The Direction of the 2019 Season Will Determine The Packers Long Term Future
Having a superstar quarterback who is currently in the midst of a record-breaking contract coupled with a string of back to back 9 loss seasons because of an aging team infrastructure certainly does not create the ideal position for the Green Bay Packers moving forward. With at least three years left of at least $26.5 million or more owed to him, it is safe to say that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are committed to each other for the long haul.
It is because of this financial commitment that the onus of winning now falls on the Packers front office staff, as they must be able to find a way to acquire young free agents that can fit within their financial means, while drafting the next young core of impact players that can help the team win a Super Bowl.
Gutekunst, who is a first-time general manager, is faced with the difficult task of rebuilding an aging team infrastructure while contending for a playoff birth on a yearly basis and keeping his star quarterback appeased. To be fair, these are very difficult circumstances even for a veteran general manager to have to face, which is why I believe that Gutekunst's ability as a general manager will be measured by the Packers successes or failures in the next 2-3 seasons.
I'm going to be brutally honest, I think that this situation has a better chance of crashing and burning than it does of being transformed by Brian Gutekunst, Matt LaFleur, and their respective staffs into the playoff contender that we are all hoping for. The reality of the situation is that the Packers are more than a player or two away from being able to compete at a Championship level. This is why many believe that it is time for an overhaul and transformation of the Packers 53 man roster in 2019.
It is time to say goodbye to the old guard of players and cut ties with the underperforming players on the team that has hampered the roster for the last couple of seasons. Moving on from these players will allow the Packers to focus on both their present and long term futures by rebuilding the team from the foundational 6-8 pieces that are currently on the roster.
Failure to be able to complete a short term rebuild of the team's infrastructure could cause the Packers to have to entertain the idea of completely starting over, which could spell the end of both Aaron Rodgers and Brian Gutekunst's tenures in Green Bay.
Doomsday Scenario of a Failed Short Term Rebuild:
- For a moment I want to challenge you to step outside of the box and put yourself in Brian Gutekunst's shoes if the Packers were to hypothetically have, let's say, a 5-11 season in 2019 with many of the same players.
- Aaron Rodgers sees his career approaching its twilight with his chances of winning another super bowl in Green Bay dwindling in the distance, and the Packers see the salary cap ramifications of his next two seasons which leave them on the hook for $66 million without having a realistic chance of contending.
- A mystery team with a young, loaded, ready to win roster, that is a star quarterback away from contending for a super bowl and has plenty of cap space emerges and offers the Packers a chance to trade away Aaron's contract and compensate them with an additional 2020 First and Second Round Pick, as well as a 2021 First round pick.
Would you hang up the phone, or at least ponder the possibilities of how you could rebuild the team with over $30 million in extra cap space and four first round picks in a two-year span?
The reality is that if the Packers continued to digress in 2019, failed to show real signs of improvement, and were faced with dealing with the ramifications of an aging roster who now would have had 3 losing seasons in a row, Brian Gutekunst would at least have to think long and hard about changing the direction of the franchise.
The final question for the Packers is how do they avoid being stuck in the same situation next season, with their star quarterback being a year older and a year closer to retirement and the team not having a realistic chance of contending for the playoffs in 2020?
The answer is very simple, The Packers need to maximize the draft capital from the 2019 draft, part ways with older players, target young talent that fits Matt LaFleur and Mike Pettine's schemes in free agency, and show concrete individual, positional, and overall team progression from the start of training camp through the end of the regular season so there is a glimmer of hope for the Packers in the 2020 season.
If the Packers find themselves in this situation after the 2019 season and not much improvement has been achieved, this hypothetical, blasphemous scenario could have a chance to become a more realistic option.
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David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave
Comments (58)
ShanghaiKid
January 26, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Well done David! This article concisely puts into perspective how daunting, and important a task the upcoming season is. God forbid, but If for some reason they go 5-11 you have to seriously consider taking trade offers.
I personally believe the window is shut. There’s a small crack that could be wedged open with the right draft picks, FA signings etc. I just don’t have faith in the FO of that ever coming to fruition though. I’ll be the first to come back and eat crow if it does happen. But crashing and burning is far more likely than a Phoenix rising from the ashes of the 2018 season.
