Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold Predictions for 2020 NFL Draft

4. Packers trade a future draft pick.

Whether you agree with the decision or not, it’s clear Gutekunst had an intentional plan in free agency. With one eye toward the future and one eye on this season, he deemed Martinez and Bulaga too risky and too pricey to bring back. Sure, they could’ve fit it in this season’s budget, but the Packers have a number of key players who are up for new contracts next year.

With Martinez, Bulaga and even Fackrell getting significant contracts elsewhere, the Packers knew they were going to be in line for compensation picks if they didn’t sign other players at their positions from the market. Instead, Gutekunst brought in Kirksey and Wagner–two players who were released from their respective teams and, therefore, don’t count in the compensation formula.

As a result, Green Bay is likely to receive a fourth, fifth and sixth rounder when compensation picks are awarded. That means they would have 10 total selections in next year’s draft as well–giving them even more ammunition to move around this year.