The Packers Have Many Options to Improve Their Roster This Offseason
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers have primarily built their team through the draft for more than three decades now. Ron Wolf, Ted Thompson, and now Brian Gutekunst have all adhered to that strategy and the result has been three decades of success.
That doesn’t mean the team won’t use other methods to improve the team. Free agency has been used at times to improve the team starting with the surprising signing of Reggie White in the first true free agent class back in 1993. Other important signings in free agency have included future Hall of Famers Charles Woodson and Julius Peppers.
Of course, the problem with free agency is that teams usually have to overpay for players because of the bidding wars involved when trying to sign top tier players.
But this offseason, Gutekunst has other options to fill the team’s glaring needs at safety, interior offensive line, running back, and possibly linebacker.
Because the Packers presently have five picks in the top 100 in the 2024 NFL Draft. That gives the team the ability to package one or more of those picks or a combination of picks and players, in the trade market. Gutekunst has said he would be reluctant to trade up to get one of the top 10 picks in the draft because of the high cost of making that deal.
The Packers are in win-now mode. Gute indicated he believes this can be a Super Bowl contender in 2024. They have Jordan Love who showed in 2023 he is capable of becoming the team’s next elite quarterback following Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. They have a talented group of tight ends and receivers and a proven running back in Aaron Jones who they hope to keep after renegotiating his cap number.
The team also has eight former first round picks on defense and are hopeful that new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can bring out the best in this talented bunch.
But if the team wants to win now, they may not have the time to wait for a rookie to develop into a quality starter.
If Gutekunst wants to add a veteran at a position of need and doesn’t want to overpay for a free agent, the trade market would be an excellent alternative.
This could net the Packers a player who is not too expensive and wouldn’t necessarily have to be signed to a multi-year deal with a huge signing bonus. The Packers would also be able to choose a player with the amount of experience they want and at the age they want. They can also choose to sign the player to an extension if both team and player can reach an agreement.
In addition, the Packers would have more flexibility with timing. Gutekunst could pull off a trade before free agency starts next week if he wants to have a safety (for example) on the roster before free agency opens to improve his roster and increase his leverage in negotiations with a potential free agent.
He could also see what the free agent market is and then acquire a player in a trade after the first major wave of free agency is over and before the draft. Here, the extra draft picks the Packers have on day two could be put to good use and get the team more immediate help.
Another option is to wait until after the draft and free agency and see how well the team was able to fill their needs. Or Gutekunst could wait until June 1st when more players may become available after being designated post June 1st cuts for salary cap reasons.
Right now, the Packers have a lot of options and choices available to them. Gutekunst is likely to use a combination of these available options to maximize his capital and help the team fill its positional needs and fulfill its goal of Super Bowl contention in 2024.
This should be a very interesting offseason in Green Bay.
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Comments (51)
T7Steve
March 07, 2024 at 12:19 pm
Thanks, Gill. I realize we have options this season, but what do you think should be done? I'd appreciate your Ideas.
GilMartin
March 07, 2024 at 12:37 pm
Steve, with so many free agent safeties out there, I'd sign at least one and draft at least one. RB I'd stick to the draft. If they don't re-sign Runyan, I'd look for an inexpensive FA guard. I'd save a special player if one becomes available. What do you think?
T7Steve
March 07, 2024 at 12:51 pm
I hope they can keep Runyan. He's the definition of your "inexpensive FA guard. He had a rough season last year but was good and maybe exceptional in the previous seasons, can (and has) played all three positions, and knows the offense.
I think the safety market will be good for that youngster from the Giants. There may be better (and more expensive) ones, but I like the youth aspect and think he is still ascending. I think this contract will be reasonable, if he keeps getting better, it will be the one after that will break the bank.
Cheezehead72
March 07, 2024 at 02:05 pm
Gil I am going to take my chance to chime in. Yes they should sign a FA Safety and Draft one or two. They should also sign a FA ILB and draft one or two. They should draft RBs probably two. T and G draft is preferred but if they can sign a good one to a good contract a FA would be good. But we have to extend Love.
fthisJack
March 08, 2024 at 07:02 pm
I agree . If they get McKinney at S and Cashman at ILB it would take some pressure off drafting these positions. They are 2 areas of the draft that are not very deep. I would like the RB from Tennessee with their first third round pick if he's available.
LLCHESTY
March 07, 2024 at 03:13 pm
There's so many if they wait out the 1st week they might get two for the price of one. But there's also a few other teams that need two of them.