TarynsEyes
January 26, 2019 at 12:13 pm
The first mistake was to sign Rodgers to an extension that didn't need to happen since the scenario you speak of encompassed Rodgers remaining two years of his contract.
We would be right where we are without the extension and drafting for this new era to improve with Rodgers and if failing to draft correctly and FA , it would be fitting to let Rodgers walk in two years and possibly be in line for the best QB coming out...Trevor Lawrence.
Now Gute needs to makes moves under more pressure so as to not be the guy that has to trade Rodgers, in two years, to an a more talented team where Rodgers gets another SB and the Packers, via failure in both scenarios,possibly, become the biggest laughing stock in recent era by the failure to get more from two HOF QB's over 30 years.
A strong reason I'm against retaining/resigning/recouping players that offer no change with a new culture but would only splash expensive cologne on the stink of those who's play will hinder those whose play has no stink or very little needing cover up.
The saddest part here is many have dwelt in denial land of these very players stink and still believe there may be a price to pay to retain/resign/recoup any of them under the near same denial that got the team here in the first place.
In two years if a major turn around has not been achieved and if I was the team with talent for multiple season of real contention for the SB in need of a QB, I would find it hard to trade for Rodgers and pass up Trevor Lawrence based on this kids play and future expectations of growth.
If the Packers cannot achieve the turn around in the next two years with Rodgers and the new culture, Rodgers trade value and the hopes of getting that 3rd in a row QB to keep hope alive, may have the team sinking faster than cement shoes would perform as seems like has been the case.
The Packers are in TWO YEARS a SB or BUST and Rodgers will no longer be the guy that so many hang their hats on as the savior.
Minniman
January 26, 2019 at 10:16 pm
Taryn, we've both previously made comment on the prodigious talent that Trevor Lawrence is, and the very real opportunity this presents for Green Bay.
At the end of next year GB will well and truly know if they are contenders or re-builders and will also see how another season or 2 bodes for Lawrence (he was a freshman in 2018)........ these are 2 rare luxuries that can be planned for now.
.......As much as I'd love to see AR see his playing days out in GB (with another title or 2), the sensible play is to put a "stop loss" on things and reload...... this is the real price of 4+ years of maladministration and drafting.
Minniman
January 26, 2019 at 10:49 pm
Addit: I'm not saying anything about the Packers chances of reloading with talent in the next 2 years.... just that there's a plan B that should be examined appropriately.
Side note: The new QB hit rules will really work to prolong the careers of many QB's and I think that 38-42 years of age will be the norm, not the exception for the likes of Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahones et al. This also plays well for GB if they sadly have to trade Rodgers....... he'll have at least 5 good seasons ahead of him - that'd just be too tempting for a team like Jacksonville (the tax rate would also be to AR's liking)
Rak43
January 27, 2019 at 04:52 am
Unless the Packers intentionally tank the 2020 and 2021 seasons getting Trevor Lawrence is a pipe dream. And since they would never tank any season for draft picks, getting Trevor Lawrence is a pipe dream.
Lare
January 26, 2019 at 12:15 pm
First of all, I don't think the Packers are in need of a major overhaul in order to be competitive next season. If they get guys back healthy they have a pretty good team already.
That said, I agree with cutting bait with the older, expensive, non-productive players. I would cut Graham, Williams & Perry and not re-sign Cobb & Matthews. Doing this adds to the available cap space and allows for the team to bring in players that are part of the future instead of the past.
I would also tell Bulaga he needs to restructure, take a pay cut or be released. He's a good RT when healthy, but he's not healthy enough to be part of the future.
So yes, this leaves a lot of holes that needs to be filled. They'll need at least a RG, RT, TE(2), RB, OLB(2) and S(2). But with $50 million in cap space and good draft picks it can be done.
Let's face it, this next season is going to be a work in progress with a whole new coaching staff and new offensive scheme. As to trading Aaron Rodgers, that's a topic for discussion next year at this time.
NickPerry
January 26, 2019 at 01:56 pm
"So yes, this leaves a lot of holes that needs to be filled. They'll need at least a RG, RT, TE(2), RB, OLB(2) and S(2). But with $50 million in cap space and good draft picks it can be done."
