Packers: Ranking top 10 moves of Brian Gutekunst’s tenure

6. Signing Rasul Douglas from Cardinals’ practice squad

Gutekunst has often been active when it comes to signing free agents in-season, such as Bashaud Breeland, Tyler Ervin, and Jared Veldheer. By far his best in-season addition has been cornerback Rasul Douglas.

The Packers desperately needed some cornerback help after losing All-Pro Jaire Alexander to injury in October. They would sign Douglas from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, a decision that changed the Packers’ season.

Douglas would make the game-winning interception against the Cardinals, the team that let him go, his first pick of five this season. He returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns. To go with that, Douglas also made 13 pass defenses and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.

5. Drafting Rashan Gary

How many times following the 2019 NFL Draft did we hear that the Packers reached for Rashan Gary, or that he wasn’t a first-round talent? Well, Gutekunst is the one laughing now. A big criticism of the pick was that Gary was never able to turn his potential into production at Michigan.

Gutekunst was fully aware of this and also knew he needed time to develop in the NFL. In year three, Gary put together a breakout season, stepping up in Za’Darius Smith’s absence.

According to Pro Football Reference, Gary had 47 pressures, which tied for fourth-most in the NFL. He also made 20 hurries (tied for third) and 16 QB knockdowns (tied for fifth). Along with that, Gary finished the regular season with 9.5 sacks.

Gary was unstoppable in the divisional round. According to Pro Football Focus, he made six pressures and four sacks/hits on 17 pass rush snaps.

Still only 24 years old, Gary just gets better and better.