Five offseason moves to create a championship Packers team

5. Protect the franchise

Both literally and figuratively, the time has come to ensure the future success of the franchise. Aaron Rodgers is now the highest paid player in the NFL, and with his list of significant injuries piling up, as well as venturing into the latter half of his 30s, having a weak and oft-injured offensive line doesn’t bode well for that list.

Through Week 15, the Packers are tied for fourth most sacks surrendered at 46. The brightest spot on the offensive line this season has remained left tackle David Bakhtiari, commonly referred to by his peers as one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, despite being snubbed for the Pro Bowl by NFL fans this year.

On the opposite side, nine-year starter at right tackle Bryan Bulaga has played in all 16 games of the season just twice, and has played in 12 games or less in five of those seasons. With one year left on his contract, Bulaga has a final chance to stay healthy and earn another contract extension to begin his 30s, but depth is the name of the game on the offensive line.

Poking around the corners of free agency, as well as being willing to spend a few of Green Bay’s draft picks on top-tier offensive line talent could change the fortunes of the franchise. This strategy may result in creating more time for Rodgers, leading to fewer throwaways and more of the classic #12 trademark magic.

Championship teams aren’t born overnight, coached in a day, or easy to maintain. It takes a lot of attention to detail, passion in all phases of the game, and the ability to create your own luck.

With Gutekunst at the wheel, CB Jaire Alexander leading the defense with DT Kenny Clark, and Rodgers under center, the Packers will be capable of great things in 2019, starting with cleaning up some spills and creating a new attitude and identity from the ground up.