Changes at The Top

One of the most consistent franchises in the NFL is changing.  The Green Bay Packers suffered their first losing season since 2008 this past season.  Change was coming and after 13 years as the team's general manager, Ted Thompson has been replaced.

In comes new Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, a former college scout who worked his way up in the Packers organization before being promoted to his current role.  While the Packers have been consistent contenders, they've also consistently stayed out of the free agent market when it comes to improving their team.  Gutekunst's first opportunity to demonstrate that he is not like his predecessor will be when the free agent market opens.

The Packers are a team on the cusp of being in transition.  Aaron Rodgers is now 34 years old and spent much of 2017 injured with a broken collarbone.  What was demonstrated over Rodger's time away from the team is that their is clearly not a plan for eventual succession at the quarterback position.  Couple that with the number of potential cap casualties (Jordy Nelson) and players on the wrong side of 30 (Clay Matthews) and you have a recipe for a team in need of an infusion of younger talent. 

And it doesn't matter if that talent comes from the draft or free agency.

The simple starting point for the Packers is that if Aaron Rodgers is healthy they will be a contender in the NFC.  But with only one Super Bowl victory during his tenure, the next version of the Packers will continue to look to place enough talent around him to get the job done again.

Offensive Ranking: 26th

Defensive Ranking: 22nd

Key Free Agents:  

Morgan Burnett - S - A consistent player who is in line for a sizable contract this offseason.  One of the better safeties on the market if he gets there.

Davon House - CB - Capable spot starter and useful reserve player.  Does have some limitations but can play in spots when called upon.

Richard Rodgers - TE - Caught just 12 passes in 2017 after being used as a 30+ catch receiver in 2015 and 2016.  Dependable, has only missed one game over his four year career.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Jordy Nelson - WR - Nelson's numbers in 2017 indicate a player in regression.  Nelson caught 53 passes for 482 yards and six touchdowns.  His 2018 cap number sits at $12.5M.  At 33 years of age by training camp, Nelson would have to reduce his base salary to remain on the roster.  Cap savings: $10.2M

Randall Cobb - WR - Cobb does not have same extreme regression as Jordy Nelson, but one or both of the players could find themselves off the roster depending on changes made in free agency and the draft.  While Cobb's receiving numbers were down due to the loss of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, his play as a slot receiver did not grade well in 2017.  Cap savings: $9.4M