Report: Green Bay Packers creatively find cap space

The Green Bay Packers have started their offseason by trying to dip below the salary cap in order to sign players. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the team created $3.08 million in 2022 cap space by converting $3.85 million of running back Aaron Jones’ salary into a signing bonus and adding two voided years onto his contract.

In total, two days of salary cap gymnastics have created nearly $14 million in space for the Packers. These offseason moves serve as the first in a long line of dominoes set to fall with Aaron Rodgers future and the free agency of Davante Adams still on the horizon.

Because the NFL has a hard salary cap, all teams must remain below the number entering the regular season. However, during the offseason there is much more flexibility in the numbers. By agreeing to salary structure changes with Aaron Jones and other veterans, the Packers can find cap space to sign important players for another postseason run if the pieces fall into place.

Packers awaiting Aaron Rodgers decision

The Aaron Rodgers timeline is heating up. According to Diana Russini of ESPN, the Packers star quarterback will be informing Green Bay of his decision at any moment.

“Aaron Rodgers will be informing the Packers of his decision soon, per league sources,” tweeted Russini. “I’m told there are multiple teams with offers on the table but of course, nothing can happen until the Green Bay Packers allow a trade.”

Additionally, Russini added that there are multiple teams with offers on the table for Rodgers. Of course, that comes into play once Rodgers informs the Packers of their decision. Then, Green Bay either plays welcomes Rodgers back to their franchise, or finds a dance partner for an unprecedented move.

Regardless, Green Bay will receive a haul for Rodgers. Coming off his second-straight NFL Most Valuable Player Award, the star quarterback has a ridiculous price-tag. However, Russini is reporting multiple teams are willing to match it.

Aaron Rodgers has been building to this decision for over a year. As you can see, we are almost at the finish line. His future will be determined sooner rather than later.

After the Rodgers decision comes down, the Packers will face the dilemma set forth by free agent wide receiver Davante Adams. If the quarterback returns, they will certainly do everything they can to keep him and appease Rodgers. However, a departure could kick off a rebuild and leave them more concerned with cap space and capital than signing a franchise tag or extension.