SHOCKWAVE IN GREEN BAY: Just 12 Hours Into the Job, Will Redmond Calls for the Release of Two Core Veterans Amid Cap Crisis

GREEN BAY — Only 12 hours after officially joining the Packers’ personnel department, Will Redmond made it clear this will not be business as usual.

“The NFL doesn’t reward comfort,” Redmond reportedly told internal staff. “I don’t care how hard you run or what you meant to this team yesterday — if the system can’t evolve with you in it, then the system comes first. We’re not here to preserve memories. We’re building something that lasts.”

The message comes at a critical moment. Entering February 2026, Green Bay is projected to be between $1.4 million and $11 million over the salary cap, according to OverTheCap and Spotrac. The team needs an estimated $10–12 million just to sign its 2026 draft class — not to mention potential extensions for Tucker Kraft, Devonte Wyatt, and Christian Watson.

There are not many painless solutions.

According to multiple league sources and cap analysts, Redmond has identified two major contracts that could reshape the franchise’s flexibility: Rashan Gary and Elgton Jenkins.

Rashan Gary: From Franchise Edge to Cap Casualty?

Gary carries a $28 million cap hit in 2026, second only to Jordan Love. If released before June 1, Green Bay would save $19.5 million with $8.5 million in dead money. Even a post-June 1 designation would create roughly $11.5 million in savings.

Performance has fueled the debate. After recording 7.5 sacks early in 2025, Gary went silent over the final 10–11 games. His snap count dipped as Kingsley Enagbare and Lukas Van Ness gained momentum. His PFF grade declined, and his impact waned.

Several outlets, including Acme Packing Company and Packers Wire, have labeled Gary a “prime cut candidate.” In a draft-rich EDGE class, and with internal development underway, Redmond reportedly sees the position as replaceable — especially at that price tag.

Elgton Jenkins: Tough Decision, Clear Math

Jenkins’ cap hit stands at $24.8 million in 2026. A pre-June 1 release would save nearly $20 million, with minimal dead money.

After suffering a serious fibula injury in 2025, Jenkins struggled upon return. A move to center did not restore his previous All-Pro-level form, and his age (30) adds long-term risk.

With Jordan Morgan emerging, Zach Tom versatile, and Sean Rhyan improving, the offensive line is trending younger. Analysts from PackersNews and PFF have openly suggested Jenkins could become expendable amid the cap squeeze.

A Hard Reset, Not a Rebuild

If both moves were executed pre-June 1, Green Bay could clear between $25–39 million, instantly shifting from over the cap to comfortable flexibility. That space would allow the Packers to retain core youth, address free agency strategically, and avoid restructuring Jordan Love into future cap complications.

This would not be unprecedented. Brian Gutekunst previously moved on from Aaron Jones and restructured other major deals when necessary.

Now, under Redmond’s early influence, the message is unmistakable: legacy contracts will not outweigh future sustainability.

Green Bay is choosing evolution over nostalgia — and the ripple effects could redefine the franchise’s next era.