I agree 100% with not only what the Packers need, but that they can do it. The Saints were 7-9 for what, 3 years in a row and were fluke play by Diggs away from the NFCCG in 2017 and were in the NFCCG in 2018. If you look at the Saints draft picks many of the players who helped make this turnaround were from 2015, 2016, and the 2017 draft but mostly 2016 & 17. In 2016 they drafted Michael Thomas and Vonn Bell. They drafted Rankins too but IMO he hasn't had the impact Bell and Thomas have. BUT in 2017 is EXACTLY the class that put them over the hump...ONE draft to go with a few players from previous drafts. Lattimore, Ramczyk, and Williams ALL came from spots almost identical to the spots where the Packers will be drafting in rounds 1 & 2.
Now the Packers HAVE had a few decent picks in 2016 and 17 and they had a MUCH better draft in 2018 than the Saints. Clark, Lowry, and Martinez come from 2016 as did Mike Pettines most recent creation Kyler "Sack-man" Frackrell. Forgetting what could have been but what is in 2017, the Packers drafted 2 damn fine running backs, a Safety who DOES play well at times close to the LOS and a CB who COULD be a All-Pro CB or place at that level if he could just stay healthy. In 2018 he NAILED it with Alexander and I still believe in Jackson. We KNEW he needed time but because the annual Mash Unit reared it's head in GB again the kid was thrown to the lions...Literally. Burks was in the same boat as Jackson...He NEEDED time so why nobody ever talks about him is strange to me. Now if MVS or ESB or (Gulp) BOTH take the 2nd year jump which I think is entirely possible the Packers aren't THAT far from being a contender.
The Packers CAN fix the O-Line with one QUALITY O-Linemen being signed in FA and the other coming in the draft. They can also address Safety in Free Agency and add another in the draft. Draft an Edge player and TE to go along with the O-Linemen and Safety in the first 3 rounds and guess what...The Pack is Back! Those first 4 picks though in the first 3 rounds HAVE to be homeruns. Those 4 players need to come in and TAKE the starting spots along with the new FA signings and the roster already in place.
Give Rodgers an offense that keeps a defense guessing (has it now), a running game (has it), hopefully a 2nd WR to go with Adams (should have it), and a TE (BETTER get it) and this team will win at LEAST 10 games. Might start a little bumpy but by week 5 or 6 or so teams best look out. There's been WAY to much talk about Rodgers demise. Something tells me that chip will be back and it's BIGGER than ever. Couple that with a defense that actually made excellent strides in the right direction despite injuries and now in their 2nd year, the defense should be able to help carry the offense or at least keep them in games like they did this year
CoachJV
January 26, 2019 at 03:03 pm
Yeah man... definitely!
Rak43
January 27, 2019 at 03:42 am
"Lattimore, Ramczyk, and Williams ALL came from spots almost identical to the spots where the Packers will be drafting in rounds 1 & 2. "
You forgot about Kamara who was the 67th overall pick that year.
Tundraboy
January 28, 2019 at 11:01 am
Totally agree with you NP, nearly across the board.
Except.
"Those first 4 picks though in the first 3 rounds HAVE to be homeruns. Those 4 players need to come in and TAKE the starting spots along with the new FA signings and the roster already in place."
This is possible but I wonder if we could be so fortunate. Perhaps through some combination of FA and the draft we can appoximate that success. Perhaps more likely over the next two years.
porupack
January 28, 2019 at 01:04 pm
You got it exactly right, NP.
The first 4 picks need to be impact players in 3 position groups; OLB/DE (2), TE and OG.
A mid round quality safety and another 2-3 solid back ups/future development players in DL, OLine, TE.
A FA safety and Olineman.
Combined with last year's potential, that is a very good chance for getting back into the tournament, and the rebuild talk will disappear.
Big x factor is the big coaching changes. Might get better. Might not. I bet on yes.
HankScorpio
January 27, 2019 at 09:10 am
'I would also tell Bulaga he needs to restructure, take a pay cut or be released. He's a good RT when healthy, but he's not healthy enough to be part of the future."
