Packers to release Chad Clifton, could John Abraham land with Saints?

The Green Bay Packers are expected to release veteran left tackle Chad Clifton at some point this off-season to help clear cap space, he was set to make $5.5 million in 2012 — a reasonable amount — all be it an amount Green Bay would rather not pay out.

Clifton has been with the Packers for the last twelve seasons after being drafted in the second round of the 2000 NFL draft.

He has appeared in 165 games, starting 160, making the Pro Bowl twice as a Packer including most recently in 2010 after establishing himself as one of the leagues premier pass blockers.

But Clifton has had injury problems, last season missing ten games with a torn hamstring.

Now at 35, and with potetnial replacements Marshall Newhouse and Derek Sherrod on the roster, Green Bay is looking to get younger and cheaper on the offensive line.

Clifton’s NFL career may not yet be offer however as he can still play, whether he wants to or not is still yet unknown, but there are plenty of teams that would likely kick the tires on the veteran in free agency is he should decide to play.