Packers: Ranking 10 best and worst moves of Gutekunst’s tenure

No. 9 best: Signing Jimmy Graham

This one really isn’t on Gutekunst. In his first offseason in charge, he inherited a god-awful roster with a coach who couldn’t scheme his receivers open if it were 11-on-3. Graham was a bit past his prime, but the Packers simply had to get substantially better at tight end that offseason.

Graham did have some good games during his two years as a Packer, notably in week four against the Eagles last season, and the divisional playoff against the Seahawks when he hauled in three crucial third down conversions.

The Packers also cut Graham after his second year of a three-year deal, once again proving that free agent contracts in the NFL are far easier to get out from under than most frugal teams would have you believe. This one didn’t work out particularly well, but circumstances around Graham and an unhealthy Aaron Rodgers throughout the 2018 season contributed to the mess that surrounded the situation.

No. 9 worst: Not extending Aaron Jones or Jamaal Williams

This one is inexplicable. The Packers have known for years that their entire offensive backfield would be up for free agency this offseason. Both Jones and Williams recently changed agents in an effort to help secure a lucrative contract. The Packers had reportedly been deep in discussions with Jones, but couldn’t strike a deal. It had been reported the Packers offered Jones a deal making him among the highest-paid backs in football and that he balked.

But knowing the cap was going to shrink and with Tyler Ervin a free agent as well, the Packers needed to get one of these two extended. With the Packers still working merely to get back under the cap and with rumors swirling about a potential deal for J.J. Watt on the horizon, at least one of these two are goners.