April 30, 2025
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers trimmed their roster, releasing five players to accommodate eight rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft, sources told ESPN Friday. The cuts signal a youth movement as the team eyes a Super Bowl run.
The casualties include wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, cornerback Kalen King, running back Chris Brooks, safety Kitan Oladapo, and offensive tackle Andre Dillard. The moves clear space for first-rounder Matthew Golden and others (NFL.com).
Wicks, a 2023 fifth-rounder, posted 400 yards but struggled with a 27% drop rate in 2024. With Golden and Savion Williams joining Jayden Reed, his role diminished, making him expendable despite a $1 million cap hit (Packers Wire).
King, a 2024 seventh-round pick, failed to see the field, stuck on the practice squad. Micah Robinson’s arrival and a crowded secondary with Jaire Alexander and Nate Hobbs sealed his fate, saving $900,000 in cap space (Spotrac).
Brooks, a 2023 undrafted free agent, managed 183 rushing yards as RB4. Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, and Jalen White’s emergence left no room, with Brooks’ $1 million cap hit cut for rookie priority (ESPN).
Oladapo, a 2024 fifth-rounder, played sparingly, logging 100 special teams snaps. Xavier McKinney and Javon Bullard dominate the safety spots, and Zayne Anderson’s versatility outshined him, freeing $900,000 (Pro Football Reference).
Dillard, a 2024 free agent signee, allowed one sack in 200 snaps. Anthony Belton and John Williams’ draft additions, alongside Zach Tom and Jordan Morgan, rendered his $1.5 million cap hit unnecessary (The Athletic).
With $47 million in cap space, GM Brian Gutekunst’s cuts pave the way for Golden’s 987-yard potential and Belton’s tackle versatility. The 11-6 Packers, stung by a wild-card loss, aim to blend youth with Josh Jacobs’ 1,329 yards for 2025 glory (Over The Cap).
