Grading the Packers 2019 offseason: Green Bay takes big, but necessary, risks
Second-year Packers GM Brian Gutekunst stepped out of predecessor Ted Thompson’s shadow this offseason. Unlike his mentor, Gutekunst wasn’t going to sit back in free agency and let his competitors snap up all of the big names. Green Bay went against type and spent a lot of money during the offseason, bringing in top free agents Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Adrian Amos. Whether the more aggressive (and expensive) approach will pay off remains to be seen, but the Packers front office had to capitalize on Aaron Rodgers prime before it’s too late. That’s exactly what it did.
Notable draft picks: DT/DE Rashan Gary, S Darnell Savage, C/G Elgton Jenkins, TE Jace Sternberger
Key acquisitions/re-signings: OLB Za’Darius Smith, OLB Preston Smith, S Adrian Amos, G Billy Turner, TE Marcedes Lewis*
Losses: OLB Clay Matthews Jr., WR Randall Cobb, LB Jake Ryan, DT Muhammad Wilkerson, S Kentrell Brice
*Re-signed with team
Stat nerds have shown that building a defense through the front seven isn’t the best strategy, but after pouring resources into the secondary — Green Bay used its first two 2018 draft picks on corners and its second 2019 first-rounder on S Darnell Savage — the Packers spending big on pass rushers makes some sense. If CB Jaire Alexander, who already looks like a star in the making, continues on his current trajectory, and S Adrian Amos picks up where he left off in Chicago, the addition of the Smiths and the drafting of Rashan Gary could put the Packers defense over the top.
The team is hoping the hiring of former Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur, a disciple of Sean McVay, as head coach will do the same for an offense that underachieved under Mike McCarthy and his stale offensive scheme. Outside of the Jace Sternberger pick, the Packers did not even attempt to upgrade Rodgers’ receiving corps. They’re instead hoping that one of their many young receivers steps up and fills the No. 2 receiver role behind Davante Adams. LaFluer’s scheme could do most of the heavy lifting there.
On paper, the Packers look like a team that could compete for a division title after a busy offseason. While spending big in free agency is always a risky proposition, Green Bay didn’t have much of a choice with Rodgers now on the downside of his career.