3 Packers offseason moves to make if Aaron Rodgers stays in Green Bay
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari. (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
If Aaron Rodgers agrees to return to the Green Bay Packers for the 2023 season, here are three moves the team needs to make this offseason.
The Green Bay Packers are awaiting an important call from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Even though he signed a three-year, $150.8 million contract extension last season, uncertainty remains over whether he will play with the Packers, be traded to another team or retire. . Let’s not forget that they also have to make a decision about backup quarterback Jordan Love, and specifically his fifth-year option. Recently, Rodgers said he was going to take his time making a decision.
Let’s say Rodgers opts to return to the Packers for the 2023 season. What can the team do to improve its roster to help the team reach the playoffs after missing out on a spot this campaign?
Here are three steps general manager Brian Gutekunst should take.
The Packers’ offseason move to make if Aaron Rodgers stays, No. 3: Get offensive depth.
The Packers could call on offensive tackles for Rodgers.
Last season, Green Bay were without David Bakhtiari for six games due to injuries, including an appendectomy in December. Elgton Jenkins can play as a tackle or a guard, but it’s mostly as a guard that he plays.
Getting help for the offensive line will be tricky, especially considering Green Bay’s situation at first glance. That may change, however, as Rodgers has said himself that in all likelihood he would have to restructure his contract to play in 2023, whatever the date. In this case, it would free up space for the Packers to go after free agents.
Or, if the Packers are really interested in freeing up space, they could cut Bakhtiari. While that’s not ideal, given how well he can perform when he’s healthy, cutting him before June 1 will free up $5.7 million in space, according to Spotrac. But that would result in a loss of $23.1 million.
One way or another, the Packers should bring in some outside offensive tackle options, either through free agency or the NFL Draft.
Next : No.2
