The salary cap dominates much of the NFL offseason with teams utilizin

g their available cap space to extend players Bart Starr Jersey , spend on free agents, and sign their draft picks. On Tuesday, the NFL released the projections for the 2019 salary cap, which could reach as high as $191.1 million.The full projection, as released by the NFL’s Brian McCarthy, ranges from $187 to the aforementioned higher figure. If the final number ends up at the upper limit of $191.1, the Green Bay Packers would have over $46 million in available space. Of course, that figure does not account for any roster moves the team could make such as restructuring or releasing outside linebacker Nick Perry. Regardless of what the Packers decide, the news should quell any lingering fears that Aaron Rodgers’ recent four-year, $134 million extension will prevent general manager Brian Gutekunst and his front office from fielding a competitive team.The league’s press release notes that the salary cap has risen approximately 40 percent since the 2014 season and has jumped more than $10 million per club for six straight years. Over two weeks, Acme Packing Company will break down the Green Bay Packers’ 2018 roster position-by-position, providing our grades for each spot and looking ahead to free agency. Today, we continue with the outside linebackers.If not for Kyler Fackrell, the Packers’ outside linebackers would not have earned a “C-” grade from Acme Packing Company this morning. Fackrell led the way with 10.5 of Green Bay’s 44 sacks on the season and notched seven more than any other Packer edge rusher. With such little pass rushing impact from the outside, including from high-priced Nick Perry, the unit is expected to receive a facelift this offseason in the form of young potential. In the midst of acquiring new talent Ray Nitschke Color Rush Jersey , Green Bay must determine the best course of action for two of their free agents within the organization. An aging former superstar and a young underperformer in 2018 make up that list from the outside linebacker position.Clay MatthewsNFL Experience: 10 yearsFA Status: UnrestrictedExpiring Contract: 5-year, $66 million contract with $20.5 million signing bonus2018 Stats: 16 games played, 16 games started; 43 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumbleWhether the Packers choose to re-up Matthews’ contract or not, the franchise will be forever grateful for the six-time Pro Bowler’s career in Green Bay. No longer the double-digit sack artist he was in 2014, Matthews’ age, size, and durability have contributed to a statistical decline over the past three seasons. At this point, he would be best-suited for a situational rushing role in 2019.A bit healthier during the 2018 campaign than in previous seasons, Matthews’ presence was noticeable at times even though he was not recording the sacks he once did. Under Mike Pettine, Matthews was lined up in a variety of ways and is still a high-energy defensive player. After an early-season struggle with aggressive penalties, Matthews cut down on those personal foul penalties as the season went on.There is a chance that Green Bay could offer a short-term hometown discount to the green and gold legend while it accumulates younger players to groom. A veteran leader presence would be beneficial to those prospective players and Matthews may still have a role in Green Bay, though expectations on the field must be tempered. At age 32 https://www.thepackersfanshop.com/Reggie-White-Jersey , it is hard to see Matthews being offered more than a two-year contract from another team and that could play to the Packers’ favor.Reggie GilbertNFL Experience: 2 yearsFA Status: Exclusive RightsExpiring Contract: 2-year, $990,000 contract2018 Stats: 16 games played, 0 starts; 38 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 8 quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, 1 fumble recoveryAfter a preseason in which he was constantly in the offensive backfield and became a 53-man roster lock, the second-year Gilbert struggled to make an impact during the regular season.With the Packers desperately hoping for growth from Gilbert after choosing not to add extra pass rushing in the offseason, the former Arizona Wildcat failed to assert himself. With a new position coach, perhaps Gilbert can tap into his potential a bit more in 2019, but that would require Green Bay to make a commitment to the exclusive rights free agent. A golden opportunity was missed for Gilbert to solidify a spot in Green Bay moving forward and with an influx of edge rushing talent expected this spring, that spot is not as safe as it once was. Gilbert figures to be a cheaper depth option for the Packers to consider.