Packers trying to trade Barnett; will cut him if they can't

Updated: July 26, 2011 11:24 a.m. |(23) Comments

Linebacker Nick Barnett walked into the Packers facility this morning and within an hour was on his way out.

Now we know why.

Barnett Tweeted: "Just met with Ted, Thanks for the great 8 years. Very blessed 2 be apart of such a great tradition and great fans.."

Barnett followed that up with: "Happy I was able to be here for the great xlv run... I will always keep a Special place in my heart for this team and city.."

Barnett said in a short statement afterward that the club was trying to trade him, but if it couldn't they would release him.

He said his chances of being with the Packers are "slim to none."

By releasing Barnett, the Packers will gain that $5.9 million minus $850,000 of pro-rated signing bonus from 2012 against their salary cap. The Packers are right about at the $120 million salary cap limit and in order to sign their rookies, they needed to clear some room.

The writing was on the wall for Barnett when GM Ted Thompson signed inside linebackers Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk to long-term contracts. Thompson could have gone through training camp with Barnett on the roster and then made a decision before the season started, but he apparently needed the salary cap room.

Teams cannot start cutting players until July 28 at 3:01 p.m.

The Packers still have some work to do.

Some potential cap money they could recoup right away would be:

• $1.25 million from the release of DL Justin Harrell, who is coming off a torn ACL.


• $2.35 million from the release of LB Brady Poppinga, who is coming off a torn ACL.


• $4.38 million from the release of OT Mark Tauscher, who is coming off a shoulder injury.


• $2.3 million from the release of LB Brandon Chillar, who is coming off a third shoulder surgery.


• $1.75 million from renegotiating a roster bonus due to RB Ryan Grant, who is coming off an ankle injury.

How can they possibly trade the dumbass when he is announcing his departure on Twitter?

And as for the impending release of Harrell . . . 🙏

Originally Posted by: Nonstopdrivel 

Harrell is gonna prove you wrong this year and be the beast that Ted invisioned him to be.


[sarcasm]

Originally Posted by: RajiRoar 

According to Harrell's agent.. they have gotten no news or information from the Packers, however they haven't reported to Lambeau yet. Example, Barnett informed reporters walking in that he believed the media had created a "rumor" that he wouldn't be a Packer.

Originally Posted by: Pack93z 

Barnett gave the pack some good years I'm glad he has the class to be happy about this I would be pissed to get let go by the eventual superbowl dynasty known as the GREENBAY PACKERS! Thanks Nick.

Originally Posted by: shanks2122