SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Levi's Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
As the Green Bay Packers prepare for the 2025 NFL season, they face some tough decisions regarding their roster. With salary cap constraints and a need to transition into a younger, more dynamic team, the Packers may be forced to part ways with some household names. Here are three shocking cut candidates who could be saying goodbye to Green Bay this offseason.
David Bakhtiari has been one of the best offensive linemen in Packers history, but his time in Green Bay may be nearing an end. The 33-year-old tackle struggled with injuries throughout the past two seasons, and while his talent is undeniable, his availability has become a concern.
With a massive cap hit of nearly $21 million in 2025, the Packers could save significant money by releasing him and investing in younger, healthier options for the offensive line. While it would be a heartbreaking move for fans, the front office might feel it’s time to turn the page on this chapter.
Aaron Jones has been a key part of the Packers’ offense for years, but his future with the team is uncertain heading into 2025. Jones will turn 31 this season, and while he’s still productive, the wear and tear of being a featured running back is starting to show.
Jones’ contract carries a cap hit of $16 million, making him one of the most expensive players at his position. With A.J. Dillon ready to take on a larger role and the Packers potentially looking to add another young running back in the draft, cutting Jones could free up valuable cap space to address other needs on the roster.
Preston Smith has been a reliable pass rusher for the Packers, but his time in Green Bay may be running out. At 32 years old, Smith remains productive but has seen his sack numbers decline over the past couple of seasons. The emergence of younger players like Kingsley Enagbare and the potential to draft more edge talent could make Smith expendable.
Smith’s $14 million cap hit in 2025 makes him a potential cap casualty as the Packers look to restructure their defense. Cutting him would save the team millions while paving the way for the next generation of pass rushers to step up.
The Packers are entering a pivotal offseason, with decisions that could shape the team’s future for years to come. Letting go of beloved veterans like Bakhtiari, Jones, or Smith would be difficult, but these moves might be necessary as Green Bay seeks to build around its younger core and stay competitive in the NFC North.
As the Green Bay Packers enter the 2025 offseason, the franchise is at a crossroads. With a promising young core led by quarterback Jordan Love, the team is looking to remain competitive while addressing key financial constraints and ensuring the roster is built for long-term success. These considerations mean tough decisions lie ahead, and some beloved veterans may find themselves on the chopping block. Here’s a closer look at three shocking cut candidates who could be leaving Green Bay before the 2025 NFL season.
David Bakhtiari has been a cornerstone of the Packers’ offensive line for over a decade, but his future with the team is uncertain. At 33 years old, Bakhtiari has faced significant challenges staying healthy in recent seasons, with lingering knee issues dating back to his ACL injury in 2020. While he remains one of the best pass protectors when healthy, his availability has been a major concern.
In 2025, Bakhtiari’s cap hit is set to reach nearly $21 million, making him one of the most expensive players on the roster. By cutting him, the Packers could save a significant portion of that money, which could be used to address other pressing needs, such as adding depth at wide receiver or bolstering the defensive front. While releasing a player of his caliber would undoubtedly be painful for fans and the locker room, the team may decide that moving on is the best way to ensure long-term stability on the offensive line.
Replacing Bakhtiari wouldn’t be easy, but the Packers have been proactive in developing younger talent on the line. Players like Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker have shown promise and could step into larger roles if Bakhtiari is cut.
Aaron Jones has been a fan favorite in Green Bay for years, known for his explosive runs, versatility as a pass-catcher, and leadership on and off the field. However, at 31 years old, Jones finds himself in a precarious position. Running backs in their 30s often face steep declines in production, and while Jones has remained productive, the Packers may be looking to transition to a younger, more cost-effective backfield.
Jones is set to count $16 million against the salary cap in 2025, a hefty price for a position that has been devalued across the league. The emergence of A.J. Dillon, who is younger and more physical, gives the Packers a viable option to take over as the primary back. Additionally, the team could look to the draft or free agency to add fresh legs to the running back room.
Cutting Jones would free up significant cap space, but it would also mark the end of an era for one of the team’s most beloved players. Fans will undoubtedly feel the sting of losing a player who has given so much to the franchise, but the move could be a necessary step in the team’s long-term planning.
Preston Smith has been a steady force on the Packers’ defense since joining the team in 2019, but his time in Green Bay may be nearing its conclusion. Smith, who will be 32 years old in 2025, has seen his production decline in recent seasons. While he still provides veteran leadership and occasional big plays, the Packers may decide it’s time to hand the reins to their younger edge rushers.
Smith’s cap hit in 2025 is projected to be around $14 million, and cutting him could save the team a significant chunk of that money. With the rise of young players like Kingsley Enagbare and Lukas Van Ness, who the Packers selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, the team may feel confident in its ability to replace Smith’s production at a lower cost.
While Smith’s departure would leave a leadership void in the defense, the move would align with the Packers’ focus on developing younger talent and managing their salary cap effectively.
The potential departures of Bakhtiari, Jones, and Smith would mark the end of an era for the Packers. All three players have been instrumental in the team’s success over the past several years and have become fan favorites. However, the NFL is a business, and the Packers must make difficult decisions to remain competitive in the ever-changing landscape of the league.
With Jordan Love entering his prime and the team focused on building around its younger core, the Packers may prioritize cap flexibility and roster sustainability over sentimentality. Cutting high-profile veterans would allow the team to invest in key areas, such as bolstering the receiving corps, strengthening the defensive front, or ensurin
As the offseason unfolds, the Packers’ front office will face immense pressure to make the right moves. While fans may be disappointed to see beloved players leave, these decisions could ultimately position the team for sustained success in the post-Aaron Rodgers era.
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