The Packers will look much different in 2023 with Jordan Love at quarterback, but these three free agency mistakes could sink Green Bay.
Transitioning from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love is going to be a challenge for the Packers. Replacing one of the game’s all-time greats is never easy. That’s exactly what Green Bay is asking their new quarterback to do.
Things might have been easier for Love if GM Brian Gutekunst had been more active in free agency. It’s hard to make an argument that the Packers‘ roster improved this offseason. Admittedly, Green Bay faced serious financial restraints due to the league’s salary cap.
Even so, the team should have done better in the following three areas.
Packers: 3 free agency mistakes Brian Gutekunst regrets
3. Not signing a top-flight nose tackle
Nose tackle isn’t the most glamorous position in the modern NFL, but it’s a crucial spot up front for the Packers’ defense. It’s important that whoever defensive coordinator Joe Barry deploys in that spot is able to occupy a lot of attention from the opposing offensive line.
Currently, T.J. Slaton owns the top spot on the depth chart. The former fifth-round pick has the size required to clog up the middle of the line, but he’s an unproven commodity.
The lack of demand for true nose tackles around the NFL should have made it possible for the Packers to sign a more proven option. Instead, they’ve let Jarran Reed Walk and trusted Slaton to pick up the slack. That might work out for the Green Bay defense but it’s a risk the organization didn’t need to take. Don’t be surprised if another nose tackle arrives in town before Week 1.