The hard part in getting Bulaga's cap number down is he has little or no fear of the open market. In essence, he's playing on a 1 yr, $6.6 mil prove it deal. Given freedom, I don't think his 2019 cash would be less so he has no incentive to voluntarily give any cash back. I would not extend him to lower the cap hit for reasons you identify (hurt too much).
I would consider an outright release but only if I'm confident a better vet FA can be bought. Otherwise, I'd roll into the season with him penciled in to start on his current deal. I'd have a high draft pick (by 44) ready to challenge him.
freddisch
January 26, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Great article David. You nailed it
PatrickGB
January 26, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Nah, I think Aaron freaking Rodgers has a lot more than two years in the tank. The cap keeps going up, we have a better coaching staff and GM and there are plenty of opportunities for improvement in the years ahead with this new structure. The team just needs to be smart about it.
ShanghaiKid
January 26, 2019 at 06:05 pm
I’m honestly not sure how you look through an objective lens and say the coaching staff is better. They haven’t conducted one practice, let alone managed a game. I’m hopeful he’s better than MM at the end, but MLF is going to have a hard time accomplishing what MM did.
Having said that, did MM’s message get stale, did he lose the locker room at the end? Yes, no question. But he helped develop Rodgers, won 5/6 NFC North titles, and a SB. That’s not “production” that gets replaced overnight.
TCRAWL
January 26, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Great article! !! This team has too many holes to fill in one year. What scares me is Gute said he likes his guards. Did he watch the same team I did. We need speed on ball sides of the ball. Too slow for today's football.
JonathanSpader
January 26, 2019 at 02:08 pm
Josh Jones. Oren Burks, and Tevor Davis all have elite speed how did those players improve the Packers in 2018? Morrison is slow but was effective. The Packers aren't too slow their offensive scheme was too slow/outdated.
As for liking the guards Lane Taylor and McCray were serviceable when healthy. Cole Madison could be competing in 2019 for a guard spot. I fully expect Gute to draft more OL and bring in OL help via FA.
Of course Gute is going to say he likes things like the guards. You don't come in and say everything is garbage and expect people to follow you. Gute will show us how confident the Packers really are with their OL situation via his offseason roster additions.
TCRAWL
January 26, 2019 at 02:32 pm
The overall team speed is slow. The players you name cannot get on the field because they have trouble learning the system. The guard play is bad. They have not had quality play since Sutton and Lang left. Cole Madison ?????? Your last name is not Thompson. ARod always made up for the lack of quality football players but not this year. I tired of hearing about injuries . The roster lacks quality and depth. Too many street free agents
J0hn Denver's Gavel
January 26, 2019 at 08:37 pm
COLE MADISON FTW
TCRAWL
January 26, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Great article! !! This team has too many holes to fill in one year. What scares me is Gute said he likes his guards. Did he watch the same team I did. We need speed on both sides of the ball. Too slow for today's football.
PatrickGB
January 26, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Just imagine this team with a few less injuries, a pass rusher, better special teams play, a better scheme, receivers on the same page as Rodgers and an emphasis on the run game. It can happen. I think we are going the right direction.
TarynsEyes
January 26, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Were you listening to John Lennon when you had this imagining day trip?
Donster
January 27, 2019 at 05:44 am
I'd love to see Pettine teach the defense the art of tackling. It has been lost in GB for the past 4-5 years at least.
Qoojo
January 26, 2019 at 12:49 pm
The biggest concern from the stuff I have read thus far is the new OL coach's lack of experience. The article I read laid out a persuasive argument for having experience at that coaching position due to the need to make adjustments during the game, like adjusting for new blitzing schemes and such. While the new guy might good, experience really helps.
For the most part, I don't really know what to expect in the upcoming season. The positive side of me is thinking MLF is a good coach, and he just didn't have the QB to run his offense with Titans once the starter was injured. I think the speed of the young WRs will be better utilized now.
Also, it's the second year for Gute, so I expect him to fill out the defense more, since there is only so much that can be done rebuilding in one year from the TT's UDFA bargain basement approach to depth.
So in 2019, more improvement on defense, and Rodgers more engaged on offense due to running a better modern offense, instead of MM's stagnant make the perfect throw offense.
