could also use some added versatility by selecting a player who can rush the quarterback on the edge on pass-rushing downs.
Early 2022 Expectations
With Rodgers still yet to decide if he will return to Green Bay for an 18th season next year, the Packers still have multiple decisions to make on their offseason checklist. The first will be redoing the deal of their longtime quarterback if he chooses to come back to free up cap space. The team will also need to decide what key pieces to bring back for next season while clearing up multiple contracts to free cap space. They need another solid draft to sure up depth on numerous places on the roster. If the franchise can nail the offseason, look for them to be among the premier contenders in the NFC in 2022 as they try to get over the playoff hump.
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