Do the Packers Really Need Two Offseason Plans?

The Packers won't need to change their philosophy, regardless of who the QB is

The Green Bay Packers are on standby. Until quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides what he wants to do, it's hard for general manager Brian Gutekunst and the rest of the front office to operate and execute a plan for the 2023 season and beyond. It's their job to plan for both scenarios, with or without Rodgers, to have everything in place as soon as Rodgers tells them what his intentions are. The expectation is that his answer will come before the new league year starts on March 15, so the Packers will have a few days to put a plan in motion.

However, are the two plans that much different? It obviously is impactful for the Packers to know if the starting quarterback is Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love, as there are financial considerations for the present and the future. But in terms of roster-building, the two paths for the rest of the team might not be that dissimilar.

What stays the same

Building blocks
The Packers have important young pieces under contract for multiple years: Christian Watson, Elgton Jenkins, Kenny Clark, Jaire Alexander. And those guys will be part of any plan the Packers establish. Rashan Gary is entering the last year of his rookie deal, and he is also going to be around for a long time, it's just a matter of when and for how much money he will extend his contract, not if.

Offensive line
Four of the five offensive linemen who finished the season as starters, all have contracts valid beyond 2023 — David Bakhtiari (2024), Elgton Jenkins (2026), Josh Myers (2024), and Zach Tom (2025). Right guard Jon Runyan enters the last year of his deal, and swing tackle Yosh Nijman is a restricted free agent. But they don't change the plan much. The Packers will keep their pieces together, and there are even young pieces to develop — Sean Rhyan, Rasheed Walker, and Caleb Jones, for example. If Rodgers is traded or retires, there is a slim chance the Packers are open to deal David Bakhtiari, but it's a highly unlikely scenario.

Defense
Gutekunst has shown defense in general is a priority in his team-building philosophy, and that's why he has invested much more in that side of the ball since he was promoted to GM in 2018. Even during an all-in of sorts season in 2022, Green Bay still drafted two first-round defenders and didn't add many external free agents — the only above the veteran minimum was defensive lineman Jarran Reed. This means the style of play with defensive coordinator Joe Barry, the type of player the Packers acquire, and the approach with current pieces won't change, regardless of who the starting quarterback is.

What changes

Rodgers' friends
Rodgers' decision might have an impact on how the Packers approach some of their pending free agents, because of their relationship with the veteran quarterback. Wide receiver Randall Cobb and tight end Marcedes Lewis might not come back to play with Love. Wide receiver Allen Lazard, tight end Robert Tonyan, and kicker Mason Crosby also could have their futures in Green Bay tied to Rodgers.

Type of offensive weapons
The Packers will have to add some offensive weapons, especially at tight end and depth at wide receiver. The way Brian Gutekunst does it may depend on if Rodgers will play in Green Bay or not, even though there is little flexibility to do much. With Rodgers, there's a strong possibility the Packers try to be more aggressive, maybe trading for a veteran receiver (DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, and Brandin Cooks are realistic options, even if any of them would require a cap adjustment). With Love, there would be little reason to spend on older players, and maybe Gutekunst would be more willing to draft more weapons to have cheap and long-term answers.

Extra capital
The Packers would have some extra draft picks in case they trade Rodgers, and those would be used to reinforce the surroundings of Love — maybe with some young offensive playmakers as mentioned above. If the Packers keep Rodgers, though, a Jordan Love trade to go all-in with Rodgers isn't unrealistic.

There are certainly some adjustments in each scenario, but the Packers main roster-building plan wouldn't be that different with Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love as the quarterback — even though the outcomes might be.

Photo: Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

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Wendell Ferreira covers the Green Bay Packers for Zone Coverage and Cheesehead TV. He is a Brazilian journalist with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, soccer, NBA, and MMA. Follow him on twitter at @wendellfp  

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Comments (53)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

February 28, 2023 at 10:07 am

There should only be one plan.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 28, 2023 at 10:18 am

Yes, there should be only one clear focus. Anything else shows a team in disarray and in trouble.

