The salary cap is real.
If there’s one thing Green Bay Packer fans found out this offseason, it’s exactly that.
Today, Davante Adams — someone who Aaron Rodgers called “the best player I’ve played with” — is now in Oakland. Za’Darius Smith, arguably the Packers’ most dominant pass rusher since Reggie White, is in Minnesota.
Others such as offensive linemen Billy Turner, Lucas Patrick and Dennis Kelly, wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling, cornerback Chandon Sullivan, special teams ace Oren Burks and punter Corey Bojorquez are all gone, as well.
That’s what happens when you enter salary cap hell, as the Packers did. The only escape is to cut players or watch them walk in free agency.
After three straight 13-win seasons and two consecutive years where they earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Packers have taken a major step back this offseason.
Meanwhile, the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams were already the top dog in the NFC — and they’ve improved. San Francisco knocked the Packers out of the playoffs and could be better if quarterback Trey Lance emerges.
Tom Brady un-retired and should have his receivers healthy in Tampa Bay next year. Dallas could be terrific if coach Mike McCarthy can ever become adequate in the clock management department.
Add it all up and the Packers’ odds of getting through the NFC — not to mention the much-stronger AFC — aren't great.
There is time, though. As general manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur both noted at the recent NFL owners meetings, Green Bay doesn't play a meaningful game until September.
How can the Packers make sure they don't suffer a major slip in 2022. Here are three ways:
1. Add a veteran wide receiver
Adams accounted for 34.3% of Green Bay’s receiving yards in 2021 and 32.0% in 2020. His departure has left Green Bay with arguably the worst collection of wideouts in football.
The Packers will undoubtedly go heavily on receivers in the draft. But Green Bay will need a veteran to pair with the youngsters.
Perhaps the Packers can still swing a trade for a proven No. 1 wideout like Seattle’s DK Metcalf. Or maybe they’ll sign a free agent like Jarvis Landry.
But there’s no doubt Green Bay needs a proven commodity.
The last time the Packers were so reliable on one receiver was three decades ago when Sterling Sharpe was on a Hall of Fame pace. Sharpe’s career was cut short by a neck injury, though, but the Packers had a rising star waiting in Robert Brooks.
The 2022 Packers don’t have a Brooks. So Gutekunst needs to find one before the draft.
2. Draft wideouts like a ‘boss’
Last week, one of Gutekunst’s contemporaries called him a ‘boss’ when it comes to early round draft picks. That’s certainly been the case as Gutekunst has found players like cornerback Jaire Alexander, outside linebacker Rashan Gary, guard Elgton Jenkins, running back A.J. Dillon and cornerback Eric Stokes in the top two rounds.
Now, Gutekunst must be a ‘boss’ when drafting receivers.
Gutekunst has two first round picks and two more in the second round. That gives him the ability to move up and down the board, targeting the players he desires.
When it’s all said and done, Gutekunst will likely add two wideouts among his first four picks and three overall. If he can keep drafting like a ‘boss’, the Packers can rebuild their wide receiver group on the fly.
3. Stay hot with veteran signings
Gutekunst has been incredibly savvy signing veteran free agents in the past year.
On June 9, 2021, Gutekunst signed inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to a one-year, $2 million deal. Campbell was arguably Green Bay’s defensive MVP after posting 146 tackles, six tackles for loss, five passes defensed, two sacks and two interceptions.
On July 29, the Packers signed offensive tackle Dennis Kelly, who started four games and played in 10.
And perhaps the most remarkable of signings came on Oct. 6 when Gutekunst plucked cornerback Rasul Douglas off Arizona’s practice squad. Douglas proceeded to have a career-high five interceptions, scored the first two touchdowns of his five-year career and broke up 13 passes.
The odds of finding another Campbell or Douglas are slim. But the Packers — who had their depth picked apart in free agency — should be able to land another Kelly or two this offseason.
It’s important Gutekunst does just that.
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The Green Bay Packers Have Had A Brutal Offseason, But There's Still Time To Recover - Forbes
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