“Sky-High Salary Demand”: Packers’ $12 Million Star Puts Green Bay in a Tough Spot After the Best Season of His Career — And the Front Office’s Next Moves Are Signaling a Tearful Separation

After the 2025 season came to a close, the Green Bay Packers entered the offseason facing a pivotal decision tied directly to roster construction. At the center of that dilemma is Kingsley Enagbare, who just delivered one of the most consistent and impactful seasons of his career and unexpectedly became one of the more intriguing names on the free-agent market among rotational edge rushers.

Enagbare, a fifth-round pick in 2022, has spent his entire career with the Packers on his rookie contract (modest four-year deal worth about $3.9 million total). He quickly exceeded expectations as a reliable depth piece. During the regular season, he recorded 39 tackles (16 solo), 2.0 sacks, 9 quarterback hits, and 6 tackles for loss, emerging as one of the most dependable rotational pass rushers on Green Bay’s defense despite competing for snaps behind stars like Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary.

That solid performance and durability significantly boosted Enagbare’s market value. League sources and projections (including Spotrac) indicate he is seeking a multi-year contract worth approximately $12 million total (around two years at $6 million per season average, with potential for more in a competitive market) — a figure that is forcing the Packers to reassess their entire salary-cap strategy.

On paper, Green Bay has limited cap space (projections show them slightly over or near break-even after adjustments, with tight room due to high hits from Jordan Love's extension and other core pieces). But the long-term picture is far more complicated. The Packers are committed to contending year-in and year-out around quarterback Jordan Love, and preserving financial flexibility for extensions, draft investments, and depth has become a top priority for the front office.

The history of the “Packers Way” — emphasizing value, homegrown talent, and long-term sustainability — makes this decision even more delicate. In the past, Green Bay has consistently been willing to let productive rotational players walk after strong showings if the price exceeds internal valuations, especially when younger or cheaper alternatives (like Lukas Van Ness or draft picks) are waiting in the wings. Complicating matters further, Enagbare had modest production in earlier years and only truly established himself as a consistent contributor in recent seasons as a rotational option.

A source close to the Packers described the situation with blunt honesty: “He did everything you could possibly ask for on the field, but we have to think beyond one season. When you’re contending around an established quarterback like Jordan Love and maintaining depth on the edge, every dollar of cap space has to be weighed carefully. This isn’t about fairness — it’s about sustainability.”

Now, the Packers face a clear crossroads: retain a productive rotational pass rusher at a premium price for his role, or let him walk and search for a cheaper alternative through the draft or low-cost free agency. Enagbare, meanwhile, must decide whether to stay where he developed and maximized his career or pursue maximum financial value elsewhere. Whatever the outcome, the sky-high salary demand relative to his role is poised to shape Green Bay’s direction for years to come.