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Re-grading Packers’ 2019 Offseason: Draft picks, free agency, etc

By Brian Sampson

Dec 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith (55) and Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith (55) and Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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General manager Brian Gutekunst made his mark on the Green Bay Packers during the 2019 offseason, his second as the lead decision-maker in the front office. He made several splashy free agent moves, selected a couple of studs in the draft and hired a new head coach.

In my quest to rate every move Gutekunst has made, I’m going offseason by offseason to hand out grades for his handiwork. You can check out the grades I gave for his draft classes (and the 2018 offseason) below:

As I continue to make my way through the offseasons, let’s dive into the eventful and busy 2019.

Let’s review the Green Bay Packers’ busy 2019 offseason and grade their draft, free agency signings, departures, and more.

Draft Picks

OLB Rashan Gary, S Darnell Savage, OL Elgton Jenkins, TE Jace Sternberger, DL Kinglsey Keke, CB Ka’Dar Hollman, RB Dexter Williams, LB Ty Summers

You can check out grades for each draft pick here, but we’ll touch on some of the main points again. Gary was a homerun selection despite the Packers just signing two veterans at the same position in free agency (more on that in a bit). He’s turned into one of the best edge rushers in the NFL and should continue his ascent in 2023 when he returns from an ACL tear.

Jenkins is the only other contributor to come from this draft class, and he’s a stud too. Savage looked promising, but has turned into a bust. Sternberger didn’t last two years in Green Bay. Summers is the only other player who stuck around for a while.

Grade: C-

Offseason Losses

WR Randall Cobb, DE/DT Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/OLB Nick Perry, DE/OLB Clay Matthews, ILB Jake Ryan, CB Baushad Breeland, S Kentrell Brice, DL Mike Daniels

Once again, Gutekunst made the correct decision on the veterans he let go. All the players were past their prime, and it was time for the Packers to move on. He deserves props for knowing when to move on and find new and younger talent for the roster.

Grade: A

Free Agency Signings

OL Billy Turner, OLB Za’Darius Smith, OLB Preston Smith, S Adrian Amos

This was an active free agency period for the Packers, the only time they’ve dove into the free agency pool. Gutekunst went out and signed four veterans who played key roles in the Packers’ back-to-back NFC Championship game appearances that are to come.

Smith and Smith gave the Packers a legitimate pass-rushing duo on the outside. They got after the quarterback and allowed Gary to follow his pace. Turner’s versatility was crucial on the offensive line. Amos played three years of good football at safety.

Grade: A

Highlights

After back-to-back losing seasons, the Packers won 13 games in 2019 and advanced to the NFC Championship game (if it wasn’t for some questionable calls from the coaching staff and the officials, they might’ve advanced even further).

Aaron Jones was the breakout star. He accrued 1558 total yards and 19 total touchdowns, giving the Packers a legit weapon out of the backfield. He also scored four times in their two playoff games.

Z. Smith was also a big hit in his first year in Green Bay. He was sixth in the NFL in sacks with 13.5, first in pressures with 93 and first in quarterback hits with 37.

Lowlights

Graham, 2018’s big free agent signing, all but disappeared in his second and final year in Green Bay. He only had 38 receptions for 447 yards and three touchdowns.

Overall Grade:

The big signings will get all the attention, but Gutekunst continued to make slick moves on the roster’s margins. He signed Yosh Nijman to the practice squad in May, and nabbed Tyler Ervin and Jared Veldheer in the middle of the season. The hiring of new head coach Matt LaFleur helped revitalize the franchise.

He did a nice job in free agency and with the veterans he let sign with other teams. The biggest knock is the draft. He only ended up with two impact players and a couple of major misses (Savage and Sternberger). He also cut J’Mon Moore, a fourth-round pick in his first draft.

Grade: B

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