3 Packers who could be replaced in 2023 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers are on the record for using the NFL Draft to fill long-term holes on their roster. General manager Brian Gutekunst has spoken about it in the past, and they’ve demonstrated it with selections of players like Rashan Gary, Jordan Love, AJ Dillon and more.
That should be the case once again in 2023.
Despite having more needs than ever before, Green Bay should still draft with the future health of their team in mind (that could be more difficult if Gutekunst thinks he’s on the hot seat). Green Bay isn’t expecting to compete for a Super Bowl in 2023 and should build their team appropriately. With that in mind, here are three prominent veterans who could see their long-term replacement drafted this year.
The Green Bay Packers could draft the long-term replacements for these three prominent players in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Preston Smith
Smith’s years as a Packer may be limited. He’s still under contract for four more years, but with each passing year, it will get easier and easier for the Packers to cut him. The cap savings start at $2.5 million in 2024 before rising to $7.6 million and then $12.4 million in the next two years. Meanwhile, the dead money goes from $14 million in 2024 down to $9.9 million to $5.8 million. That coincides with his advancement into his mid-30s, a dangerous combination.
The Packers drafted Gary the same year they signed Smith and Za’Darius Smith in free agency. It may be time to come up with a similar succession plan.
Aaron Jones
Jones has been terrific for the Packers, with the biggest knock being that they don’t use him enough. However, he’s entering his age 29 season and is in a danger zone for a running back. He’s set to be a free agent after the 2024 season, but his 2024 cap hit is $17.1 million.
Some excellent running backs should be available in the middle rounds, and the Packers could get one of them to take over in a year or two. AJ Dillon is still on the roster, but is also a free agent after 2024.
Next. 3 positions Packers are most likely to address in first round. dark
David Bakhtiari
The Packers’ long-term left tackle might already be on the roster in Zach Tom. Tom had an impressive rookie season and should only improve as he settles into one position. However, the first round is littered with impressive offensive tackles with high ceilings. If the right one falls into Green Bay’s lap, it will be difficult to pass on him. That list includes Peter Skornoski, Broderick Jones, Paris Johnson Jr., and Darnell Wright.