T7Steve
March 08, 2024 at 07:55 am
Including the teams letting these guys go. They all want cheaper versions.
Coldworld
March 08, 2024 at 10:09 am
Some of these are just realizations that teams really aren’t going to be good enough to benefit from current excellence and need to go younger and cheaper for both cap and future upside reasons.
splitpea1
March 07, 2024 at 12:33 pm
If the Packers are interested in making trades, it's usually it's one of their veterans to gain additional draft capital, not the other way around. I would expect the Packers to sign at least one notable free agent for the defense, keep their eyes open for any interesting IOL possibilities on the market, and do some minor maneuvering in the draft. Signing that defensive free agent(s) will give Gute the flexibility to draft prospects that he feels are too good to pass up in areas that maybe aren't an impending need just yet. i wouldn't rule out Gute moving up slightly in the first round, either, as long as it isn't too steep of a price. As I commented before, I think we should be favoring quality over quantity in this year's draft.
bjkdad44
March 07, 2024 at 01:43 pm
Good observations… wonder why someone would downvote??
Cheezehead72
March 07, 2024 at 02:06 pm
Because they can
GregC
March 07, 2024 at 01:50 pm
Agreed on quality vs. quantity. Yes, a slight move up in the first round might be warranted. Just a few spots maybe. Some moves up in later rounds could be helpful as well, depending on how the draft unfolds. Last year Gute traded down and did very well, but every draft is different. We don't know how much the front office values all of these players, and they have way more info than we do.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 07, 2024 at 03:21 pm
It's been awhile, but this trade for a veteran has worked well in the past. A 2nd rounder for Al Harris + a 4th rounder back was a great trade for GB. Ryan Grant for a 6th rounder was also a great trade.
Alberta_Packer
March 07, 2024 at 07:59 pm
My prediction is that Gutekunst will make 3 trades in this year's draft. His first - to draft slightly down in round one - to gain an extra 3rd round pick. While his next 2 will be to draft up - as I think that 11/12 players in the draft may be too many to bring onto the roster.
crayzpackfan
March 07, 2024 at 12:42 pm
The Book According to Me - The Goat of the Down Vote
Okay. Here me out. I’m about to introduce an idea that should be considered blasphemy, or is it? However, I’m wondering if it could actually be considered, nonetheless.
Preface:
My biggest draft crush in several years was Christian Watson. Nobody has even come close to the crush I had on him. It was biblical and most likely cringe worthy. With that said, here I go!!
Let’s trade Watson. I Know!!?? I know? I just said what you all think is the dumbest thing you have ever read on CHTV. Perhaps? I mean Stockholder has submitted some zingers too.
Anyway....
As crazy as it sounds, look at all the information, history, what we know now and the current state of our WR room. We have so many good receivers on this team. We have great TE’s too. Watson is often injured. Even when he was on the field later this last season, he was largely irrelevant or simply had a very small part. In other words, he wasn’t really missed. Was he?
Why Trade?
Watson gets injured a lot. Watson, though improved, is still a bit of a small school running team WR project. How is he still a project? His ball tracking skills aren’t even close to elite. His hands have improved, but I still hold my breath when he is thrown too. His film on 50/50 catches is a highlight reel of about 25 seconds in length. My final reason? Xavier Legette.
I have no idea what we could secure by trading Watson to another team. I see KC recently let go of MVS by the way. But let’s say we could get a round 2 pick. That gives us 3 total second round picks. I would argue that Xavier Legette right now is better than Watson. I would argue that regardless, this team can succeed in epic ways without Watson (ouch!! There went 8 more down votes). Gute has drafted the WR position really well as of late, not to mention Melton taking advantage of his opportunities. People. We have a great WR room, perhaps even in spite of Watson.
Conclusion?
Tit for tat. A trade of Watson for Legette by proxy. It doesn’t change our current draft selections and who we would still select. What we could get in return, in my opinion, is a better, more needed player. For those who think Watson would be missed, well, like I said, Xavier Legette would give us all a short memory.
GregC
March 07, 2024 at 01:06 pm
Not sure if you knew this, but Watson was reportedly the player the Colts wanted in exchange for Jonathan Taylor when they talked to Gute last year. It's possible that Watson's value has declined after another injury-plagued season, but maybe not by too much.