NickPerry
January 26, 2019 at 01:19 pm
"The biggest concern from the stuff I have read thus far is the new OL coach's lack of experience. The article I read laid out a persuasive argument for having experience at that coaching position due to the need to make adjustments during the game, like adjusting for new blitzing schemes and such."
I read the same piece which IMO was an excellent honest look at what COULD happen in 2019. Not only was the writer concerned about whether or not the new, young, inexperienced, OL coach would be able to make the adjustments, it seems many coaches and front office personnel were concerned about the same thing. I'm sure the man is an excellent coach, but lets face it...experience with much of anything isn't his strong suit.
Qoojo
January 26, 2019 at 01:55 pm
I think the OL coach will need some help. Certain things you only learn by experience.
Rak43
January 27, 2019 at 04:57 am
lol, whenever I've brought up his lack of experience I've been lambasted under a mountain of thumbs down. What gives? And I read the same article btw several days ago I believe.
Lare
January 26, 2019 at 05:09 pm
I assume the article you're referencing was by Pete Dougherty. You have to realize that the Packersnews writers are biased towards their favorites, Silverstein doesn't like the LaFleur hire, Dougherty was a Campen fan and their articles skew that way. Dougherty's article was distinctly one-sided. He picked a couple of comments from the "handful" of coaches he contacted to support his side of the argument.
What I find interesting is that his article was trying to prove his point that Adam Stenavich doesn't have enough experience to be OL coach. Stenavich had 7 years of coaching experience in college and the NFL prior to being named OL coach. Yet Campen only had three years of coaching total at any level when he was named OL coach in 2007.
That said, if LaFleur has any concerns about Stenavich's ability to coach the OL, I'm sure he'll hire an assistant to help him out.
Rak43
January 27, 2019 at 05:04 am
I'm curious Lare. What difference does it make what his intentions were in this case as long as what he wrote was true? From my perspective and others it was. Are we also Campen groupies? He mentioned several other coaches he spoke with who had the same questions about Stenavich, are they Campen groupies also? Just asking because you presume to know a lot about what Daugherty and Silverstein are all about.
Qoojo
January 27, 2019 at 09:47 am
Apparently, Lare believes that the writers only asked coaches that would support their opinion. It's fine to believe that the new coach will be fine with his experience, but to dismiss the article because the writers are "fanboys and haters" is a bit "silly".
Since'61
January 26, 2019 at 08:06 pm
Think of it this way MMs staff had tons of NFL experience compared with LaFleur's current staff. Yet we went 7-9 and 6-9-1 over the last 2 seasons.
So what was all that experience worth? Capers was in the league about 100 years and his defense was consistently an embarrassment. Let'snot forget all that Winston Moss did for the Packers with all of his NFL experience. Thanks, Since '61
Qoojo
January 27, 2019 at 09:41 am
Good points.
HankScorpio
January 27, 2019 at 09:41 am
Speaking of the coaching staff, Mike Smith was named OLB coach yesterday. He has previous connections to Mike Pettine. Last year, he held the same job with KC last year, creating a Dee Ford connection.
Biggar
January 26, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Let's all remember, the Packers draft the same talent as 31 other team do. We must do better player evaluation and free agent signing then all other teams. If this doesn't happen we will be the new Tama Bay of this century.
I do have confidence in BK and the new coach, my only concern is arod
gary g
January 26, 2019 at 01:03 pm
I think the last time i posted I was begging for TT and MM to both be fired. I was really negative about the team and its leadership. But i can't understand why so many people are negative now. This team has some talent and with the right draft picks and FA signings, the packers can be contenders next year. Staying healthy will be the X factor. Looking forward to see what this off season brings. GO PACK
TarynsEyes
January 26, 2019 at 03:56 pm
We have witnessed the dismissals of many.and more to come hopefully, of the ' if ' creating players and staff. However, the ' if ' factor is still looming large because of the starting and depth holes and new staff.
I have more optimism than before but the actual erasure of ' if ' or negatives, have not been witnessed fully as to effect. The picture will be clearer come Aug and each week after may erase more and more of what was for the new what will be.
There are still some decisions that need to be made and if wrong, can have negative effects on any thing new before it even begins.
