I'm still leaning towards the likelihood of this being Rodgers last year here. I've thought all along that Z. Smith would be gone after either this year or next year. Amos as well. Seeing that we didn't draft an edge last year, it's possible that Preston Smith will be here next year. I see a strong possibility that Adams will price himself out of Green Bay and I think chances are slim that he re-signs with us if Rodgers has been moved. A lot of decisions to be made in the next off season for sure.
I'm not saying I believe Rodgers will be back, I'm just saying the only reason to work on a deal with Cobb to stay (his deal as is just is asinine next year) is if Rodgers is still here.
Z has said he wants to play in GB till retirement. Before his injury I kinda thought outside chance he restructures for long term to stay, but this injury just muddles any logical thought on his future and could even be the end of his playing career.
Preston is having his best season IMO this year since coming - THOSE THAT ARE GOING TO BRING UP SACKS ALONE TO ARGUE THIS ARE IGNORANT. Preston and Campbell are two guys that are playing into at least a hope we keep them around somehow for another year or two.
Push me to predict a few items I'll say Z is released (chance no interest elsewhere he comes back cheap to see if back is healthy), Preston works on a three to four year deal that is team digestible over the next two, Cobb and Rodgers and Adams all find themselves elsewhere in 2022 - and we see Crosby retire...Lowry gets cut or restructured....Turner same as Lowry....Amos deal is restructured/extension to keep him here through 2024 but option out is decent after 2023.
Rough tracking math wise of cuts/releases:
Z released saves us $15,750,000
Cobb released saves us $6,858,000
Trade of Rodgers saves us roughly $15M (I think Denver and we get maybe either Jones or Agim, Drew Lock, and perhaps even a young guy like Baron Browning or KJ Hamler plus a pick or two)
After these moves we are no longer in the negative, BUT that leaves only like $11M and only 37 players (IF three come back in Rodgers trade) or 34 if none.
Restructure or Extensions:
Lowry - IF he stays he must take pay cut or get his contract reworked/team style extension - he cannot cost this team the 7.9M in 2022. Releasing saves us about $4M so his restructure in order to stay must save us minimum say $3M or same as releasing. Either way Lowry saves us around $4M - restructure makes most sense seeing as how we pushed voided money on him out through 2025, so actually extending him a year or two with a decent deal both ways actually saves money and we at least have a roster spot we are paying for present.
Adrian Amos - His pay JUMPS from 5.9M this year to $11.9M next. This cannot happen and this is the year GB needs to decide is Amos here past his thirties and extend him with a 3/4 year deal or do we watch him walk. Cut would save $7.9M. I personally prefer an extension...issue is Amos still has one more cash in contract left in his career I think...do we want to be that and risk the post-30 decline sometimes seen in DBs? Safeties I think are safer bet, and I like him I prefer a solid 3 year contract with an okay option out after two or a 4 year with option after 3. Either way I think in 2022 the team tries to save via Amos a few million most likely.
Jaire Alexander - His cost explodes up to $13.3M - WORTH every dime, but we are talking about a team with cap issues and a lot of players to sign/resign to get our roster spots filled. I say massive contract extension, where in 2022 of course the hit is less, maybe $10M or so, just a little gained but even if nothing is gained, locking this man up arguable is more important than Davante - knowing full well Aaron isn't going to be here long most likely.
Aaron Jones - Some speculate he goes, others stays...his $9M cost is high, but depending on other roster moves and if Love is 2022 QB- having the two headed backfield of Jones and Dillon will be important for Love to work towards success. Rushing attack is pivotal when a young QB is at the helm.
Billy Turner - Arguably the only big question along the OL to possibly save anything. He like Lowry saw us extend voided money into 2023 and 2024. He is going to be 31 next season, perhaps work on activating those two years voided to actual, but making it essentially a two year deal through 2023 and obvious cut/release timing after. Could save $2M-$4M depending on structure and Billy still walk away after 2023 with more guaranteed and savings for the team.
Kenny Clark - could be a candidate to push into some voided years, to keep or sign some FAs. His cap hits balloon in 2022 through 2024 to over $20M a season.
Preston Smith - Ideal extension candidate in my mind now that Z is hurt. He is thriving in the Barry system and simply being a beast. We cannot let his $10M cost jump happen and should work on a 2/3 or 3/4 year type deal IMO. Saving us upwards of $4M-$8M in 2022 most likely.
