The Green Bay Packers signed Christian Kirksey to a two-year deal last March. Less than one year later, he has been cut from the roster.

Both Kirksey and offensive tackle Rick Wagner were released Friday as the Packers desperately try to manifest additional cap space.

Kirksey gave the Packers decent production in 2020. He finished with 2.0 sacks, 77 combined tackles and a pair of interceptions, occasionally playing inside and also shading outside in soft zones and cover schemes.

However, Green Bay is on the precipice of a slight overhaul, and Kirksey is one of the first casualties.

Kirksey carried a cap hit of over $7.6 million in 2020, with a dead-cap hit of $2 million. Green Bay will save over $4 million in cap by cutting ties with Wagner.

It is unlikely the Packers are done making cuts. Outside linebacker Preston Smith could also be let go, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling might be another candidate to hit the chopping block. Green Bay might also look to restructure Aaron Rodgers' contract, if he is so inclined.

The Packers have to free things up for a few reasons. First and foremost, running back Aaron Jones is a free agent, and Green Bay will likely have to make a fairly substantial offer to retain his services. Additionally, they seem like major players in terms of teams capable of making a run at J.J. Watt. The former Houston Texans star is from Wisconsin, and Green Bay could offer Watt his best chance at a Super Bowl.

In any case, creating cap flexibility often comes with tough choices. Kirksey fell victim to one of those choices Friday, though the 28-year-old should not have any problem finding employment after a solid campaign.