BoCallahan
January 26, 2019 at 11:07 pm
The decision I made to read your post is already having a negative effect on me.
fthisJack
January 27, 2019 at 09:09 am
I feel like I entered another dimension while reading that.
stockholder
January 26, 2019 at 01:08 pm
The packers need to part with older players. I disagree. The packers need to part ways with free loaders. Players that don't put their time in on game day. A older player does have value. Didn't we see value in peppers? White? Woodson?, and some other notable signings? The draft is the answer. Yes that is correct. But if you look at the saints ,Patriots, Chargers. It was on the QB to make up for that lack of talent. Arron Rodgers should not have been extended YET! He did warn everybody that this team must RE-LOAD. They didn't! He has been hurt. This team only will go as far as a aging super-star can take it. The rest is to get what we need from the draft. A nucleus that is hungry. Wanting more then a pay check. It's hard to put out a fire when nobody can douse it. A new coach and staff can start it. But the players must make the most of it. Experience has it's place. And the packers must use it to their advantage.
frankohodge
January 26, 2019 at 07:20 pm
Why did we let Peppers walk? (Asking sincerely, aside from having his jersey. Sure, he wanted to move back to NC, etc.) Does anyone like CM III better?
TarynsEyes
January 26, 2019 at 08:14 pm
The Peppers signing was a mistake and his play as an elephant showed it to be true. Some will deny as usual but resigning him for more of inadequate contribution as to expectations would like us giving Perry another extension now based on returns....dumb...foolish...stupid...ignorant FO thinking.
4thand1
January 26, 2019 at 01:43 pm
Everyone wanted change, ok we got it. There will be more changes to come, the season isn't even over yet. The Packers are committed to AR and no team is going anywhere without a stud QB. What Gute and the rest of the Packers brain thrust is doing is building a team around AR. The culture has changed in GB. For people worried about how many years AR has left, you just have to look at Brees and Brady. With the rule changes QB's are playing longer and AR won't have to put the team on his back any more.
JonathanSpader
January 26, 2019 at 02:15 pm
Brady and Brees are pocket passers who don't have 2 broken collarbones. Assuming Rodgers career can last as long based on their success doesn't mean he can play at the same level for as long as they have. Here's hoping he returns to form in 2019 and can change his play style to protect himself better.
Rodgers didn't have to put the team on his back in 2018 he could have used Aaron Jones more. 2019 will show us if that was on him or MM. Here's hoping MM was why we ran the ball less in 2018 than any other team.
Lare
January 26, 2019 at 05:31 pm
With LaFleur & Hackett's history I don't think there's any question the Packers will be running the ball a lot more going forward.
That said, I would not be at all surprised to see them add a stud running back through free agency or the draft this offseason. I like Aaron Jones, but he's had three MCL tears in 13 months so I don't think the Packers can be counting on him in a run-first offensive scheme,
Build a strong OL, run the ball, use short quick passes- Rodgers will be just fine.
Rossonero
January 27, 2019 at 08:29 pm
Were they sprains or tears? I only know of the ones in Chicago he suffered -- 2017 and 2018. When was the 3rd one?
ricky
January 26, 2019 at 01:48 pm
Broad strokes that are all true. Now, the hard part. Which players do you part ways with? Who do you bring in via free agency? And, most important, which players do you draft and develop? Which is more of a priority, offensive line to protect AR, or defense? Can Rodgers be persuaded to renegotiate his contract to help the team in the short term? And also, lets be fair here. The team lost nine games because they had a backup QB who was not ready for prime time, and a HC who was too stubborn or unimaginative to try to tailor the offense to play to his strengths.
Roadrunner23
January 26, 2019 at 02:12 pm
Realistic and well said, this team is 2-3 years away from seriously contending, just like when Thompson took over.
A. Fire existing coach
B. Re-structure front office
C. Build a team around existing Superstar QB by:
1. Jettisoning over inflated contracts and under performing aging veterans
2. Adding more draft capital
3. Adding a few KEY free agents
4. Drafting a eventual QB replacement to remind Superstar that the job is not his forever
D. The team always comes first before any Superstar, period!
If done correctly this team can seriously compete for a Championship in two years
That is all...
