The Green Bay Packers have been through quite the off
season. After thier 7-9 season left them out of the playoffs for the first time
in a decade, they made massive changes up and down their organization. They
hired a new GM, changed both coordinators, and swapped out most of their
coaching staff for that matter. New general manager Brian Gutekunst is already making his presence felt.
First, Gutekunst made headlines when he traded corner back
Damarious Randall to the Cleveland Browns for quarterback DeShone Kizer, who
was the Browns second-round draft choice just a year ago. The Browns went a different
direction this off season, hiring former Packers and Chiefs executive John
Dorsey to run their team. Dorsey made a flurry
of trades, one of which was for Bills quarterback Tyron Taylor. This made Kizer
expendable. Don’t judge Kizer on his rookie season, it was with the Browns. Let
that go and start from zero. The Packers may have found their long-term backup to Rodgers for the remainder
of his career. But what about Randall?
Well, with this move, Gutekunst had dumped an under performing former first-round draft choice who quit on this team
last season. Remember, this was the man who was benched against the Bears, and
rather than support his teammates, he stormed back to the locker room, took a
shower, and left the stadium while the game was still going on.
Next, Gutekunst released longtime fan favorite Jordy Nelson,
one of the best players in team history. Some were very angry over this move,
and it is easy to understand why. Nelson was hailed both on and off the field
for his professionalism and character. With that said, we also need to remember
that he is 33, injury prone, was only going to play maybe one more season, and
his contract number for next season could not be justified. He also refused to
take a pay cut, according to reports. So,
Gutekunst made the hard decision, and cut him loose. Gutekunst then used the
cap savings to make two big signings. First, Muhammed Wilkerson, recently
released by the Jets. Wilkerson fits perfectly in new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme and has a track record of success playing for him. Since Wilkerson was
released, that also means he will come without cost to potential compensation
picks in the draft next year. This a low-risk very high reward move. If
Wilkerson plays to his potential, the Packers got one of the best free agent steals in recent memory.
That same week, the Packers went out and signed tight end
Jimmy Graham, filling another premium position. The contract for Graham says
three years and 30 million with 11 million guaranteed.
However, with the way the Packers worked his contract, this is either a steal
for them or it turns into a one-year contract
and release without penalty. Finally, the Packers solved their veteran
cornerback need by dipping into their own past again, bringing back Super Bowl
hero Tramon Williams. Don’t expect much from Williams at this point, but his
veteran leadership and big game experience will
prove valuable to what will be a very young and talented cornerback group.
