As the 2025 season looms, the Green Bay Packers are poised for a transformative year, and there are five key players who could make it easier for the organization to say goodbye.
With an eye on a new era, both in terms of on-field leadership and the team’s long-term future, these players may be on the way out due to a combination of performance, contract situations, or a shift in team philosophy. Here’s a look at the five Packers who could be making it easier for the team to move on in 2025.
1. Aaron Rodgers – Quarterback
Though Rodgers is a legend in Green Bay, the reality is that the Packers have already begun to transition away from their long-time quarterback with the drafting of Jordan Love. While Rodgers remains an iconic figure and one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, it is clear that his time in Green Bay is winding down. By 2025, his age and the massive cap hit associated with his contract could make it an easier decision for the team to part ways. If Love has developed into the starting quarterback the Packers envision, Rodgers could be playing elsewhere or retiring, and Green Bay would have the flexibility to focus fully on Love as their future under center.
2. David Bakhtiari – Offensive Tackle
Once considered one of the top offensive tackles in the league, Bakhtiari has faced significant challenges with injuries over the past few seasons. His knee issues have kept him off the field for extended periods, and while he is still an elite talent when healthy, his age and injury history have made it difficult for the Packers to rely on him for the long term. With his contract ballooning and the Packers potentially looking to rebuild or focus on a younger offensive line, the team may decide to part ways with Bakhtiari in 2025, either through trade or release, to free up cap space and invest in younger talent.
3. Kenny Clark – Defensive Tackle
Clark has been a force in the middle of the Packers’ defensive line for several years, but the Packers’ defensive philosophy has been evolving. In 2025, the team could move on from Clark to open up cap space and create room for younger, less expensive defensive linemen. The Packers’ front office has shown a willingness to make tough decisions in recent years, and as Clark nears the latter stages of his prime, it might be easier for the team to let go of a veteran player in favor of a new direction on defense.
4. Jaire Alexander – Cornerback
While Alexander is one of the top cornerbacks in the league, the Packers may find it difficult to retain him long-term due to salary cap constraints. With the rise of other young talents in the secondary and a possible desire to invest in a deeper pool of cornerbacks, Green Bay might look to move Alexander in 2025 to get value for him while his stock is high. Trading Alexander could provide the team with much-needed draft picks or cap relief as they navigate a potential rebuild or retooling of the roster. Despite his immense talent, the Packers may prioritize financial flexibility over retaining a star cornerback.
5. Aaron Jones – Running Back
Jones has been a consistent and explosive player for the Packers in the backfield, but running backs generally have shorter careers, and Jones’ value may start to diminish by 2025. The Packers have invested in younger running backs like AJ Dillon and could look to move on from Jones if they believe the return is right. His contract could also become a hurdle for the team’s financial flexibility, especially if Green Bay needs to allocate resources elsewhere. With the emergence of other talent in the NFL and the Packers’ long-term vision, Jones could be another veteran who is released or traded to make way for the future.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Green Bay Packers could be in a position to move on from several key veterans who have shaped the team’s identity over the past decade. Players like Aaron Rodgers, David Bakhtiari, Kenny Clark, Jaire Alexander, and Aaron Jones may find their time in Green Bay coming to an end as the Packers look to transition into a new era. While parting with these players would be emotional, it could pave the way for a younger, more financially flexible roster that is capable of competing in the coming years. The Packers’ decision-making will ultimately hinge on their evaluation of the team’s long-term goals, and by 2025, they could be ready to say goodbye to some of their longtime stars.