SoCalJim
January 26, 2019 at 03:20 pm
I like your thinking, Dan.
CoachJV
January 26, 2019 at 08:35 pm
So far that is exactly what is happening.
I'm a huge advocate for LaF. I think he is absolutely the best person for the job. BUT... we likely aren't going to win the superbowl in Year 1. I predict a winning season and perhaps a game or two in the playoffs. Year 2, perhaps a NFC Championship game. Year 3 a superbowl trip.
Let the thumbs drop, but that is a realistic future.
Rak43
January 27, 2019 at 05:12 am
I would agree completely if David Carr or Alex Smith was our QB. We however have Aaron Rodgers and if LaFluer can get him playing back to his previous level or close to it you can chuck year 2 and 3 out the window because they will compete in year 1.
PAPackerbacker
January 26, 2019 at 05:10 pm
I agree it's time to cut ties with underachievers and players who are injured more than they are on the playing field. And release players who command to much money for very little contribution. It's time to draft some top talent and develop the talented players the Packers already have on the roster. Hell, even Packer fans know who some of them are. Some decisions will be difficult, but some should be easy enough. Start looking toward the future and not in the past. Great article David.
LeotisHarris
January 26, 2019 at 07:17 pm
Edited
Since'61
January 26, 2019 at 08:22 pm
The idea of trading Rodgers to a team that only needs a Superstar QB and acquiring 2 or 3 1st round picks is a rather curious train of thought.
If we assume that the Packers make that trade what happens? Rodgers goes to his new team and leads them to an SB and deep into the playoffs at least for 2 or 3 seasons. We end up with 1st round picks between 28th -32nd.
We're not likely to find a replacement for Rodgers with those picks. Which would mean that we have traded away Rodgers for almost nothing. Kind of like the Bears trading for Mack and the Raiders ending up with pick #24 or #25.
Bottom line, the Packers are committed to Rodgers and they need to put better players around him and on the defense. Thanks, Since '61
Rak43
January 28, 2019 at 04:16 am
if the Packers trade Aaron Rodgers I highly doubt we'll be picking between 28th and 32nd. More like between 1st and 5th.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 27, 2019 at 01:37 am
Well, that was certainly deflating.
If Gute can't draft, we're gonna be bad.
If LAF can't coach, we're gonna be bad.
Turophile
January 27, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Talking about a heavy roster turnover fails to address what is done between the time they are gone and the time the next group are ready to start.
Take too vicious an axe to the roster and there are just too many snaps to replace satisfactorily. This thing is a process that is probably going to go slower than many would like.
While Matthews and Cobb may well be gone soon, I'd expect Jimmy Graham and Bryan Bulaga to see out 2019 before the Packers move on. Nick Perry could go or stay, but I'd lean toward keeping him one more year, if Matthews is gone.
I'd take an offensive tackle somewhere in the first two rounds as the eventual replacement to Bulaga, and an edge guy (probably at #12) to replace Matthews. Other early picks go first to safety, then TE any time they are best value from round three onwards. Getting a starter at guard is also a key position to address.
leaerin4
January 27, 2019 at 01:54 pm
This draft will be hugely successful in filling some big holes. The first three picks in the top 44. EDGE should be our first pick and then a tight end at 30 makes sense. A playmaker like Fant or Hochensen or even Irving from Alabama. Remember Bubba Franks was a first round pick from Miami. Then an offensive lineman like Risner or Deiter. I like a safety next and then a slot receiver like Isabella from UMASS. GO PACK GO. Three possible starters on opening day would be nice and a solid OL.
Rossonero
January 27, 2019 at 08:36 pm
All is not lost. This past season was the perfect storm of injuries, head coach & QB drama, locker room problems (Clinton-Dix and Montgomery), a lot of veterans (i.e. Nick Perry and Jimmy Graham) and youngsters (Kevin King, Josh Jones, Oren Burks, Josh Jackson) not having the impact we'd hope.
I'm not as optimistic as I was in August 2018, but I'm not even entertaining fantasies of trading Aaron Rodgers and not even close to pushing the panic button.
Serious changes must be made. I think with a good draft and 2 impact FAs we're a playoff team again. However, I think 2020 will be our year where we make it back to the promised land.