The Green Bay Packers turned heads with an impressive stretch run this past season which ultimately led to a surprising appearance in the NFC Divisional Round. Now, the Packers enter the offseason with supreme confidence heading into 2024.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst sees a window of opportunity after seeing his team exceed expectations in 2023, which has prompted him to suggest that Green Bay could make a splash move via the trade market this offseason when speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
NFL Rumors: Packers GM hints at splash trade
Gutekunst took part in a one-on-one interview for Green Bayās social media pages, where he was asked about the Packers having five picks in the top 100 of this yearās NFL Draft, and his response was candid.Ā
Second time #Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has mentioned using draft capital to acquire veteran players this offseason. https://t.co/cP43eBI6VK
ā Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) February 29, 2024
With so many valuable draft picks, Gutekunst feels that the Packers have āflexibilityā to continue constructing their roster in various ways this offseason: āWhether itās moving around within the draft or if there are veteran players out there that are available, that certainly could be a possibility as well,ā he said.
It should be noted that this is not the first time Gutekunst has gone on the record to discuss the possibility of trading draft picks for a veteran player(s):
#Packers GM Brian Gutekunst says having more picks towards the top of the draft gives them flexibilityš
ā 97.3 The Game (@TheGameMKE) February 1, 2024
āWhether itās staying and picking, trading, moving aroundā¦maybe trading those picks for veteran players, who knows.ā pic.twitter.com/tZihdvZfpV
ConsideringĀ Green Bayās current salary cap situationĀ and the looming contract extension of quarterback Jordan Love, whoĀ SpotracĀ projects to sign a four-year, $200 million deal, trading for established veterans could be a logical approach to improving the roster.
The Packers were a historically youthful team, the youngest of 14 playoff teams last season. By defeating the Dallas Cowboys during the NFLās Super Wild Card Weekend, Green Bay became the youngest franchise to win a postseason game since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger,Ā per CBS Sportsā Garrett Podell. So, trading for vets could be helpful.
If Gutekunstās comments throughout the offseason are any indication, the Packers will assuredly be taking and making calls to upgrade the roster via trade.Ā