Clifton Out, Driver In

It looks like tackle Chad Clifton‘s career with the Green Bay Packers will end with a thud, while receiver Donald Driver‘s will live on for at least one more season.

The thud will be Clifton and the $5 million-plus remaining on his contract hitting the street — the team plans to release him to save salary cap space, according to Jason Cole. The move is understandable and one we predicted. The Packers need the salary cap space, Clifton is 35, injury prone and likely to be replaced in the starting lineup.

Driver, meanwhile, will reportedly have his deal restructured and remain with the team. Although it’s unknown how the Packers will alter the receiver’s deal, they will presumably eliminate the $2.2 roster bonus he’s due in March. By doing so, the team will, at least for the time being, eliminate the PR nightmare releasing Driver would bring.

Although he’s 37 and only caught 37 balls last season, Driver is loved in the community and a leader in the locker room. He also said he will take a pay cut to stay in Green Bay and the Packers obviously heard him. Now they just have to do the work.

With the money they save from these two moves, the Packers can re-sign center Scott Wells if they so choose. They’ll also likely need the cap space if they decide to franchise quarterback Matt Flynn in order to trade him.

The wheels are in motion, people!