The Green Bay Packers made several moves in free agency, and general manager Brian Gutekunst quietly had a genius strategy brewing, even if many fans believe the team didn't make enough big moves.
Green Bay did make several meaningful additions to address the larger-scale roster, and the team smartly had one eye on the future.
The Packers received a 2027 fourth-round pick as part of the Rashan Gary trade, and their free-agency decision-making could land them four more.
Packers' smart free-agency strategy could land them four draft picks
Compensatory picks are awarded when clubs experience a net loss of players in free agency.
Effectively, if you lose more than you gain in free agency, you could receive compensatory draft picks the following year. According to the Over The Cap's updated projections, the Packers will receive the maximum of four compensatory selections in 2027 after losing quarterback Malik Willis, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, linebacker Quay Walker, and edge-rusher Kingsley Enagbare.
- Malik Willis: Fourth-round pick
- Romeo Doubs: Fourth-round pick
- Quay Walker: Fifth-round pick
- Kingsley Enagbare: Sixth-round pick
The Packers were well aware of this scenario, which likely explains some of their free-agency decision-making.
For instance, the Packers signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, but only after the Minnesota Vikings kicked him to the curb. As the Vikings released him, signing Hargrave doesn't impact the compensatory draft pick formula.
Similarly, they traded for Zaire Franklin before letting fellow linebacker Quay Walker walk in free agency. As it was a trade, not a free-agent addition, it again won't impact the compensatory pick formula.
Green Bay also added a bargain returner in Skyy Moore and took care of a massive need when it signed cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. Neither signing cost the Packers a potential compensatory draft pick, as they should still land the maximum of four.
On top of that, the Packers received a 2027 fourth-round pick from the Cowboys for Gary. They could enter next year with four selections in the fourth round.
Granted, the Packers have other needs to address, but that's what the draft is for. After all, you cannot expect Gutekunst to address every need in free agency.
The truth is that the team's deliberate approach to free agency makes the most sense when you take into account that Green Bay lacked cap space and a first-round pick after the Micah Parsons trade. And with the extra draft ammo the Packers will likely receive for 2027, they'll be able to lay the foundation for the future. It may sound boring on paper, but that will allow them to replenish the roster and keep up in the NFC North arms race the next two years.