Names the Packers Still Have to Lose Nearly $20 Million to Pay Even Though They’re No Longer on the Roster

The Cost of Moving Forward

The Green Bay Packers have successfully maneuvered their way into a better financial position over the past few seasons. By investing in young talent and transitioning from the Aaron Rodgers era, the front office has created a more sustainable salary cap situation. However, the burden of past contracts still lingers, as the team is set to absorb nearly $20 million in dead money for players who are no longer on the roster.

Understanding Dead Money

Dead money refers to salary cap charges that remain even after a player is released or traded. This usually happens when guaranteed bonuses or portions of a contract have not yet been accounted for against the cap. While teams strategically plan to mitigate these impacts, some cases are unavoidable and create financial challenges.

Biggest Dead Money Hits for 2025

The two most significant dead money charges for the Packers in 2025 come from edge rusher Preston Smith and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. These players were moved off the roster, but their financial implications remain.

• Preston Smith – $9.88 million Smith was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers before the deadline last season. However, because the move was executed post-June 1st, the remaining prorated signing bonus money accelerated into the 2025 salary cap. As a result, nearly $10 million in dead cap space remains tied to his contract.
• De’Vondre Campbell – $7.97 million Campbell was released earlier this year, with the Packers utilizing a post-June 1st designation to minimize immediate cap damage. However, this move also delayed a significant portion of his financial impact, leaving Green Bay with nearly $8 million in dead money for 2025.

Other Minor Dead Money Charges

Beyond Smith and Campbell, the Packers also have smaller dead money charges associated with other former players. These include:

• Sean Clifford
• Anders Carlson
• Michael Pratt
• Anthony Johnson Jr.
• Samori Toure

While individually these cap hits are minor, they contribute to the overall financial picture for Green Bay.

Could the Dead Money Get Even Worse?

There is potential for the Packers’ dead money situation to worsen depending on future roster moves. For instance, if the team were to release cornerback Jaire Alexander without a post-June 1st designation, they would incur an additional $18.1 million in dead money. This could significantly impact their salary cap flexibility heading into the next season.

Lessons from the Past

The Packers have faced significant dead money hits before, most notably in 2023 when they absorbed $40.3 million in cap charges from the Aaron Rodgers trade. That season, Green Bay dealt with an overall dead cap total of $65 million. In contrast, the $20 million figure they face in 2025 is a much more manageable burden, but it still affects their ability to make key acquisitions.

Looking Ahead

Despite these financial obligations, the Packers remain in a strong position to continue their rebuild. Their recent focus on young, affordable talent allows them to navigate these dead cap hits without significantly hampering their competitive aspirations. However, strategic planning will be crucial to ensuring the team doesn’t find itself in a similar situation down the road.

While dead money is an unavoidable aspect of the NFL salary cap, managing it effectively can mean the difference between long-term success and financial strain. The Packers have done well to minimize their exposure compared to previous seasons, but they must remain cautious with future contracts to avoid unnecessary burdens in the years ahead.