2026 Cap Projections and changes

[Pokerbrat2000]

That extra WC spot helps the wannabes.

I'm actually surprised the NFL hasn't figured out they could make a lot more money if they had some kind of "Tournament" for the other 17 teams that don't make the playoffs. Hold all the playoff games over in Europe and give the winner the "Hue Jackson Trophy".

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[Voyageur]

It was mentioned that next year we should be targeting a CB early in the draft. The problem is, we don't have a #1 pick again next year due to the Parsons trade. That's the situation that will make it even more difficult moving forward. The cap space that's been talked about for next year is going to have to pay for new contracts for players in house, reworked contracts, and enough left over to grab a top-level free agent with the cash they can put out front. I think this is where that elite CB will have to come from, assuming the group we have now doesn't have a sleeper step up and take on the role of being a stopper.

Then we have two issues to contend with. First, Is Lloyd going to be a viable RB? So far, it hasn't shown he can fit in with what we have. I hear people saying we should extend Watson, but I'm not sure he's going to be on the field enough to demand a seriously hefty contract. It's possible that you can get a solid WR who can stay on the field through FA next year for the same amount of money, probably less than what Watson will demand.

This year and next year are going to tell us exactly how good the Packers front office is in actually getting this team to the top, or whether they're just making moves to keep them in the hunt, which we see quite often in the NFL.

 

[gopkrs]

I'm surprised at the luke warm responses we've been getting on Watson. He's done everything he's been asked to do including getting over his injuries, making contested catches and blocking when called upon. Those things to go along with his natural speed, going for balls over the middle, and just in general catching balls that he should and some that are difficult. He obviously opens up our playbook and causes defenses to loosen up. I can see him being a Green Bay Packer for a good long time. And I see no reason why we need him to run sweeps. There just is not a good reason for it.

 

[OldSchool101]

It was mentioned that next year we should be targeting a CB early in the draft. The problem is, we don't have a #1 pick again next year due to the Parsons trade. That's the situation that will make it even more difficult moving forward. The cap space that's been talked about for next year is going to have to pay for new contracts for players in house, reworked contracts, and enough left over to grab a top-level free agent with the cash they can put out front. I think this is where that elite CB will have to come from, assuming the group we have now doesn't have a sleeper step up and take on the role of being a stopper.

Then we have two issues to contend with. First, Is Lloyd going to be a viable RB? So far, it hasn't shown he can fit in with what we have. I hear people saying we should extend Watson, but I'm not sure he's going to be on the field enough to demand a seriously hefty contract. It's possible that you can get a solid WR who can stay on the field through FA next year for the same amount of money, probably less than what Watson will demand.

This year and next year are going to tell us exactly how good the Packers front office is in actually getting this team to the top, or whether they're just making moves to keep them in the hunt, which we see quite often in the NFL.

True. What I saw was a team that remained competitive through slightly higher than normal injuries. Then we kinda fell apart almost reminiscent of Detroit in 2024.

It’s bad enough injury happens, like Lloyd and John Williams and Colin Oliver etc. etc. but we overlapped pretty hard with plenty of starters missing time (Tom, LVN, Watson, Reed, Elgton, Wyatt and they ended up being our best players outside of QB (Parsons) It’s not meant to be an excuse as much as a reality that life throws obstacles, but it’s also rare to get it consecutive seasons.

For the NFL the trick is to balance a Roster with quality depth. Last year we didn’t have proper depth at DL or CB and we lucked out at CB. We traded Kenny to start the season and replaced TJ Slaton with 2 Rookies (Stack and Brinson) plus moved guys into new roles (Wooden at NT)
2024 had both Kenny and Slaton and sorry but, in 2025 a UDFA 2-down player, a late RD6 development Rookie and a player out of natural position (Wooden) doesn’t cut the mustard.

 

[OldSchool101]

Depth

OL
We have a trio of draft picks entering the mix that didn’t play in last season.
2024 RD6 Travis Glover
2025 RD7 John Williams
2026 RD5 Jager Burton

*D. Kinnard *D. Jennings *J. Monk
all battling behind our presumable Starting Lineup.

