Two straight Pro Bowl seasons weren't enough to save Josh Sitton's job in Green Bay. The Packers announced on Saturday that they've cut ties with Sitton, who had been with the team since 2008.
Of all the cuts made around the NFL on Saturday, the Packers decision to release Sitton may have been the most surprising. The 30-year-old had started 110 out of the 112 regular season games that the Packers had played since becoming a full-time starter on the offensive line in 2009.
Sitton had been so good over the past four seasons that he was voted to the Pro Bowl three times (2012, 2014-15) and voted first-team All-Pro for three straight years (2013-15).
Most teams don't release a statement after dumping a player on cut day, but the Packers did release one for Sitton.
"We want to thank Josh for his contributions during his time in Green Bay. He has been an important part of the success we have enjoyed on the field," general manager Ted Thompson said. "While these decisions are never easy, this was done with a focus on what is best for the team and the growth of the offensive line. We wish Josh and his wife, Kristen, all the best in the future."
The only upside for the Packers is that they're going to save some serious money now that Sitton's gone. The offensive lineman was set to make a base salary of $6.15 million in 2016, along with a per-game roster bonus that could've totaled up to $400,000.
By releasing Sitton, the Packers will save roughly $6.55 million against the salary cap.
Anyway, with Sitton out, it's still not clear who's going to replace him at left guard. Lane Taylor is listed as Sitton's backup, but that could be a risky move putting him on the line. The 26-year-old lineman has only started a total of two games in his three-year career.