Case in point, early this morning at the Combine both Murphy & Gutey state they still have no clear idea of what Rodgers wants to do. This is after the darkness retreat and where a decision was to be made quickly. This BS has to end! My hope & belief this is just subterfuge and hyperbole and the Packers are in serious conversations with teams regarding the trading of AR.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:32 am

I think they're moving on with Love. Whether Rodgers chooses to play with another team or retire is up to him but I get the strong sense the team is done with him being the quarterback for the Packers.

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Hematite's picture

March 01, 2023 at 05:18 am

👍

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Leatherhead's picture

February 28, 2023 at 12:16 pm

One good plan is plenty.

Here's mine: Trade Rodgers to the Jets for their 1st round pick, and their 1st round pick next year. Use that pick to trade down and pick up extra picks in the Top 100.

Use those picks , combined with our original picks, and we could get 6 or 7 guys in the Top 100.

Guys I'd really like to get: Branch, Washington, Tillman, Adebawore in the first two and half rounds.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 28, 2023 at 12:31 pm

I too believe Rodgers is gone & the Packers are keeping appearances up, as well as playing their cards right just like the Jets, and the Raiders.

LH, I am not one where it is automatically trade down for more picks. Not against it but it all comes down to the Packers plan & who is or isn't available when drafting. If a real difference maker is sitting there you HAVE to take him.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

February 28, 2023 at 01:03 pm

LH, I dont even care what they get for him at this point. Subtracting him from this team is bigger than any draft pick. Anything they get in return for him is a bonus in my eyes.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 28, 2023 at 01:31 pm

No, he's worth more than an old towel, and we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water. If we could get the Jets first two picks, for example, we could premium players at WR and TE, to go along with Love, Jones, and Watson.

We're paying $9 million to get rid of him, but we should get something for that.

The Front Office has taken a lambasting over the whole Rodgers thing. Here's the scoreboard: Four seasons, 65 starts, three division titles, two Championship games, two MVPs, and on his way out the door, we're going to get some premium picks for him that we can use to make the team stronger.. Meanwhile, we've drafted and developed a replacement. This could have gone much, much worse.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 28, 2023 at 01:54 pm

Or it could have gone much...much better (last year) without the cumbersome contract, and as an added bonus Love would have a full season of experience under his belt.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

February 28, 2023 at 02:34 pm

Im not saying he's worthless and I do hope they get premium picks for him. What I am saying is just removing him from this team will do more good than any picks they do receive. Thats how badly they need to move on from him.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 28, 2023 at 03:31 pm

Believe me RTS.....should Rodgers end up staying with the Packers there are going to be quite a few AR apologists come out of the woodwork reminding us how wrong we all were. Bring it!!! :)

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barutanseijin's picture

February 28, 2023 at 05:37 pm

Ha. What we’ll see is even worse play from Rodgers and apologists like you claiming that they wanted him gone long ago.

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Hematite's picture

March 01, 2023 at 05:38 am

IMHO there are some fans who are SERIOUSLY overestimating what the Packers will receive in a Rodgers trade.
He's a nearly forty year old quarterback who is clearly on the downside of his career and a head case.
Granted he has had a great career in Green Bay but time marches on and I think that it's time to move on from Rodgers regardless of what we get or don't get.
Just do what it takes to get back to the future.

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Hematite's picture

March 01, 2023 at 05:20 am

Edit

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coolhand's picture

February 28, 2023 at 02:39 pm

Yes, TRADE Rodgers now!

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 28, 2023 at 04:34 pm

"where we go one, we go all"

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Packer_Fan's picture

February 28, 2023 at 10:22 am

Nope, just one plan. Use the leverage they have to not retain Rodger's friends and trade Rodgers. Then draft DL, Edge, WR & TE in draft.

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stockholder's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:17 am

You Lost "The objective of the game"

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croatpackfan's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:28 am

You never had "The objective of the game"!

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:35 am

Yeah they lost it in 2021 when the team's organizational approach of trying to win super bowls was replaced by "Keep 12 happy at all costs." Now they're simply trying to get back to business.

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croatpackfan's picture

February 28, 2023 at 12:09 pm

I hope so, but not much. They are still very soft!

