Packers need stars to come out for realistic playoff push

The Green Bay Packers have the individual talent to make the playoffs this season, there’s no doubt about it. At least on paper.

On average, Aaron Rodgers gets paid the most money per year of any player in the NFL at the game’s most important position. His cap hit is the fifth-largest for a quarterback. He’s the back-to-back MVP and showed the last two years that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

It might be past time we recognize injuries derailed David Bakhtiari’s career. He’s returned to the field this season, but hasn’t been anything close to his pre-injury self. His full contract is the second-richest for a left tackle, a tough pill for the Packers to swallow paying for a part-time player.

If the Green Bay Packers want to make a realistic playoff push down the stretch, they need their stars to make it happen.

Kenny Clark’s $70 million deal makes him the seventh-highest paid interior defensive lineman. After a dominant start to his career, he’s taken a step back in both seasons with Joe Barry as the defensive coordinator.

Preston Smith is another defensive player who commands a high salary. Unfortunately, he’s been exposed without Rashan Gary on the other side to attract all the attention from protection schemes. He’s looked more like a role player of late.

After a breakout year, De’Vondre Campbell secured the bag. He signed a deal worth $50,000 million, but hasn’t built upon his 2021 campaign. He’s looking more and more like a one-year wonder.

Jaire Alexander signed the richest cornerback deal in NFL history regarding average dollars per year. However, he’s continued the Clark trend under Barry in that he’s having a second consecutive disappointing season. He’s made some plays on the ball, but gets burned far too often for someone who gets paid like the best in the business.

That doesn’t include Aaron Jones, the ninth-highest-paid running back, who often gets treated as an afterthought by the coaching staff. He’s having a dynamic season and makes positive plays almost every time he touches the rock. Unfortunately, he’s standing on the sidelines far too often.

Although that’s a list of Packers who are among the highest paid at their respective positions, it also doubles as a list of underachievers this season. And if Green Bay wants any chance of making the postseason, their stars need to play like the money they’re getting paid.

There’s still an outside chance Green Bay can make the 2022-23 playoffs. First, they need to win out to have a realistic chance. That includes games against the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and the up-and-coming Detroit Lions.

The Packers need their star players to play like their salary commands. They have individual talent, now they need to put it together as one team.