DL

*Brought back 2022 RD7, Big 6’5.1” 333Lb Jonathon Ford.. who was poached from us last year iDL

*Signed 2016 RD3, 6’1.5” 307lb Javon Hargrave iDL

*Drafted at #77 Chris McClellan at 6’4”313Lb iDL

CB
*Added 2021 RD3, Veteran FA
St. Juste

*Drafted 2026 RD2, Brandon Cisse


*Drafted 2026 RD6, Domani Jackson

 

[OldSchool101]

What best is we did this without breaking the Bank. Vets Hargrave and St Juste combined cost $16.5Mil annual and nearly everyone other list offsets a $900K bottom 51 contract that falls off when they get added.
So we’re adding all that for what feels like $11.1Mil Cap charge less the Bottom contracts that fall off. Call it around ~$11Mil +-area additional Cap.

If I’m not mistaken? Gary being traded paid almost all of that less Kinnards Net $1.8Mol (again $2.75Mil but dropping the 51st contract off the books). We basically have 8-9 players with a net zero 2026 cumulative cost coming into the fray if we simply apply Gary $cap savings.

THAT is how you gain financial leverage on your opponent. Meanwhile Chicago is near Cap Bankrupt and the Packers look to new ways to hold substantial reserves and keep a majority of the 2025 band together.

Yet our 2026 Roster has MUCH better depth. The only true position we can argue the depth took a step back is RB and yet we really can’t say that with positive certainty. If Lloyd returns you could actually argue opposite.

 

[milani]

True. What I saw was a team that remained competitive through slightly higher than normal injuries. Then we kinda fell apart almost reminiscent of Detroit in 2024.

It’s bad enough injury happens, like Lloyd and John Williams and Colin Oliver etc. etc. but we overlapped pretty hard with plenty of starters missing time (Tom, LVN, Watson, Reed, Elgton, Wyatt and they ended up being our best players outside of QB (Parsons) It’s not meant to be an excuse as much as a reality that life throws obstacles, but it’s also rare to get it consecutive seasons.

For the NFL the trick is to balance a Roster with quality depth. Last year we didn’t have proper depth at DL or CB and we lucked out at CB. We traded Kenny to start the season and replaced TJ Slaton with 2 Rookies (Stack and Brinson) plus moved guys into new roles (Wooden at NT)
2024 had both Kenny and Slaton and sorry but, in 2025 a UDFA 2-down player, a late RD6 development Rookie and a player out of natural position (Wooden) doesn’t cut the mustard.

If they did cut the mustard someone else would have grabbed them sooner.

 

[OldSchool101]

If they did cut the mustard someone else would have grabbed them sooner.

Yes and to be fair 1 of them might still work out. It’s just they’ve both got a steep hill to climb in 2026. Asking any Rookie past maybe a Day 1-2 Draft pick to come in surprise us Year 1 would be a little too optimistic.

 

[Schultz]

What best is we did this without breaking the Bank. Vets Hargrave and St Juste combined cost $16.5Mil annual and nearly everyone other list offsets a $900K bottom 51 contract that falls off when they get added.
So we’re adding all that for what feels like $11.1Mil Cap charge less the Bottom contracts that fall off. Call it around ~$11Mil +-area additional Cap.

If I’m not mistaken? Gary being traded paid almost all of that less Kinnards Net $1.8Mol (again $2.75Mil but dropping the 51st contract off the books). We basically have 8-9 players with a net zero 2026 cumulative cost coming into the fray if we simply apply Gary $cap savings.

THAT is how you gain financial leverage on your opponent. Meanwhile Chicago is near Cap Bankrupt and the Packers look to new ways to hold substantial reserves and keep a majority of the 2025 band together.

Yet our 2026 Roster has MUCH better depth. The only true position we can argue the depth took a step back is RB and yet we really can’t say that with positive certainty. If Lloyd returns you could actually argue opposite.

