Grading Green Bay Packers’ 2023 full offseason moves
The Green Bay Packers just completed one of the most critical offseasons in franchise history and one that will weigh heavily on their future.
The headline was their trade of Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. After 18 years with the franchise, 15 as the starting quarterback, 10 Pro Bowls, four MVPs and one Lombardi Trophy, the Packers decided it was time for a fresh start for both parties.
Whether they like it or not, how the Jets fare this season will go a long way in determining how the outside views the success of that move. Green Bay acquired the 13th, 42nd and 207th overall picks in the 2023 NFL Draft as well as a conditional 2024 second-rounder that turns into a first if Rodgers plays at least 65 percent of the Jets’ snaps next season. In exchange, they sent New York Rodgers and the 15th and 170th selections in 2023.
The Green Bay Packers started a new chapter in their historic franchise. Let’s grade their moves in an offseason that will weigh heavily on their future.
Green Bay drafted edge rusher/defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness with the 13th pick. That’s an odd decision considering he very likely would’ve been there at 15. Why put the 13th pick in a deal when the guy you’re targeting would’ve still been there two picks later? That’s a confounding move.
A tight end out of Oregon State, Luke Musgrave was the pick at no. 42. Musgrave is a solid selection at that point and a huge position of need for Green Bay. The Packers doubled down on the position in the third round when they drafted tight end Tucker Kraft. They hope at least one of that duo will be ready to play in their rookie seasons.
Jayden Reed was the other top draft pick in the second round. He’s a wide receiver who reminds the front office a lot of Randall Cobb, thanks to his intelligence and work ethic. He might have a little more burst than Cobb did and will compete for snaps immediately.
Overall, the draft class was 13 players deep and a solid unit. They addressed most of their primary needs, adding much-needed depth across the roster. Some analysts questioned the Van Ness pick, while others supported it. The only true question mark was the selection of quarterback Sean Clifford in the fifth round. A lot of analysts had him going undrafted. However, Green Bay did okay if a fifth-round pick is the biggest head-scratcher.
It’s imperative to hit on the draft considering the nasty spot they’re in with their salary cap. Green Bay let Robert Tonyan, Jarran Reed, Dean Lowry, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb walk in free agency while Adrian Amos, Marcedes Lewis and Mason Crosby remain unsigned.
This was a crucial offseason for the Packers to begin resetting their cap. They’ve made short-sighted decisions for years, piling up dead money upon dead money. They’ll still have another couple of years of salary cap hell, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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In truth, we won’t know how they fared this offseason until at least at the end of the regular season. Love’s progress as the starting quarterback will factor heavily into the ultimate grade. There are too many unknowns at this point to accurately reflect their work.
Grade: TBD