LLCHESTY
March 07, 2024 at 01:16 pm
The draft is filled with good WRs(again). You're not going to get much for him this year and any picks for next year would be conditional.
crayzpackfan
March 07, 2024 at 01:30 pm
LLCHESTY - Yeah. Like I said, I don't really know what kind of pick a team would give for him. What's your best guess?
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 07, 2024 at 03:30 pm
They're not getting back what they already invested in Watson. They gave up capital to move up and take him in the 2nd round. They are not getting that back, so why not keep the cheap labor and see if he can stay healthy this year.
He has had a huge impact for being from a small school, whether developmental or not. I can't see any other WRs in his draft class that have scored more TDs than Watson in his first two years. He is a difference make with size and speed and has shown growth this year in contested balls. I want him on the field for this offense, not another guy learning the offense as a rookie.
LLCHESTY
March 07, 2024 at 05:39 pm
Probably a 4th and a conditional pick in 2025 based on health and production.
Duhawk_47
March 07, 2024 at 01:31 pm
First off, this take is still in a different universe than Stock's...you approached the position with humility. You provided substantial reasoning for your take. And, lastly, I did not catch any cryptic, bordering on pseudo-esoteric, language in there at all.
Second, I'd 100% support Gute and the boys exploring the market for Watson's trade value. Maybe the Cowgirls will bite after what Watson did to them in the late 2022-2023 season?
jannesbjornson
March 07, 2024 at 04:32 pm
Happy Hour start early today, boys?
rememberWhitehurst
March 07, 2024 at 02:06 pm
I don't think it's a crazy idea at all, but the Watson pick was always about upside. The athletic gifts are obvious, but so is his small school background with a limited route tree. I doubt they would give up on that upside now after putting in two years toward his development.
HammertimeSince’89
March 07, 2024 at 07:30 pm
I do not want to see Watson put it all together and stay on the field all season…wearing a different uniform…his stats at the end of that elusive breakout year are going to be Prime Jordy numbers…but also not guaranteed…that’s why I suggested taking Mitchell/Leggette/Thomas and after enjoying WR riches for a year, trading whomever we do not project resigning to 2nd contracts
Alberta_Packer
March 07, 2024 at 09:02 pm
I think that Gutekunst's biggest surprise in this draft - will be taking a Day 1 / Day 2 receiver. My favourite is Brian Thomas Jr.
Cheezehead72
March 07, 2024 at 02:36 pm
The best we could get for Watson is a late 5th to early 6th. We might get a early 5th if we throw in the tub.
HammertimeSince’89
March 07, 2024 at 07:06 pm
I have had similar thoughts but I would prefer taking Adonai Mitchell at #25 and then trading around the next 4 picks to address using the 1st rounder on a luxury BPA. The advantage to this approach is we would have a year to let our WR’s sort themselves out, we could enjoy having too many great WR’s for a year, and we could possibly trade Doubs or Watson before we have to pay them without significant drop off at WR…I think we’re basically getting to the same place but two different ways to get there
Alberta_Packer
March 07, 2024 at 07:39 pm
I had previously floated the thought that should Gutekunst, unexpectedly, receive for Watson an offer of a 2nd and a 3rd in this year's draft - he should seriously consider it because of his recurring hamstring injuries. Now having happened 3 years in a row - with the probability of a fourth still higher, than not. It seems that there is a stronger emotional attachment to Watson (understandably) - than practical. That being so, and it likely that no team would offer any significant draft capital for him (in his current state) - it appears that the Packers have no other choice but to dedicate this year to his total rehabilitation. So, fingers crossed (the last step).
GregC
March 07, 2024 at 12:48 pm
Interesting idea. I hadn't even thought about trades. That's how the 49ers got Christian McCaffrey, in exchange for picks in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th rounds. So far it looks like a very good deal for the 49ers. I would not advocate for trading that many picks away, but maybe a lesser version of that type of deal could be used to bring in a good player.
Coldworld
March 08, 2024 at 07:57 am
The 49ers were in a very different place with their roster. That was a risky but logical move for them. We are a team projected to get better over the next season or two. It’s a different calculation.
I’m intrigued by the trade Watson crowd. No trade is beyond contemplation, but before I would consider his I’d want to know who are the candidates to replace his size, speed combination this year.
Im really not seeing a comparative. We have plenty of talent elsewhere in the receiver spectrum. In fact, my view is that the one WR type we would be wise to look at adding is a bigger developmental perimeter WR to develop behind Watson.
