Packers: 3 roster moves we can make to clear cap space for J.J. Watt

2. Let Corey Linsley leave in free agency

Letting an All-Pro leave in free agency is never a comfortable decision for a potential Super Bowl contender, but Green Bay should consider it with Linsley. He’s an excellent football player, but paying a center over $10 million per season isn’t an example of savvy salary cap management.

Instead, the Packers should look to the draft to find a cheaper starting option. That might lessen the quality of Rodgers’ pass protection next season, but the tradeoff would be worth it. Adding Watt to boost the team’s pass rush would more than make up for the downgrade on the offensive line.

The big question here is whether or not Rodgers would sign off on this kind of move. Odds are the veteran signal-caller would be willing to sign off if it allows Watt to join the squad.

Making Linsley the highest-paid center in the NFL makes sense for some teams in free agency, but Green Bay shouldn’t be willing to spend that kind of cash on a non-premium position. Allowing another team to make that mistake could pave the way for the Packers to land Watt.