Green Bay’s True Salary Cap: $22.5 Million — How Will the Packers Spend it in 2025?

As the Green Bay Packers prepare for the 2025 offseason, they’re sitting on just under $40 million in salary cap space. While the number on paper looks promising, cap experts like Ken Ingalls estimate the Packers’ true spending power to be closer to $22.5 million once necessary expenses—such as signing draft picks, tendering exclusive rights free agents, and keeping room for in-season moves—are factored in. Even with this reduced cap space, the Packers have the flexibility to make some impactful moves in free agency. While they won’t be able to check off every item on their wish list, here are five players the Packers should target to maximize their chances of making a Super Bowl run in 2025.

Josh Sweat, Defensive End

A proven commodity with a championship pedigree, Josh Sweat would be a fantastic addition to Green Bay’s defense. After spending his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Sweat has consistently been a key contributor to one of the league’s top defensive lines. With the Eagles facing cap constraints, they may not be able to retain all of their key defensive players, including Sweat.

Sweat has posted 7.5 sacks in three of the last four seasons, establishing himself as a reliable and durable pass rusher. While he may not be considered elite, his steady production would make him an excellent complement opposite Rashan Gary on Green Bay’s defensive line. With the right supporting cast, Sweat could continue to excel and provide much-needed stability to the Packers’ pass rush.

Chase Young, Defensive End

Chase Young, once a Defensive Player of the Year favorite, has had a much quieter career since being drafted second overall in 2020. While his production hasn’t matched the hype, he still has a lot of potential, and the Packers could capitalize on his lower market value. Over the past two seasons, Young has racked up 13 sacks and 36 pressures—a solid, if unspectacular, performance.

At 25 years old, Young fits the mold of a young, high-upside player that general manager Brian Gutekunst loves. While the Packers shouldn’t break the bank for him, a short-term deal (perhaps two years) could give Young a chance to prove himself while offering Green Bay a solid rotational pass rusher. With the right coaching and a stronger supporting cast, Young could tap into the potential that made him a top draft pick.

Marquise Brown, Wide Receiver

With Christian Watson expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL, Green Bay must add depth and firepower to their receiving corps. Marquise Brown is exactly the kind of player the Packers need. A game-breaking deep threat, Brown can stretch defenses and create opportunities for other receivers like Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs.

Despite a difficult 2024 season marred by injury, Brown proved in 2021 that he can be a reliable target when healthy, with 91 receptions, over 1,000 yards, and six touchdowns. If the Packers can sign Brown at a reasonable price, he could provide a spark to their offense and give quarterback Jordan Love a legitimate deep threat to complement his developing skill set.

Osa Odighizuwa, Defensive Lineman

The Packers’ defensive line has been underwhelming despite having multiple first-round picks. To take the next step defensively, Green Bay needs to invest in their front four. Osa Odighizuwa could be a sneaky but impactful signing to help bolster the interior of their defensive line. A penetrating defensive tackle who consistently generates pressure, Odighizuwa recorded 33 pressures in 2024—an impressive number for an interior lineman.

Although Odighizuwa only managed 4.5 sacks in 2024, his ability to disrupt the pocket would complement the edge rush provided by Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness. The Packers also need to address the potential departure of defensive tackle T.J. Slaton. Adding Odighizuwa to pair with Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt would give Green Bay a much-needed upgrade in the trenches.

Byron Murphy Jr., Cornerback

The Packers may be able to strike a rare blow in free agency by signing a key player from a division rival, the Minnesota Vikings, in cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. Murphy has been a consistent playmaker for the Arizona Cardinals and Vikings, recording nine interceptions in the last two seasons. With Green Bay’s secondary potentially needing reinforcements—especially with Jaire Alexander possibly being a cap casualty—Murphy could be the perfect addition.

Murphy’s experience in complex defensive schemes, particularly under Brian Flores in Minnesota, aligns well with Green Bay’s defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s system, which emphasizes disguise and versatility. His ball-hawking ability and familiarity with aggressive coverage would make him an excellent fit for Green Bay’s secondary. With several cornerbacks entering free agency, Murphy could provide a savvy, experienced presence that would strengthen the Packers’ defensive backfield.

Final Thoughts

With $22.5 million in true cap space, the Packers won’t be able to make a splash at every position. However, they have the opportunity to make smart, strategic investments that could help elevate the team’s chances of competing for a Super Bowl. Whether through bolstering the pass rush with Josh Sweat or Chase Young, adding a dynamic playmaker like Marquise Brown to the receiving corps, or improving their defensive line and secondary, the Packers have enough resources to make a couple of key signings that could turn them into legitimate contenders in 2025.

The offseason will be a crucial one for Green Bay. The front office will need to balance future financial flexibility with the desire to build a championship-caliber roster. But with the right moves, the Packers could be poised to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.