The Green Bay Packers have already done their two most pressing moves of the roster. Over the last two weeks, the team handed big-time contract extensions to defensive tackle Kenny Clark and quarterback Jordan Love. Even after those, the salary cap situation in 2024 is still pretty comfortable.

According to Over the Cap, the Packers have $22.381 million in available cap space, and they are in an extremely manageable situation in 2025 as well — $16.354 million in projected space for next year, which is 20th in the NFL.

With these two big extensions done and a comfortable perspective moving forward, what are the next Packers moves to take advantage of their new financial circumstances.

Season operations

NFL teams have to separate a significant amount of money for in-season moves. That includes the two final roster spots — only the top 51 counts against the cap during the preseason, but it goes to 53 in the regular season. But it also includes injury reserve placements, practice squad elevations and promotions, other minor signings, and potential for non-likely to be earned incentives to get achieved.

Independent cap analyst Ken Ingalls projects that all these factors could total up to $13.3 million, so that's already a significant portion of the remaining cap.

Packers Salary Cap Update – 7/29/2024:

Salary Cap:
?Current: $22,203,153
?Effective: $8,902,651

Roster: 92
?Active: 88
?NFI: 1
?PUP: 1
?IR: 1
?Exempt: 1 pic.twitter.com/Z26So5OwQm

— Ken – Packers Cap (@KenIngalls) July 29, 2024

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Spending

Even though there are these "boring" parts, the Packers do have something around $9 million and $12 million truly available space. That's more than enough for Green Bay to add players in free agency or to execute trades if they want to.

General manager Brian Gutekunst usually prefers to wait for training camp to evaluate his young players. If even after practices he isn't feeling comfortable over any position, then he is more willing to add veteran pieces. At this point, though, the roster doesn't have clear holes. It can obviously change with injuries or unexpected performances, and having the flexibility to sign players is relevant.

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In-season and early extensions

The Packers have 15 players who will be unrestricted free agents next offseason. For most of them, it doesn't make sense to worry about an early extension. But for some, the Packers could consider a new deal ahead of free agency depending on how they perform to start the season.

That group most notably includes cornerback Eric Stokes, but also defensive tackle TJ Slaton, linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, running back AJ Dillon, center Josh Myers, and tackle Caleb Jones.

When players get drafted and sign four-year deals, they can only be extended after three seasons. So, right after the 2024 regular season ends, the Packers will already be allowed to sign extensions with players selected in 2022. That's where fans can expect some movement next offseason.

The 2022 class has been extremely important to put the Packers' roster where it is, and Green Bay would be smart paying some of the players early to take advantage of the salary cap rising in the league. Right tackle Zach Tom is one of the most impactful players on the offense, and an early extension for him would make sense.

Left tackle Rasheed Walker, linebacker Quay Walker, and perhaps one of the wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs would be interesting options depending on how they perform in 2024. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt would have to show he can be an integral part of the offense to be considered here, but he has the upside to do so in his third season.

After a controlled year in terms of spending in 2023, the Green Bay Packers put themselves back in a comfortable financial situation. They extended Love and Clark, and now it's all open for them to project what this young roster can be.

Packers GM has the perfect perspective about building the roster around a high-priced Jordan Love

Love’s cap hits are manageable at least through 2027