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Packers Poised to Benefit from Potential NFL Cuts
Green Bay could gain cap flexibility by releasing high-priced veterans like Elgton Jenkins and Rashan Gary
Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:09pm
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With over a third of NFL teams currently over the projected salary cap, the Green Bay Packers are facing difficult decisions ahead of the upcoming league year. The Packers, along with the rest of the NFC North, are among the teams in this predicament. Releasing center Elgton Jenkins and defensive end Rashan Gary could provide the Packers with significant cap relief, opening the door for them to potentially sign free agents released by other cap-strapped teams.
Why it matters
The Packers' salary cap situation is tight, and making strategic cuts could give them the flexibility to address key needs, such as improving their secondary. With several high-profile cornerbacks potentially available, the Packers could look to bolster their defense through free agency if they can create the necessary cap space.
The details
Center Elgton Jenkins, who is entering the final year of his contract, has a $24.33 million cap hit for 2026, which is by far the highest among centers in the league. Releasing Jenkins would save the Packers over $19.5 million. Additionally, cutting defensive end Rashan Gary, who is due an $18 million base salary, would provide another $11 million in cap relief. In total, these two moves could generate around $30.51 million in cap savings for the Packers.
- The start of the league-year is looming, meaning teams must make difficult decisions regarding their roster and salary cap.
- The Packers are currently slightly over the salary cap for the 2026 season.
The players
Elgton Jenkins
A 30-year-old center for the Green Bay Packers who is coming off a season-ending injury and has a $24.33 million cap hit for 2026, which is the highest among centers in the league.
Rashan Gary
A defensive end for the Green Bay Packers who is due an $18 million base salary for the 2026 season.
Jaylon Johnson
A cornerback for the Chicago Bears who was a Pro Bowler in 2023 and 2024 but has struggled with injuries, including playing in only 7 games in 2025. He has a high cap charge of $24.5 million in 2026 and $25 million in 2027.
Kristian Fulton
A cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs who has struggled with consistency, allowing a 100-plus passer rating in each of the past three seasons.
Marshon Lattimore
A cornerback for the Washington Commanders who has been a Pro Bowler in four of his first five seasons but has struggled to stay healthy, playing in 10 or fewer games in the past four seasons.
What they’re saying
“Those numbers are extremely high for a guard – fourth-highest cap hit on the team, in fact – and unheard of for a center.”
— Matt Okada
What’s next
The Packers will need to make a decision on Elgton Jenkins and Rashan Gary before the start of the league-year, which could open the door for them to pursue free agent cornerbacks released by other cap-strapped teams.
The takeaway
By making strategic cuts to high-priced veterans like Elgton Jenkins and Rashan Gary, the Packers can create significant cap space to address key needs, such as improving their secondary through the free agent market. This could provide more gain than pain for the Packers as they navigate the challenging salary cap landscape across the NFL.
