Packers Release CB Nate Hobbs, Clearing Cap Space

The move comes after a disappointing one-year stint for the cornerback in Green Bay.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Green Bay Packers have released cornerback Nate Hobbs with a post-June 1st designation, according to reports. Hobbs, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the team last March, struggled with injuries and performance in his lone season in Green Bay, playing just 358 snaps. The Packers will clear $8.8 million off their 2026 salary cap by releasing Hobbs, though they will still carry $12.8 million in dead money on their books until after June 1st.

Why it matters

The Packers are dealing with a significant amount of dead money on their salary cap in 2026, with Hobbs, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, and Colby Wooden all counting against the cap despite not playing for the team this year. This release provides some relief, but the Packers will still have over $40 million in dead money to account for.

The details

By designating Hobbs as a post-June 1st release, the Packers will avoid paying his $6.5 million roster bonus due later this month. However, they will still carry his $12.8 million cap number on the books until after June 1st, when the $8.8 million in savings will be applied. The Packers will also take on $4 million in dead money in 2026 and $8 million more in 2027 from Hobbs' prorated signing bonus.

  • The Packers released Nate Hobbs on March 10, 2026.
  • Hobbs' $6.5 million roster bonus was due later in March 2026.

The players

Nate Hobbs

A cornerback who signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers in 2025 but struggled with injuries and performance in his lone season with the team.

Kenny Clark

A defensive tackle for the Packers who will count $17 million against their 2026 salary cap despite not playing for the team this year.

Rashan Gary

A linebacker for the Packers who will count $17 million against their 2026 salary cap despite not playing for the team this year.

Colby Wooden

A defensive lineman for the Packers who will count $200,000 against their 2026 salary cap despite not playing for the team this year.

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What they’re saying

“The Packers are inching closer to $40 million in dead money cap hits in 2026. Hobbs, Kenny Clark ($17 million), Rashan Gary ($17 million) and Colby Wooden ($200K) will all count against the Packers' cap despite not playing in Green Bay this year.”

— Zach Kruse, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Packers will have to continue managing their salary cap situation in the coming years as they deal with the dead money from Hobbs and other players no longer on the team.

The takeaway

The Packers' release of Nate Hobbs provides some short-term salary cap relief, but the team will still be saddled with a significant amount of dead money on their books in 2026 and beyond as they work to rebuild their roster and get their finances in order.