The Packers have cleared some cap space for the coming league year, announcing today in a press release that they’ve released inside linebacker Brad Jones. In a statement, GM Ted Thompson thanked Jones for his contributions to the team for the last six seasons, and wished him the best.
Jones, 28, has been a Packer since the club drafted him in the seventh round in 2009. Although he was a starter for Green Bay in 2012 and 2013, his role was significantly reduced in 2014, as he played just 218 defensive snaps. After averaging 80+ tackles per season the previous two years, Jones recorded just 23 last year, to go along with a forced fumble.
Given Jones’ diminished playing time, it made sense for the Packers to move on, since he was set to earn a base salary of $3.25MM in 2015. Although he’ll still count for $1MM in dead money on Green Bay’s cap, the team will clear about $3.7MM in cap room by cutting the Colorado product.
As a vested veteran, Jones is immediately eligible to sign with another team, without having to pass through waivers.