Green Bay Packers: 10 Items on Brian Gutekunst’s Offseason To-Do List
By Paul Bretl
6. Finding the right tackle of the future & a swing tackle for 2021
Item No. 6 on the list addresses two needs but can be filled by one player. With David Bakhtiari likely out for the early part of the 2021 season, we don’t exactly know what the offensive line configuration is going to look like. Odds are the tackles will be Billy Turner and Elgton Jenkins–that is unless they find a Day 1 starter in the draft, which they certainly could as this year’s class is loaded with tackles.
But even if the incoming rookie doesn’t start right away, he will provide depth at a premier position, and that is something that Green Bay currently lacks at tackle with Bakhtiari out injured and Wagner recently cut. There is also no certainty that Turner will be back for the 2022 season, and as of now, there is no right tackle of the future on the roster.
As I just said, this draft class is oozing with talent at the tackle position, so take advantage of it and find some help for 2021 and a starter for 2022 and beyond.
7. Restock the WR Shelf
Many draft analysts in their mock drafts have the Green Bay Packers taking a receiver in the first round as a way to provide Aaron Rodgers and this offense with another weapon. While that would be nice, I don’t see receiver being a top need for the 2021 season like corner, offensive tackle, and interior defensive lineman are–this move, or moves, is for 2022 and beyond.
Currently, the Packers don’t have any receivers on their roster under contract past the 2021 season. Now, Davante Adams will receive a contract extension at some point, but the futures of other receivers like Marquez Vales-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Allen Lazard aren’t as certain. That isn’t to say they won’t or shouldn’t be back in 2022, but there is no guarantee either.
To the chagrin of many Packer fans, Green Bay didn’t spend a draft pick on the receiver position last year, and while it’s not safe to assume anything, I expect them to draft at least one receiver this year. The question is, how early will it happen?
Pick up Jaire Alexander’s fifth-year option
Alexander is a former first-round pick, and he’s entering his fourth NFL season, which means the Green Bay Packers can pick up his fifth-year option. This is a no-brainer, as Alexander has developed into a shutdown cornerback. The real question is whether or not they offer him a contract extension at this point.
According to Over the Cap, the Green Bay Packers can save about $962,000 in cap space by offering Alexander a contract extension this offseason. Not to mention that the longer they wait, the more his price tag is going to increase.