GregC
March 08, 2024 at 08:37 am
I don't love the idea of trading Watson either. Others have said that the Packers could still use a big "power forward" type of WR. Not sure if that's exactly the type you have in mind. Not a bad idea, but I am very happy with the WRs right now. We have six of them competing for five game day roster spots, and they are all competing with each other for snaps and targets, so I don't see them becoming complacent.
Coldworld
March 08, 2024 at 10:21 am
Why would we want that? If Wicks isn’t physical enough we have Heath, Dubose and a TE who is as much a WR in Musgrave. That type is the last thing I see us short of.
My point was that if we trade Watson, where is the ultra fast, big target deep threat? I love Reed and Melton, but that’s not their profile or forte. If a person arguing for a trade does not think we need a Watson type in this mix, I simply disagree. If you do but what to trade him, where is the approximate replacement coming from?
I do see some raw developmental day 3 types who may be more MVS than Watson’s ceiling though, but that is it. I’d actually like one like Legette (for example) to develop and add depth options. Absent that, I’m firmly in the bad idea camp on this one this year.
GregC
March 08, 2024 at 11:16 am
Agreed. Watson is the most uniquely talented WR and therefore would be the hardest to replace. Trade talk is purely out of frustration due to his injuries. I get it, but I'm not ready to give up on him yet.
Rory P Scrotem
March 07, 2024 at 01:39 pm
CRAYZPACK Fan - Take Watson plus one of the 2nd round draft choices & trade up into the 1st round. GO AFTER BROCK BOWERS. Take Kraft & make him the H-back instead of Deguara. Then you have Bowers & Muscrave as your 2 tight ends. An offense like this...no one will stop them!
T7Steve
March 07, 2024 at 01:58 pm
Do you know if they ever worked Kraft with the FB room they had last camp with Deguara and that other kid? Kind of interesting idea using him there if his blocking keeps improving. Even if they don't go after another they have Sims and their blocking TE (name escapes me at the moment) coming back from injury.
jannesbjornson
March 07, 2024 at 04:35 pm
If they want a FB/HB guys that actually run , block and catch the ball, target Ben Sinnott, or Cade Stover. Kraft will eventually be TE # One.
Coldworld
March 08, 2024 at 08:17 am
Ditch the compromise role of HBack. Either get a true block first TE or go true full back. We are going to continue to use Simms or Davis (if he returns) in the more pass option calls. What’s left is essentially a FB set of tasks. So let’s go with a s specialist, a true lead blocker and physical run threat for the few snaps left and give us different options in red zone and key short yardage moments.
Jakobi Buchanan. Army. 6 foot, 255 physical FB with 27 TDs as a runner. One nice quote “He is just a specimen. He runs like a fast guy, but is built like a tackle.” Get a guy like that and you can concentrate resources on more athletic RBs and still have a truly physical short yardage threat.
We have enough catchers who can block or chip and leak out better than a HBack. We are going to see more TEs in a lot of Deguara’s old role. Let’s leave the rest to a true FB and give our OL a filip as well as adding situational options and forcing Ds not to ignore power in the middle and thus open options outside in the red zone.
If we do insist on going the physical blocking TE route then Spann-Ford is the best candidate I see. 260 pounds, 6’6” tough, good and experienced as a lead blocker as well as in line. He would improve our physicality as a 4th TE and add to our lead blocking considerably as well as being a big red zone target.
HammertimeSince’89
March 07, 2024 at 07:12 pm
I seen a mock draft today that had us taking Ben Sinnott with a 4th rounder…if he’s available that late it could create a situation where we take him and use as the H back early on and if he develops in the TE role he would give us the flexibility to let Kraft or Musgrave walk later on..the only downside to all these pass targets is they’re gonna want to be paid all at the same time
golfpacker1
March 08, 2024 at 08:15 am
So should we just throw Kraft away in that scenario. I for one, value Kraft higher than Bowers. Kraft can run, catch, and block. If the Iowa TE, Lachey, was in this draft, I would take him over Bowers too. But I surely would not trade up for him or Bowers.
stockholder
March 07, 2024 at 02:39 pm
Houston - We have a problem.
It's the Detroit Lions.
They have to work on their back 7 too.
And they just might try to take what Gute
won't sign. Even Draft.
But it won't stop there.
Every need is their need.
That means a trade -up; or a pick that won't
be there to follow up on.
