Packers: 3 Cap Casualties who can alter 2021 NFL Draft plans
By Mark Sipos
1. J.K. Scott, Punter
Releasing a punter on entering the final season of his rookie deal may seem a bit confusing, there seems to be some momentum pointing that direction. There are a few reasons why this would make sense.
While not a huge savings, releasing JK Scott would open up $920,000 in cap space, with the projected dead money at only $54,389. Every little bit adds up, and Gutekunst knows this. If Green Bay likes a punter in this year’s draft and decides to take one between the sixth and seventh rounds, they would be saving at least $200,000 per year while having the rookie locked up for the next four years. With Scott becoming a free agent at the end of the year, it would make sense to cut the cord a year early.
Scott also had a down year last season, finishing 18th in gross average punt yards, 28th in net average punt yards, and 28th in punts inside the 20. He also had a punt blocked this season.
When newly promoted special teams coordinator Maurice Drayton was asked about his thoughts on Scott and long-snapper Hunter Bradley during a media session, this is what Drayton had to say, courtesy of the Athletic’s Matt Schneidman:
"“They both know that they have to be more consistent in the things that we need them to do to be successful,” Drayton said. “They have a prescription that we’ve written for them to work on. They also have their own personal, what I call, kick doctors or specialist doctors that they’re working with who I’ve fostered a relationship with. They’re getting better and they will be better, and they understand that their backs are against the wall.”"
With the Packers needing to trim up the roster as much as possible, Scott having a down year and not having the full support of his new special teams coordinator, the signs of a move are all there. Drue Chrisman, Max Duffy, and James Smith are all punters that the Packers could take a look at on day three of the draft. Even if the Packers do not draft a punter, signing an undrafted rookie free agent is a possibility. A move involving Scott could wait until after the NFL draft to ensure Green Bay grabs the replacement that they are looking for.