Gary, 28, has two years left on a $96 million deal and posted a $28 million cap hit in 2026. PFF ranked him 52nd among 115 qualifying edge-rushers in 2025, and he was notably quiet in the second half of the season. Jenkins, coming off a late-season injury and moved from left guard to center, carries a $24.3 million cap hit in the final year of a $68 million contract, ranking 25th among centers in 2024-25 efficiency metrics. The pair’s combined cap savings could reach $39 million next season if cut in the right sequence.
Analysts contend Jenkins is the simpler, more likely cut given the injury and contract structure, while Gary presents a tradeable asset option. Cutting Gary after the season would free about $11 million, but delaying a move could unlock roughly $19.5 million in additional cap space by cutting Jenkins first, with further savings possible by trading Gary and absorbing some salary to secure a mid-round pick. Green Bay could alternatively retain Gary to re-evaluate him mid-season, seeking a trade deadline deal from a stronger negotiating position.
The Packers face a delicate balance between immediate cap relief and maintaining premium-position depth as they pursue a return to form. The team’s strategy will hinge on how aggressively they pivot from two high-priced, high-profile contributors whose recent production has not matched their contracts.
