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The release of inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell by the Packers on Wednesday will result in the creation of $10.5 million in salary cap space.

The Green Bay Packers are set to part ways with inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell on Wednesday, a move that will significantly increase their salary cap space by over $10 million, as per a source informed PackersNews.

This decision aligns with the start of the NFL’s new calendar year, coinciding with the onset of free agency at 3 p.m. Wednesday. By delaying the move until Wednesday, the Packers can designate his release for June 1, thereby gaining a larger portion of salary cap relief compared to an immediate cut.

In an effort to bolster their flexibility in free agency, the Packers have been strategically maneuvering to create salary cap room.

They are expected to pursue a safety and potentially other positions as well. Additionally, they aim to retain some of their own free agents, including cornerback/returner Keisean Nixon, linebacker Eric Wilson, and tight end Tyler Davis.

While teams can commence negotiations with free agents beginning Monday, official signings cannot occur until the official commencement of free agency.

Campbell’s release will result in a cap room boost of $10.57 million for the Packers, who are anticipated to have a surplus of more than $20 million under the $255.4 million salary cap at the start of the new year. However, this figure may vary once the league provides its official calculations, considering any accounting adjustments and additional transactions.

The Packers are transitioning to a 4-3 defensive scheme under newly appointed coordinator Jeff Hafley. They are in search of a younger counterpart for inside linebacker Quay Walker, who is expected to take on the weakside position in the new system, allowing him more freedom to roam the field. Although Campbell could have filled the strong-side position, this role typically sees only about 25% of the snaps due to the prevalence of nickel packages, and his salary is deemed too high for a part-time player.

During Campbell’s absence last season due to injury, Isaiah McDuffie stepped up as a dependable run defender and may emerge as a starter in Hafley’s defense.

McDuffie showcased his talents as one of Hafley’s top defensive players during their time together at Boston College. Consequently, McDuffie is likely to feature prominently in the lineup, regardless of any additions the Packers make through the draft or free agency.

In his standout 2021 season, the 31-year-old Campbell showcased versatility and excellence across the board. Despite signing a modest one-year, $2 million contract with the Packers, he emerged as their top performer, tallying impressive statistics across various categories. In 16 games, Campbell accumulated 145 tackles, two sacks, four quarterback hits, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and five passes defensed.

His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious title of first-team All-Pro, making him the first Packer to receive this accolade since Ray Nitschke in 1966.

Before the subsequent season, the Packers secured him with a five-year, $50 million deal. Although he was set to receive a $2.9 million roster bonus on Friday, the Packers are relieved of that obligation following his release on Wednesday.

Despite this, Campbell’s release will still have a financial impact, as he will still count $3.65 million against the cap this year. This is a result of charges that were deferred into future years through contract adjustments.

Releasing De’Vondre Campbell after June 1 allows the Packers to defer $8 million of his remaining cap charges into 2025.

Without this designation, they would have only gained $2.6 million in cap space instead of the $10.57 million they will now free up.

Injuries sidelined Campbell for a total of 10 games across the ’22 and ’23 seasons, diminishing his impact compared to his first season. In 2022, he missed four games due to a knee injury, finishing with 96 tackles (including 4½ for loss), two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and three passes defensed in 13 regular-season games. Last year, he sat out six games due to ankle and neck injuries, recording 75 tackles (two for loss), no sacks, one pass defensed, and one fumble recovery. Campbell attempted to play through a neck stinger but, following a social media altercation with fans regarding playing while injured, coach Matt LaFleur granted him time to recover.

The cap reduction associated with Campbell’s contract is part of a series of moves aimed at positioning the Packers to be active in free agency if they choose to pursue specific players. They created $7 million in cap space by restructuring Rashan Gary’s deal and adjusting Preston Smith’s base salary.

Regarding left tackle David Bakhtiari’s $40 million cap number, the Packers are considering various options to create more cap space. While cutting Bakhtiari would generate $20.95 million in cap room, they may explore renegotiating his contract to reduce his $20.2 million base salary. Since no roster bonus is due this year, there is no immediate pressure for the Packers to make a decision. They can delay until they require the cap space for a free agent signing or contract extension for one of their current players.