The Green Bay Packers have always been a team that has successfully balanced building for the future while striving for immediate contention. However, as the 2025 season approaches, one of the most intriguing and potentially difficult decisions the franchise faces revolves around one of their highest-paid and most talented players: a two-time Pro Bowler whose cap hit is set to reach a staggering $25 million.
In the NFL, where salary cap management is critical, a cap hit of that size can be both a blessing and a curse. The Packers are reportedly exploring trade scenarios involving this player, a move that would likely lead to a significant return but could also be accompanied by some painful realities. While Green Bay has historically built teams around star power, this particular situation presents a unique challenge. So, what does this mean for the Packers and their fanbase?
### Who Is This Two-Time Pro Bowler?
The player at the center of the trade rumors is none other than **Kenny Clark**, the Packers’ star defensive tackle. Drafted by Green Bay in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Clark has solidified himself as one of the league’s top interior defensive linemen. A two-time Pro Bowler (in 2019 and 2020), Clark has consistently been a disruptive force for the Packers’ defense, especially against the run.
Clark’s ability to clog up running lanes, collapse pockets, and create pressure up the middle has made him indispensable to Green Bay’s defensive front. His leadership on the field is unquestionable, and he’s developed into one of the more respected defensive tackles in the NFL. However, with great talent comes great financial responsibility, and Clark’s $25 million cap hit is something the Packers are now trying to navigate, especially as the team transitions into a new era.
### The Challenges of a $25 Million Cap Hit
The NFL’s salary cap is a crucial factor in how teams construct their rosters. Teams need to balance high salaries with the need to fill out the rest of the roster with capable role players. For a team like the Packers, with a promising young quarterback in Jordan Love and a rebuilding offense, the need to free up cap space has never been more important.
Clark’s $25 million cap hit in 2025 places a massive burden on the Packers’ financial flexibility. As talented as he is, no player can justify that kind of hit in a salary cap system unless they’re at the absolute peak of their position. And while Clark is undeniably one of the better defensive tackles in the league, the Packers could find themselves with a better long-term outlook by trading him and addressing the growing needs of their roster.
This is especially true considering the Packers’ current roster construction. With Love taking over at quarterback and a bevy of young talent on the offensive side of the ball, Green Bay is looking toward the future. A trade of Clark would open up significant cap space that could be reinvested into areas that require more immediate attention—such as offensive line, wide receiver, or defensive depth.
### Potential Trade Scenarios and Return for Clark
While it’s clear that Clark is a valuable player, there are several factors that could complicate any trade talks, resulting in a potentially underwhelming return for the Packers. Let’s break down why the return for a player with a $25 million cap hit may not meet the Packers’ expectations:
#### 1. **The Cap Hit**
The largest obstacle in trading Clark is his cap hit. A $25 million cap number for a defensive tackle is a substantial financial commitment, and teams will be cautious about taking on such a large contract. While Clark’s talent justifies a significant payday, it also means that the Packers will have to either eat part of that salary to facilitate a trade or deal him to a team willing to absorb the full cap hit.
For teams that might be interested in Clark’s services, taking on such a cap number could limit their ability to sign free agents or address other needs. Furthermore, teams with the financial flexibility to absorb Clark’s salary may not have the resources to give up the kind of assets the Packers would be hoping for in return. In all likelihood, Green Bay will need to make concessions on the financial side to sweeten any deal.
#### 2. **The Contract and Age Factor**
Though Clark is still in his prime (he turns 29 during the 2025 season), the structure of his contract could make him a less attractive option for teams looking for long-term solutions. Clark has two more years remaining on his contract, which includes a significant amount of guaranteed money. Some teams might hesitate to commit to a player with two years remaining on a high-dollar deal, especially if they’re not contending for a Super Bowl in the immediate future.
This factor could depress his trade value, as teams may view Clark as more of a short-term rental than a long-term asset. Given that Clark’s contract is front-loaded and contains high guarantees, any team acquiring him might be reluctant to pay full price unless they’re confident that his impact can help them win now.
#### 3. **Trade Market for Interior Defensive Linemen**
Another reason the Packers might not receive a premium trade return for Clark is the nature of the trade market for interior defensive linemen. While Clark is certainly one of the league’s best, defensive tackles often don’t generate the same kind of trade value as pass rushers or quarterbacks. The Packers might find that, while Clark is an exceptional player, teams are hesitant to pay top dollar or surrender significant assets for a position that doesn’t typically command the same kind of market value.
This is reflected in past trades, where interior defensive linemen have often been traded for mid-round picks or complementary players rather than premium draft assets. Clark’s immense talent might not be enough to offset the financial burden his contract places on any acquiring team, which could limit what Green Bay is able to command in return.
### What the Packers Could Expect
Given all of these factors, the Packers are likely looking at a trade return that might not match Clark’s on-field value. A realistic scenario would be a mid-round draft pick (likely a 3rd or 4th rounder) and perhaps a young player or two who could help fill other holes on the roster. The team could also agree to eat some of Clark’s salary in exchange for better draft capital, though this would further reduce the overall return.
It’s also possible that Green Bay could consider trading Clark for a package that includes future assets, such as 2026 draft picks, which could better position the team for the future. The Packers could look to use the saved cap space in more flexible ways, including pursuing younger, more cost-effective players.
### A Tough Decision
Trading away a player like Kenny Clark is never an easy decision, especially for a team like the Packers, who’ve relied on his leadership and consistency on the defensive line. But given the current state of the roster and the team’s salary cap situation, a trade might be the best course of action. While the return may not be as favorable as the Packers would like, clearing up significant cap space could pave the way for Green Bay to strengthen its overall roster and position itself for success in the coming years.
As the Packers move forward with their rebuild, one thing is certain: parting ways with a player of Clark’s caliber will not be easy, but it might ultimately be necessary for the future health of the franchise.