IMO the OL, QB, RB, WR and Edge depth are not as good as last year currently. TE, LB and S are the same. CB and DL are better.

 

[OldSchool101]

IMO the OL, QB, RB, WR and Edge depth are not as good as last year currently. TE, LB and S are the same. CB and DL are better.

About right I think currently. Yet the Packers are never going to stay currently imo. They have strategies at every last position group. I also don’t think we’ve finished building our Roster, we’ll know fully at trade deadline.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I remember reading that the Packers are projected to have somewhere between $52-80M in cap space for 2027. Obviously, that number is just a guestimate and will be determined as they resign and restructure contracts.

I honestly don't see a guy that we lost in free agency this year that really bothers me a whole lot. We either had guys on the team that will step-up in their place or filled their void with a free agent. Funny enough, I think Malik was our biggest loss and he was a backup. If Ridder or another vet can fill his shoes and/or Love stays healthy, then no big deal losing him.

Agreed. They decided to let Doubs walk and extended Reed in what I thought was a reasonable contract.

And next year Gluten will be back with around 12 picks, and apparently, plenty of cash to get Kraft and Watson extended, and go after a talented CB in FA (assuming there are players available).

That does leave the upcoming season with more questions than answers at CB. But one guy was acquired (St. Juste), they added a guy who looks to be a solid corner in the draft (Cisse) and another guy in rounds 5 or 6, don't recall the name. So he did as much as he could this year to help a struggling group. The way I see it, the CB group will be better than last year. That's not saying a lot, but we can be hopeful that there is improvement.

Even so, and IMO, 2026-2027 will look a lot like last season. Playoff team? Almost certainly. Deep playoff run? That seems unlikely with the D as it looks today. That's ok with me. There is only so much a GM can do with the cards dealt. I think Gluten has done an excellent job with personnel, so far. There are probably more surprises to come.

And yeah, losing Willis is hard, but it was inevitable. For now, Ridder seems like a decent veteran BU. And maybe a rookie UDFA surprises.

 

[Heyjoe4]

IMO the OL, QB, RB, WR and Edge depth are not as good as last year currently. TE, LB and S are the same. CB and DL are better.

I agree with you Schultz on RB and Edge lack of depth. Gluten did add Dennis-Sutton at Edge, who looks promising. Something has to be done at RB. It still surprises me that Wilson was allowed to walk, and no on was selected in the draft. Kicker was deemed a greater need. And RBs are plentiful, so I feel good that someone will be found to fill the hole created by Wilson's departure.

QB depth certainly took a hit with the loss of Willis. OL is a little better, depth-wise, but a lot rides on the starters staying healthy. WR depth is lower just because of the loss of Doubs and Wicks. But there is a better sense of the starting WRs - Watson, Reed, and Golden - but yeah, depth isn't great. Williams is about it.

It looks to me like this season will be a lot like the last. Solid team, playoff team, but not a dominant team. Parsons will certainly be missed for September and some part of October. Kraft may be ready to go for the opener.

 

[Heyjoe4]

That extra WC spot helps the wannabes.

WC milani? Sorry what is that?

 

[Heyjoe4]

Given Lloyd's injury history, I think the important thing for Gute and the Packers is not to rely on him for the 2026 season. So far it appears that they are, I think that is a mistake. We've seen this with a couple of Packer players already in Gutes time as the GM. Bahk and Jaire come to mind. The Packers hoped and relied on them suiting up and being able to play again at their old level. That didn't work out so well for the Packers.

Lloyd is a concern, and Bakh and Alexander are good examples of bad examples.

Lack of action in the draft for RB tells me that Gluten and MLF have reason to expect Lloyd's injury days are behind him. Seems like a stretch.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'd be equally surprised (and happy) if he actually plays a full game.

