Rebuild? The Green Bay Packers refused to use that word at any stage before or during the season, and they were right. Green Bay not only made the playoffs but eliminated the Dallas Cowboys and came close to taking down the San Francisco 49ers.
Last offseason was filled with unknowns. Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future took us on a journey from needing time to darkness retreats to finally committing to playing for the New York Jets. But nobody knew what to expect from Jordan Love and the beginning of a new era in Green Bay.
Twelve months on, it's a different story. The Packers' young roster far exceeded any preseason expectations, proving why they are close to competing in the NFC.
Expectations have increased, but so has the excitement for the Packers this offseason. What can we expect in the months ahead?
7. Packers will draft a running back in opening three rounds
Aaron Jones rushed for over 100 yards in five straight games, including in road playoff matchups against the Cowboys and 49ers. He left no doubt that he's still one of the league's most explosive running backs. The Packers should bring him back.
But retaining Jones shouldn't prevent them from adding another running back, especially if AJ Dillon departs in free agency. Green Bay needs to find a running back to complement Jones and potentially replace him in the future.
The Packers have the luxury of picking four times on Day 2 of the draft. It won't be surprising if they use one of those selections on a top running back like Blake Corum, Trey Benson, or Jonathon Brooks.
6. Kenny Clark signs multi-year extension
The Packers rarely hand out third contracts. Kenny Clark can become one of the exceptions. Clark is only 28 years old and is coming off arguably the best season of his career. He set a new career high in sacks (7.5) and quarterback hits (16).
It would also make sense financially for the Packers to work on an extension. Clark is entering the final year of his current deal and has a cap hit of $27.5 million, per Over The Cap. One way to lower that number is by extending his contract.
Everybody wins. Clark gets a multi-year extension, and the Packers create cap space and ensure their star player remains in Green Bay beyond 2024.
5. Packers let all three free-agent safeties walk
Brian Gutekunst completely overhauled the tight end position last offseason. He spent two years rebuilding the wide receiver room. It's time to make a similar decision at safety.
Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford are free agents. Rookie Anthony Johnson Jr. is the only safety under contract who started a game for the Packers this season. Green Bay could move on from all three and rebuild through the draft. Johnson flashed potential and could soon compete for a starting job, and the Packers proved they aren't afraid to start multiple rookies this season.
Green Bay must improve at safety.
4. Packers release multiple key starters to create cap space
According to Spotrac, the Packers only have $4.8 million in cap space. They need to figure out ways to create room for any incoming free agents they want to sign, the incoming draft class, and a potential Jordan Love extension.
It means making tough decisions on which players to retain. Green Bay could release multiple starters to create cap space, including De'Vondre Campbell, David Bakhtiari, Preston Smith, or Aaron Jones. The Packers won't have to move on from all of them, but it will be a surprise if all four of those players are back in 2024.
3. But Packers find a way to keep Aaron Jones
However, the Packers can't move on from Aaron Jones after the dominant five-game stretch he finished the season with. He is too important to this team, both for his on-field production and leadership. Green Bay would save a little over $5 million by releasing Jones, but it's not worth it.
There are other ways to lower his upcoming cap number of $17.56 million, either through a contract restructure or extension. The Packers will have a plan, but it would come as a huge surprise if the plan is to move on from their star running back. They have to find a way to keep Jones.
2. Packers trade David Bakhtiari to Jets
It seems inevitable the Packers will move on from All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari. He only played one game this year due to injury, and Rasheed Walker had an excellent season. Bakhtiari's cap hit reaches almost $40 million, forcing the Packers to make a decision. They can't enter the 2024 season without lowering that number, but the only realistic option is to cut or trade Bakhtiari.
That's where Aaron Rodgers' New York Jets could come in. The Jets must upgrade their offensive line, and you can bet Rodgers would love to be reunited with Bakhtiari. The Packers might not receive much draft capital in return, given Bakhtiari's contract and recent injury history, but a trade would clear almost $21 million in cap space.
1. Jordan Love becomes one of the league's highest-paid QBs
The Packers will hand Jordan Love a multi-year contract extension this offseason—there's no doubt about it. He showed star potential in his first season as a starter, throwing for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in the regular season and another 466 yards, five touchdowns, and two picks in the playoffs.
Love is already one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC. With only one year remaining on his contract, it's time for a new deal. And the Packers will likely make him one of the league's highest-paid quarterbacks. A new Super Bowl window has opened.