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stockholder's picture

February 28, 2023 at 12:09 pm

"Let the Hate Flow Through you"!

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Nate-1980's picture

March 01, 2023 at 05:43 am

No rts their approach was to ride Rodgers back and give him bums and rookies to throw to and it blew up in their faces.. Return to reality, the gm you covet is the problem..

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Postman's picture

February 28, 2023 at 10:29 am

We are too vested in each transaction the Packer's make. Guttie has to have plans for many transactions that will happen this year. Mason was cut but came back at a lower price. Most likely this will not be the only resigning that takes place. I have been a Packers fan since 1962 and lived through the 70's and 80's. Last year was a blip and the Packers will be back in control of the NFC North this year. That is with either quarter back in control. We just need to RELAX and let things play out.

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stockholder's picture

February 28, 2023 at 10:59 am

There only needed to be one plan.
But Gutey made two when he drafted Love.
Building Blocks -
Kenny Clark
P.Smith
Douglass
Campbell
Jones.
With 35 roster spots open.
The revolving door keeps moving.
Offensive Line
Don’t count on Bahk.
Better draft Jones now.
Defense
Oh- Savage and Amos are done.
Gary will turn into nick Perry
Offensive weapons
Lazard wants Money
You got turtles ready to lay eggs.
Buying what you don’t have .
Unrealistic!!!
Extra Capitol-
Kicking the can down the road
Forget the life lines.

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Untylu1968's picture

February 28, 2023 at 02:20 pm

The main can that needs to be kicked down the road is your boy Rodgers. The future starts now, old and wishy washy has to go!

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stockholder's picture

February 28, 2023 at 04:17 pm

You need to understand one thing.
Gutey Lies at the combines.
He's not the pope.
As many think here.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 28, 2023 at 04:39 pm

The question is, would you trust this guy with your Portfolio?

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ricky's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:01 am

For those who are saying there should only be one plan, or "trade Rodgers", there are some considerations. First, it's always a good idea to try to be ready for any scenario. Because, second, trading Rodgers requires the other team to be able to take on his cap hit; future considerations, and his way of doing things. Rodgers will show up for mandatory workouts, but won't try to gain chemistry with his WR's or RB's with extra work. He will also want to do things his way- the idea that Rodgers would be willing to learn a new playbook, much less follow the game plan, is almost laughable. Right now, two teams seem to fit Rodgers' requirements, the Raiders or Jets. Because if the Packers tried to send him to a team he didn't want to play for, he could simply threaten retirement. But for the good of the team, Rodgers needs to be traded, get whatever draft capital/players you can, take the cap hit while Love is still on his rookie contract, and move on. But if Rodgers insists on coming back to Green Bay, the team has to accept him. Either that, or cut him and take a $99 million cap hit.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 28, 2023 at 12:36 pm

Rodger's will NOT retire let alone lose all that money. If it unfortunately would come to this let him threaten to retire! FO has to grow a pair & stop letting AR manipulate them.

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Rebelgb's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:17 am

Huge Gary fan but im not too optimistic about his future. He is a freak athlete but one of his main, if not most important skills was his quickness. Im not sure he ever comes back the same. A 99% Gary isnt worth a huge contract.

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stockholder's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:26 am

Nobody plays for a loser.
Only the money stops them from leaving.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:38 am

"Nobody plays for a loser" exactly why they cant trade 12 fast enough. Man what I would pay to have Mike Singletary coach Rodgers for just a single game.

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stockholder's picture

February 28, 2023 at 12:10 pm

“Your Strength Has Returned.
But the Weakness Still Remains!
And that Is Why You Will Always Lose!”

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

February 28, 2023 at 01:07 pm

"Old man yells at the sky"

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 28, 2023 at 05:02 pm

But on Tuesday, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin sounded like someone who has absolutely no interest in removing Higgins from his team’s roster.

“I’m not in the business of making other teams better. I’m in the business of making the Cincinnati Bengals better,” Tobin said at his Combine press conference. “And so, trading Tee Higgins is not on my mind.