Getting a jump on your opponent, starts now.
jannesbjornson
March 07, 2024 at 04:38 pm
It always comes down to the QB. Love is better than Goff. Dee-troit will be sniffing CBs and Edge. Move 2025 picks to move Up/Down to target the best Players, if necessary. I would target Q. Mitchell. How does Broderick Jones look now. If Douglas was still on the perimeter, the gambit would play easier.
stockholder
March 07, 2024 at 04:59 pm
I still question Loves accuracy.
If Gute is afraid of his CBs./problematic
I could see him going up for Mitchell.
But his Love affair for a CB, will only
wreck his draft building.
Also it would be the wrong thing to do
if he loses Savage, Owens, and Nixon.
I still would not have taken Jones.
And Walker and Tom held up.
Also I can see a RB in rd 3.
But I'd save it for the perimeter.
Packers0808
March 07, 2024 at 02:42 pm
My guess there is an OL, DB and safety in the mix being most important and secondarily if retain Jones a RB and also small variety of different D people!
HarryHodag
March 07, 2024 at 02:53 pm
I guess I disagree with the idea of 'win now' mode. This is a team that is geared for the long haul. To make a pricey free agent transaction could hurt the team long term.
I think what you will find is the Packers waiting to see where everything is after the draft. With an abundance of veterans currently on the market teams would be smart to wait. If teams start bidding next week the price will go up. You can get a good veteran at less cost if you have the patience.
The safety issue will be fixed with possibly a lower-cost veteran or a draft pick or two. Ted Thompson signed Charles Woodson on May 1, 2006. Woodson thought he was going to get a mega-deal early and the market dried up. He reluctantly took Green Bay's offer and made history.
golfpacker1
March 08, 2024 at 08:18 am
Watson is exactly why you don't trade up and waste at least 2 picks to get the player. Who is to say the player you spend all that draft capitol on, only can play 1/2 the games like Watson has? Or they don't turn out to be as good as you thought they were. Devonte Wyatt?
TKWorldWide
March 08, 2024 at 10:32 am
I wouldn’t say ALL their needs are glaring. I’d say safety at present is glaring, while IOL, LB, and RB are merely “on the list.”
If they have an opportunity to add a difference maker at almost any other position I’d have no problem with that, either.
Leatherhead
March 08, 2024 at 11:19 am
We currently have 3 safeties under contract, and another three that are going to be FAs that we could resign. And it looks like we're freeing up cash to pursue a top tier FA, probably at safety.
Considering we only carry 5 safeties on the 53, we could resign two of our own, sign one premium FA, and draft one and our safety room is full.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
I was just reading an article the other day about how the Packers and Savage have a mutual interest in him remaining with the team. Don't be surprised if it happens. Savage and Budda Baker starting at safety, Ford and a draft pick backing them up.
TKWorldWide
March 08, 2024 at 01:13 pm
Yeah I wonder if it’s cash just for one biggie or just creating cap space for general opportunity.
Coincidentally, that was my CO’s name back in my military days.
golfpacker1
March 08, 2024 at 05:07 pm
Leather, I have literally not seen one article anywhere saying the Packers have any interest in Savage or Baker. I think that is your hope, just like I would hope to see Chinn as a Packer. Baker would cost us a premium pick at least, and he will make $14 million per year. No way the Packers choose that as their upgrade the Safety room. They will sign a FA who is younger, cheaper, and they are not using a draft pick to get a FA.
I have not seen any projections for Savage, but I would be surprised if he doesn't get at least $5 million per year. Chinn is projected @ $2 million per year, and he could double as a LB.
gsd3
March 10, 2024 at 05:53 am
Somehow Ross Newman is still on the roster. He has the 15th highest cap number at a little more than 3 mil. I fully understand why Bahktiari has not been released yet. If he were to come back healthy AND there is a way to drastically reduce his cap number, they would have to consider keeping him. Newman though? Maybe Arod has the Jets convinced he's a servicable player based upon the one decent season he had and they are negotiating. Either that or he has pictures.....
fthisJack
March 17, 2024 at 08:16 am
I still think they need to add a running back in the draft. They could cut ties with JJ after 2 years if he doesn't pan out. AJ has a contract where he could be cut with little financial impact and the Packers really haven't seen a lot of Emanuel. My thought is they should have a young guy in the wings waiting to fly. Maybe Jaylon Wright or Tre Benson on day 2.