Royce Newman likely improved his chances of making the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster by agreeing to a revised contract ahead of the 2024 season. According to Over the Cap, Newman reduced his base salary to $1.25 million and converted $1 million into per-game roster bonuses, lowering his salary cap number to $2.37 million this season.
Newman, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, was set to make $3.1 million in 2024 after earning the NFL’s proven performance escalator during his first three seasons.
Although this is a straight paycut for Newman, it could be seen as a middle ground for player and team after the escalator clause drastically increased his salary.
A likely backup at guard, Newman would have been in a tough spot in terms of making the team with a rising, non-guaranteed salary in a contract year. His deal still lacks guaranteed money, but Newman’s lowered salary could be more manageable on the 2024 cap for the Packers — potentially increasing his chances of sticking on the roster.
A fifth-round pick in 2021, Newman started 22 games during his first two NFL seasons. He was on the field for only 183 total offensive snaps as a two-game starter last season.
Entering 2024, Newman is competing with 2022 third-round pick Sean Rhyan and first-round pick Jordan Morgan for playing time at guard. He’s likely no higher than No. 8 or No. 9 on the depth chart along the offensive line.
Even after re-working Newman’s deal, the Packers may still choose to move on — especially if a player such as fifth-round pick Jacob Monk or undrafted free agent Donovan Jennings emerges as a quality developmental player along the interior of the offensive line. Monk and Jennings, both rookies, are younger, cheaper and under team control for more seasons.
Newman’s deal still includes $124,836 of prorated signing bonus money, which would turn into a dead cap charge if Newman is cut.