Fansided

NFL coaching carousel: Ranking the most attractive openings

By Ian Wharton

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws the ball in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws the ball in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Green Bay Packers

While 2018 was an abject disaster for the Green Bay Packers, their future looks bright so long as Aaron Rodgers is on the roster. General manager Brian Gutekunst had a promising first off-season, and the franchise’s willingness to give a coach years to win is a major draw. There’s little drama involved with this team and the stability matters.

Rodgers wasn’t his usual self this past year, but an off-season to recover from his knee injury and concussion will hopefully help him re-ascend closer to what we know he can do. It’ll also help if the new staff utilizes running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Davante Adams like the stars they truly are.

The Packers need to rebuild the defense but have the assets to do so. The cornerbacks and defensive line group have a good baseline of talent, so adding a star edge-rusher and more well-rounded players at linebacker are the next logical steps. Their extra 2019 first-rounder should help there.

Gutekunst can open more cap space with a few obvious cuts (Jimmy Graham and Tramon Williams) and re-working deals of veterans who will be around for the foreseeable future. The right coaching hire, another quality draft, and two key free-agent signings could easily lead this team back into January football next year.