Jaire Alexander trade and 9 other genius Packers moves Brian Gutekunst nailed

4. Aaron Rodgers trade

Yes, the Packers never should've given Aaron Rodgers a massive contract extension a year ago. That's on Gutekunst. So was not trading him to the Denver Broncos. However, despite the tough financial situation the Packers found themselves in with Rodgers' contract, Gutekunst negotiated a great deal for Green Bay.

By trading Rodgers to the New York Jets, the Packers swapped first-rounders with the Jets and received two second-rounders, with one likely to become a first in 2024. If Rodgers plays 65 percent of the snaps, the Packers will receive the Jets' first-rounder.

That's a fantastic deal for a 39-year-old quarterback on a huge contract who said he was 90% retired. Amazing work by Gutey.

3. Packers 2019 free agency

Teams that spend big in free agency often regret some of their signings. Gutekunst was almost perfect in 2019. The Packers signed safety Adrian Amos, offensive lineman Billy Turner, and edge rushers Za'Darius and Preston Smith in the first week of free agency in 2019. And all four moves paid off.

Amos started all 66 games over four seasons and was one of the most consistent safeties in the league during that time. Turner was excellent at right tackle, and he started 43 games in Green Bay. The Smith Bros. dominated for a couple of seasons. Za'Darius Smith made two Pro Bowls, and Preston Smith is still a starter for the Packers' defense now.

The Packers' 2019 free agency additions helped turn a playoff-less team into NFC North champions with consecutive conference championship appearances.