Rival exec delivers honest truth about what is coming for Packers after evaluating their free agency plan closely
Packers went a different path in free agency in terms of adding mid-level, older players, but the philosophy of allowing their past draft picks to develop is still there, and the rest of the league has seen it.
The Green Bay Packers had in some ways an unusual free agency plan. Instead of going all or nothing like in years past, general manager Brian Gutekunst decided to add some mid-level free agents, including older players, with the premise of adding depth to the roster without affecting the compensatory pick formula. But in other ways, they expect what they always do — and the NFL, including rival executives, have noticed it.
The Packers ended up with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, wide receiver/kick returner Skyy Moore, and also traded for linebacker Zaire Franklin. But development of their young pieces will still be the main formula for improvement.
“They drafted (receiver Matthew) Golden in the first round and are letting him flourish while they let Romeo Doubs hit the market,” an unnamed rival executive told The Athletic’s Mike Sando. “That’s them.”
Addition by subtraction (and development)
The Packers lost wide receiver Romeo Doubs to the New England Patriots, which will mean more opportunities for Golden. That’s just how the Packers usually operate — draft, develop, extend the start, allow good but not great players to leave, collect compensatory picks.
The team also saw quarterback Malik Willis (Miami Dolphins), linebacker Quay Walker (Las Vegas Raiders), left tackle Rasheed Walker (Carolina Panthers), edge defender Kingsley Enagbare (New York Jets), running back Emanuel Wilson (Seattle Seahawks), and safety Zayne Anderson (Miami Dolphins) all sign elsewhere.
“Green Bay didn’t do anything,” another exec said. “They are a team that historically drafts very well. They are really not a player in free agency.”
While the Packers weren’t willing to sign big free agents, the additions help make a transition for the new players. And on paper, there are replacement options in place for most of the players who left — Golden, left tackle Jordan Morgan, edge defenders Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver are the best examples.
The Packers might not be out there getting big-ticket free agents, but their modus operandi is respected around the league — and what the roster will be on the field in September is always more important than what it looks like in April.
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