Green Bay Packers fans are still celebrating after acquiring Micah Parsons, a move that felt almost unreal just a week ago. But now that it’s official, some fans are starting to worry about how Parsons’ massive contract might affect the team’s roster decisions next season and beyond.
It looks like there’s no need to stress too much because the team has some plans, according to Packers reporter Wes Hodkiewicz.
On Saturday, a fan raised a question about whether general manager Brian Gutekunst consulted Packers CEO Ed Policy before pulling the trigger on the deal, especially with 19 upcoming free agents and Parsons’ contract potentially eating into the cap.
Hodkiewicz responded,
“Gutekunst kept Policy abreast of what was happening, and the Packers president and CEO was nothing but supportive. Several times, Gutekunst referred to this trade as a ‘unique’ and ‘rare’ opportunity to acquire a once-in-a-generation player.”
Per Hodkiewicz, this is likely how the Packers plan to address the cap concerns:
“Parsons’ contract eats into the cap somewhat, but the Packers can use the last year of his rookie deal to soften the blow somewhat. The first three years are still palatable enough for the Packers to retain the nucleus they’ve built.”
The crux of the plan lies in how Parsons’ contract is structured: his cap number for 2025 is set under $10 million, thanks to a hefty signing bonus prorated over five years and base salaries below $4 million annually in the first three years. This gives the Packers financial flexibility to manage salary cap pressures and keep their key players intact despite the high-profile trade.
