Despite having some inexperienced positional groups heading into training camp this year, the Green Bay Packers don’t project to have many positional battles leading up to the 2023 regular season. There are a lot of players locked into playing time as complementary roles behind the starters could be up for grabs.
That will make roster cutdowns a little more straightforward for Green Bay unless players give them a reason to stick around. The new practice squad rules have made things easier for teams to stash younger players, but sometimes, it is best to just move on from a player so that someone else can get a shot.
For the Packers, there are certainly a handful of guys who could be playing for their roster spot this offseason. Whether it is a younger player pushing for more playing time or not making the most of opportunities given to them, there are multiple people on the roster bubble.
Who could be on the move in the coming weeks? Here are three Packers who are trade or cut candidates entering training camp.
3. LB Jonathan Garvin
The Packers’ linebacker group is one that was underwhelmed during the 2022 season. They struggled against the run, which led to some poor showings on that side of the ball throughout last season.
Heading into 2023, it would be smart to give some draft picks and younger players an expanded role. First-round pick Lukas Van Ness will certainly factor into the mix, which could lead to someone else being cut.
One player who could be on the chopping block is Jonathan Garvin. Garvin was a seventh-round pick in 2020 but he has yet to really make his presence felt as a pro. In 38 games, one start, he has 32 combined tackles with 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss and seven quarterback hits.
While he has seen his role in special teams increase, that may not be enough to warrant keeping a roster spot. If one of the late-round picks or undrafted free agents stands out in training camp at linebacker, it could be Garvin’s spot in the line.
2. RB AJ Dillon
The Packers aren’t going to be cutting running back AJ Dillon. He is an important part of their offensive game plan, along with Aaron Jones, out of the backfield. They will be relied upon heavily as Jordan Love eases into the starting quarterback role.
But, entering the final year of his rookie contract, Dillon is someone who could garner some interest on the trade market. The position has been devalued, which Green Bay knows firsthand after working out a pay cut for Jones this offseason.
Already locked into a long-term deal with him, it is hard to imagine the Packers wanting to hand out another long-term extension to Dillon on top of it. They could opt to trade him between now and the deadline, recouping some draft capital and saving a little money in the process.
1. OL Royce Newman
Arguably the strongest unit on the Packers heading into the 2023 season is their offensive line. If this unit can remain healthy, it will be among the best in the NFL. Injuries have decimated them in recent seasons, but the front office has done a good job unearthing good depth pieces.
One of their only misses in recent years has been Royce Newman. Opportunities to cement his standing on the unit have persisted, but he has been unable to take advantage. He was surpassed by Jon Runyan Jr. last season for the right guard spot and Runyan hasn’t looked back.
Newman’s grades in his first two seasons as a pro haven’t been very strong. He recorded a 55.7 grade as a rookie and barely improved to 58.6 in Year 2. He was a starter from Day 1 but wasn’t able to hold onto that spot. If he doesn’t show improvement this offseason, the team could give a chance to the numerous other late-round picks and undrafted free agents they have in the trenches.