Packers perfect offseason plan in 3 steps
By Jakob Ashlin
As they enter a key crossroads, let’s take a look at the perfect offseason plan for the Green Bay Packers.
There are a variety of paths that the Green Bay Packers could take this offseason. They could reload at key positions and attempt to compete for a title. They could launch a full-scale rebuild and trade big-name veterans. They could also land somewhere in the middle.
Let’s break down the Packers’ perfect offseason plan.
Packers perfect offseason plan step 1: Keep Aaron Rodgers
Undoubtedly, Aaron Rodgers remains the biggest question mark for the Packers this offseason. Will the 39-year-old quarterback retire? Will he return to the Packers? Will he want to join the New York Jets? There are a lot of directions the Rodgers situation could go.
Regardless, retaining Rodgers is the best option for the franchise. He is only 13 months removed from winning his fourth NFL MVP award. Last season, Rodgers was not put in the best position to succeed. Wide receivers Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling departed, and the Packers relied heavily on three rookie wide receivers (Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure). The trio showed promise, but there were some growing pains along the way. In fact, the Packers led the NFL in passes dropped (30). Still, Rodgers finished 11th in the league in passing yards (3,695) and seventh in passing touchdowns (26).
If Rodgers returns, the Packers still have a chance to be contenders. The NFC is fairly open. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams experienced drop-offs. The Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers are the clear frontrunners, and Rodgers has the ability to outduel Jalen Hurts or Trey Lance in a playoff game.