Lloyd is presumably the clear RB2 if healthy, but that's the major question. Lloyd has missed all but one game in his two-year NFL career due to various injuries. Whether doctors have cleared him to play or not isn't really the problem. The problem has been when he has been cleared to play and then he gets injured again. Call it bad luck or maybe a body that just can't take the punishment, but Lloyd hasn't been sidelined by 1 nagging injury, its been 7 injuries by my count:

Rookie Season: hip, multiple hamstring strains, an ankle sprain, and appendicitis.

2025: groin pull, persistent hamstring injury, calf strain.

I am actually kind of shocked that the Packers didn't draft a RB. Now maybe one that they liked just didn't make it to them or they have a free agent veteran RB in their scope.

While I really hope we finally get to see Lloyd play, I am not going to hold my breath on it happening, nor should the Packers.

It's a pretty big leap of faith to count on Lloyd. I hope that's wrong and he finally gets healthy and plays.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

It's a pretty big leap of faith to count on Lloyd. I hope that's wrong and he finally gets healthy and plays.

Nobody, including the Packers should "count on" Lloyd. What they can do is hope that he stays healthy and produces like they expected him to when they drafted him. However, they can't count on that and thus need a backup plan.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Lloyd is a concern, and Bakh and Alexander are good examples of bad examples.

Lack of action in the draft for RB tells me that Gluten and MLF have reason to expect Lloyd's injury days are behind him. Seems like a stretch.

Well, the good news is that unlike Bahk and Jaire, Lloyd isn't a proven quality starter. He simply is a backup RB with no proven NFL value. Even if he stays healthy, Jacobs will get the majority of the carries. That said, you need a healthy and proven #2 RB in the NFL, I don't think Gute is done in Free Agency and RB might be a target. Personally, I would rather see a healthy Lloyd to open the season as the #3 RB. Get him in for some games and see what he can do, but to rely on his as your #2 RB isn't prudent.

 

[milani]

WC milani? Sorry what is that?

Wild card.

 

[milani]

Nobody, including the Packers should "count on" Lloyd. What they can do is hope that he stays healthy and produces like they expected him to when they drafted him. However, they can't count on that and thus need a backup plan.

However, if we simply dismiss him and he lands somewhere and wins the FedEx Ground Award we will know we let one get away.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

However, if we simply dismiss him and he lands somewhere and wins the FedEx Ground Award we will know we let one get away.

Oh, I don't think you cut him by any means. I just don't think the Packers would be smart to ink him in as their #2 RB going into the season.

 

[milani]

Oh, I don't think you cut him by any means. I just don't think the Packers would be smart to have ink him in as their #2 RB going into the season.

No. They have to get through preseason and make the prognosis as to the role of our backs. Anything can happen until that time.

 

[CarryTheG14]

Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) on X

Source: Packers picked up the fifth-year option for edge Lukas Van Ness. Per OTC, that guarantees his 2027 salary at about $13.8 million. Enters 2026 as No. 2 edge behind Micah Parsons. Team appears confident in a healthy LVN after he missed half of last year with a foot injury.

x.com

Picked up LVN's 5th year option, smart!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) on X

Source: Packers picked up the fifth-year option for edge Lukas Van Ness. Per OTC, that guarantees his 2027 salary at about $13.8 million. Enters 2026 as No. 2 edge behind Micah Parsons. Team appears confident in a healthy LVN after he missed half of last year with a foot injury.

x.com

Picked up LVN's 5th year option, smart!

I'm a bit surprised TBH, but I guess with what the NFL is paying EDGE players, $13.8M buys you a ham sammich and fries.

 

[CarryTheG14]

I'm a bit surprised TBH, but I guess with what the NFL is paying EDGE players, $13.8M buys you a ham sammich and fries.

I think they know what they have in LVN. He just needs to stay healthy. I hope they bargain extend him before the breakout.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I think they know what they have in LVN. He just needs to stay healthy. I hope they bargain extend him before the breakout.

I doubt that the Packers want to take on a full $13.8M cap hit this season for LVN, so I expect them to maybe do what they did with Watson. Give him a new 2-3 year deal that blends that $13.8M into it. Maybe something that guarantees him $20M.