Packers can exploit a potential new NFL rule, but not in the way most would expect at first
Brian Gutekunst would be happy with that outcome.
The Green Bay Packers are a stable franchise. They don’t have an impulsive owner, and new CEO/president Ed Policy has already shown patience by extending general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur.
Now, a potential adjusted NFL rule could be perfectly suited for the Packer Way and to build a sustainable roster.
Future draft picks
On the “Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN insider Adam Schefter said on Monday that the league could consider expanding the number of years in the future that a team can trade its draft picks.
“There’s going to be a push by at least one team this offseason to extend the NFL trade limits from three years of picks to five years of picks,” Schefter said.
That’s huge for the Packers, but not necessarily because they intend to use those picks to make all-in moves. On the other hand, Brian Gutekunst has job security and stability to exploit impulsive owners and desperate general managers.
Teams tend to devalue future picks — some even use an outdated process of devaluing a round per year in the future. If the NFL actually pulls off this change, the Packers would be in prime position to trade assets for future picks — and they would be high.
Track record
Yes, Gutekunst traded two first-round picks to the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons, but that was a circumstantial move — and he should pull the trigger on that one every time.
In general, though, the Packers are much more willing to acquire picks instead. Since Gutekunst took over as a GM in 2018, he made two first-round picks multiple times. In 2018, he moved down in the first to add a first-rounder from the New Orleans Saints in 2019. In 2022, the Packers traded Davante Adams for first- and second-rounders.
Ultimately, the results of those extra picks weren’t necessarily great. But in this case, the process is more important and sustainable. And if desperate executives without job security are willing to make risky moves, the Packers can easily be on the other side to make the most out of it.
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