Evaluating Packers positional needs heading into 2023 offseason
By Paul Bretl
With the Green Bay Packers 2022 season now in the books, it’s time to slowly begin turning our attention towards free agency and the NFL Draft, where they hold the 15th overall pick in the first round.
As the Packers build out their 90-man rosters for training camp and the preseason, just about every one of these positions will be added to at some point. However, the urgency that each position should be addressed is going to vary.
Below I go through each of the Green Bay Packers’ position groups, discussing how big of a need each one is this offseason.
Quarterback
As I wrote last month, if the Packers want both Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love back for the 2023 season, they absolutely can make that work, which of course, would greatly reduce the need for the quarterback position. At this point, the only way I see this position becoming somewhat of a high priority is if Rodgers is back, but Love is traded (and that’s not something I expect to happen). Then Green Bay would probably again look for Rodgers’ replacement, knowing that he could retire after the 2023 season. If Love is the starter, I could see the Packers bringing in a veteran backup, or spending a draft pick on the position, although I wouldn’t expect it to be an early-round one.
Running Back
The urgency that the Packers feel at the running back position will be directly related to whether or not Aaron Jones is back. Jones comes with a massive cap hit in 2023 of $20 million, according to Over the Cap. Even if he does return, that contract will have to be restructured. Jones was oftentimes what made this offense go, but that cap hit, coupled with the replaceability of the running back position, could end with the Packers moving on and then looking for a compliment to AJ Dillon.
Wide Receiver
The only wide receivers under contract in 2023 will be Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samorit Toure. I do think the Packers will add to the position in the draft, but I don’t necessarily think it will be a first-round pick. Rather, this room needs a veteran or two added to the mix. And when it comes to bringing in a veteran, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a new face–that could just mean re-signing Allen Lazard and/or Randall Cobb.
Tight End
I was quite surprised that the Packers didn’t address the tight end position in the 2022 draft. For one, Josiah Deguara is the only tight end under contract currently. And two, it’s a position where rookies rarely contribute at a high level, given the complexity of the position. Addressing this position will be a must in the draft.
Offensive Tackle
This is one of those positions that can always be addressed, given its importance, and we’ve seen Brian Gutekunst do that often during his time as GM. But with that said, on paper, the Packers appear to be in good shape at the tackle position currently. I fully expect David Bakhtiari to return. If Green Bay cuts him, they save only $5.9 million in cap space, and I would much rather have Bakhtiari, who is still playing at a high level, than $6 million in cap space. The Packers also have Zach Tom, I imagine Yosh Nijman will be back as a restricted free agent, Rasheed Walker, Caleb Jones, and Elgton Jenkins if they get into a pinch.
Interior Offensive Line
Again, Gutey has added to the offensive line in every draft, so I expect the same again, but the interior offensive line seems set at the moment. Jenkins was just signed to a long-term deal. Josh Myers and Jon Runyan are still on their rookie contracts, and again, Tom can take over at any of those positions as well. I know things didn’t go well for Royce Newman in 2022, but he provides experience off the bench.
Interior Defensive Line
Green Bay has Kenny Clark, and they just spent a first-round pick on Devonte Wyatt, but this will be one of the bigger needs in the offseason, with both Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry heading to free agency. Pressure on the quarterback was inconsistent from this group in 2022, and the run defense ranked as one of the worst in football.
Edge Rusher
Once Rashan Gary returns from injury, the Packers have one of the best edge rushers in football, but as was the case entering 2022, the depth can be upgraded. I do expect Preston Smith back for 2023, but that could be his final season. Kingsley Enagbare, meanwhile, had a number of flashes but, at least at this point, hasn’t shown enough consistency to be a heavily relied-upon starter. Edge rusher is a heavily rotated position, so a unit of four quality players is important.
Linebacker
This position should be low on the priority list this offseason. De’Vondre Campbell just signed a new contract in 2022, and Quay Walker is only one year into his NFL career. They may bring in some back-end competition late in the draft, but even that isn’t a must.
Cornerback
This is a position that can always be added to, so I won’t be surprised if a cornerback is brought in during the draft, but I can’t imagine it will be early on. Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes are still under contract for the next few seasons, and Rasul Douglas will be back for at least one and possibly two more seasons. If Green Bay can re-sign Keisean Nixon, who held up well in the slot, they have a very good quartet coming into 2023.
Safety
This one is up there with tight end as a must-address position for the Packers. Currently, Darnell Savage and Tariq Carpenter are the only safeties under contract next season. While Savage’s play improved after being benched, he is far from a long-term solution at the position. Carpenter, meanwhile, was primarily a special teams player. The overall play of the safety group in 2022 was one of the more disappointing aspects of this Packers’ defense.
Special Teams
Pat O’Donnell is under contract in 2023, so I expect him to be back. I’ll guess that the Packers again bring in competition at long-snapper for Jack Coco, but he will be the front-runner for that starting role. Where things get interesting is at kicker with Mason Crosby. He will be a free agent this offseason and, for the most part, was very steady on field goal attempts. However, it’s quite clear that he doesn’t have the same power that he once did. I would guess that Green Bay will explore finding his replacement.