After demoting, the Packers were expected to cut a $4.3 million starter.
During roster cuts, GettyPackers general manager Brian Gutekunst, left, may decide to part ways with one of his 2022 starters.
After the 2023 preseason concludes, the Green Bay Packers have until August 29 to decide which players will make their 53-man roster. Is it possible that Yosh Nijman, an offensive tackle, will lose his spot on the team?
That may be a possibility, according to one of the most reliable Packers insiders.
Rob Demovsky of ESPN listed Nijman as one of nine offensive linemen on the initial 2023 roster in his final 53-man roster projection. However, he hinted that Nijman “may be out” after 2022 seventh-round pick Rasheed Walker overtook him as the No. 3 offensive tackle behind Zach Tom and David Bakhtiari, who are expected to start.
Following the preseason finale on August 26, Demovsky noted, “They could go with 10 here by keeping Royce Newman.” It’s also important to keep in mind that Nijman might be out. Yes, the same Nijman who, in the previous two seasons, started twenty-one games. As the No. 3 tackle, Walker overtook him, and Nijman is scheduled to earn $4.304 million. Since none of that is assured, the Packers’ books and salary cap will be completely cleared if they trade or release him.
Rasheed Walker has been the Packers’ preseason standout.
On their unofficial depth chart, the Packers now have Nijman listed as their backup left tackle, behind Bakhtiari, and Tom, a 2022 fourth-round pick, listed as their top right tackle, with Walker serving as his backup at the position. But in their three preseason games, Walker was among the team’s best players.
Walker assumed the crucial position of covering quarterback Jordan Love’s blind side during the preseason with ease, starting the final two games at left tackle and carrying out his duties with grace. Walker had only played four special teams snaps in 2022.
Walker fared well in the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, allowing just one quarterback hit and one pressure in 52 pass-blocking snaps across the first two preseason games, according to Pro Football Focus.
That’s not to suggest Nijman hasn’t looked good in his preseason appearances—quite the contrary, in fact. Over the past month, Nijman, a fourth-year player, has played fewer pass-blocking snaps than Walker, but he has done it without putting any pressure on his quarterbacks. Additionally, he has played tackle tackle and left tackle.
But it might be hard for the Packers to defend paying Nijman the whole amount of his second-round restricted free agent tender ($4.304 million, according to Over the Cap), if they value Walker more as their swing tackle. Though the Packers might rather give their younger, homegrown players more opportunities, there is always a case to be made for him to succeed based on his decision to put Love’s safety first in his first season as the starter.
Being stuck with excellent talent at the offensive tackle position is hardly a terrible thing for the Packers, even though they have a tough decision to make. To be honest, there’s a good chance Nijman would be a great trade chip if they decide to let him go by the cut deadline.
Over the last two seasons, Nijman has started 21 games for the Packers, gaining experience on both sides of the line (803 left and 555 right). The 27-year-old has demonstrated he can be counted on to enter the starting lineup at short notice without seeing a substantial decline in play quality during that period. This is especially helpful while blocking for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.
In addition to only slightly freeing up cap space, the Packers who cut Nijman run the risk of allowing their rival Chicago Bears, who have the highest waiver-wire priority, to claim him for their young tackle room. In exchange for a little something extra in the form of trade compensation—likely a Day 3 pick—the Packers might be able to find a move that benefits Nijman and the team.
Nijman’s experience blocking for Rodgers and the Jets’ present lack of tackle security make them a viable trade partner. Nijman may also be a target for the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers; however, the Packers might not be eager to aid in the improvement of another NFC team.
