July 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers helmets sit on the field during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the vocal minority of the Green Bay Packers fanbase that insists the sky is falling in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, I’m here to tell you the offseason thus far has undoubtedly been a success.
First and foremost, regardless of your emotional attachment to Aaron Rodgers, the Packers traded their expensive and disgruntled 39-year-old quarterback to the New York Jets for a 2nd-round pick and likely 1st-round pick in 2024, provided he plays at least 65% of the snaps. This move paved the way for a transition into the future and allowed the Packers to move on from an exhausting and increasingly toxic situation.
An unfortunate reality of the situation is that the Packers have to take on a cap hit of $40.3 million in dead money for 2023, which is the biggest among any NFL player this season. The downside, at least in the short term, is undeniable.
However, by making the trade before the 2023 draft, Gutekunst got the Green Bay Packers immediate draft assets – which was incredibly important to re-tooling the young roster – and they will be free and clear of Aaron Rodgers’ contract next offseason.
Additionally, the Packers were able to move on from some of Rodgers buddies, such as Randall Cobb and Marcedes Lewis, who, for as much as they did during their time playing in Green Bay, no longer fit the dynamic of the current roster.
Green Bay Packers Took One Step Back to Take Two Steps Forward
In addition to trading Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers added several explosive new weapons to their offense via the draft. In round two, Brian Gutekunst took a pair of pass-catchers, tight end Luke Musgrave out of Oregon State, who brings elite athletic traits, and Jayden Reed at No. 50 from Michigan State, who can play in the slot and return punts.
They followed those selections by doubling down at TE in round three and taking Tucker Craft from South Dakota State, who had a 9.6 RAS. Then later in the draft, Green Bay took several dart throws on some intriguing talents like Dontayvion Wicks (round 5), running back Lew Nichols III (round 7), and WR Grant Dubose (round 7).
But perhaps the most exciting addition to the Packers’ roster this off-season is Lucas Van Ness, who they selected with their first-round pick. Van Ness is a freak athlete at a premium position and should provide an immediate-impact edge rusher opposite Rashan Gary. He has the size, speed, and strength to be a dominant force on the EDGE (in time) and should benefit from learning behind Gary and Preston Smith.
If the Packers waited any longer, they would have strapped themselves even further financially and aged into oblivion while never getting a chance to evaluate Love for the future.
Overall, the Green Bay Packers off-season was a success for several reasons. They were able to move on from a problematic situation with Aaron Rodgers, freeing up future cap space and acquiring some much-needed high-end draft capital. They also added several new weapons to their offense via the draft and bolstered their pass rush with the addition of Lucas Van Ness. With these moves, the Packers are well-positioned to kick start their re-tooling process and work their way back into contention short order.
