Josh Sitton is now a former Green Bay Packer and a free agent. The Packers reportedly tried to trade Sitton, a three-time Pro Bowler, before releasing him today.
Why would they do such a thing?
There was a report that the decision was contract-related. That Sitton was displeased that the Packers were focusing on extending other players before addressing his deal, which expired after the season.
Sitton says that wasn’t the case.
“I was prepared to play the season,” Sitton told PackersNews.com. “I have no hard feelings whatsoever. They’re comfortable with who they have. They weren’t planning on going forward with me.
“That’s business. I’m sad to leave. I’m excited about new opportunities.”
So why then, did the Packers decide to part ways with Sitton.
The most obvious answer is it saves them a significant amount of money. They’ll get more than $6 million of cap space by releasing Sitton. His contract had just $300,000 in dead money.
The Packers obviously decided they weren’t going to re-sign Sitton when his contract did expire. They also have several younger players they want to extend. This move gives them more flexibility to make those deals now or during the season.
J.C. Tretter, David Bakhtiari and Eddie Lacy could be on that list.
It’s still hard to believe the Packers couldn’t find a trade partner for Sitton. There’s already significant interest in him on the open market. A trade would have resulted in the same cap savings.
And that’s what makes this move so completely idiotic. The Packers will get nothing for a three-time second-team All Pro.
Had they just kept him this season and let him depart as a free agent, they likely would have received a third or fourth-round compensatory selection.
So way to go, dipshits!