“That’s their problem. They want a receiver, go find your own. In my opinion, Tee Higgins is a good piece for the Cincinnati Bengals, so the trade stuff is a little ridiculous right now.”

Higgins has been a critical piece of Cincinnati’s offense since he was selected at the top of the second round in 2020. He has eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons and nearly did so as a rookie, finishing with 908 yards on 67 catches. In 2022, he caught 74 passes for 1,029 yards with seven touchdowns. Higgins has also caught 31 passes for 457 yards with three touchdowns in seven postseason games.

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Nate-1980's picture

March 01, 2023 at 05:51 am

I love how you just assume Love walks in and starts winning a bunch of games and” rights the ship”, you guys on here are delusional..This FO is incompetent, it’s only going to show more once they don’t have Rodgers to blame..

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Coldworld's picture

March 01, 2023 at 12:09 pm

Which may just be a necessary step to return to contention. Yes, Rodgers is not the root of the problem, but he’s in the way of the solution.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:36 am

Gary is one of the hardest working guys in all of football. If anyone can come back 100% its him. Dont be surprised if hes 100% by opening day. Hes not built like us.

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PackyCheese500's picture

February 28, 2023 at 12:46 pm

That is why we must be extremely cautious with him in 2023. When in doubt, we should not play him. We should hope he can return to full strength (or as close as possible to it) in 2024.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

February 28, 2023 at 01:08 pm

If hes ready to play, play him. This is their job.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 28, 2023 at 06:32 pm

They will need to bring in two Edge guys, at the minimum. 1st or 2nd round, and if a guy is there, take another in rd three. They have a weak Pass Rush returning for the Fall session. Gary will be lucky to get back on the field by mid-November.

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croatpackfan's picture

February 28, 2023 at 11:26 am

I really do not understand those articles that insist on possibility that ACR will change. If you do not saw earlier, after 2022 season is picture is very clear - ACR is in serious decline. Authors of the articles should recognize that and support the only right decision for the team who is on the verge of long term irrelevance due to Salary Cap and inability to construct strong team.

All activities ACR did shows that he wants to be "the last great QB played Packers" for a long time, so he will be the biggest Packers legend for a long time. In short: 2020 draft, Jordan Love is drafted, ACR said that he was not informed, but he understand team needs to think about future. At the beginning of the 2021 season he was not much in public, but he dropped through Shaefter tween the bomb at the very beginning of the draft - I will never ever play for Packers. Draft ended and Packers FO was all over him to persuade him to change the decision. Why at that moment? He noticed through season and practices that Jordan Love has a lot of talent and that he might be the one who will really replace him sooner or later. So he made the mess. At the press conference before 2021 draft he, in the absence of proper reasons, he started to spit on the Packers organization and people who was running football operations, claiming that there is no respect for him at Packers. I will ask you one small question here: "Will you stay and work for organization you believe are so significant to them while they are not respect you and your work and you know that you can easily find another organization that will show you all the respect you are keen for?" Ask that to yourself! Packers accepted to bring back bunch of washed players and over-paid them by instructions of ACR. 2021 season started and result was top one, but many games they do not won easily nor comfortably - we can say (as we said for the Vikings and their last season) there was a bit of luck involved in that result. ACR won second MVP "title" in the row, 4th overall. Packers started to see the problems with Salary Cap and they were not able to open contractual discussions with their best WR and adorable ACR target, Davante Adams. They were tried to tag him, they even over matched Raiders offer, but Davante was the man of the word - he is done with Packers and he left. To convince ACR to stay FO offers him destructive contract and he, seemingly, heavy-hearted accepted. They were aware that, after that contract, no significant FA will be able to pay to replace in part DA production. ACR decided that he can do whatever he want and decided to pass all teams activities except mandatory ones, knowing (do not tell me that he did not understand what he is doing!) there will be lot of problems at the beginning of the season with young offense, insufficiently ready for his style of playing. After few under average presentation from ACR, he decided to announce that he is hurt (broken thumb on the throwing hand!), but he will continue to play. He played "injured" with idea to prevent Jordan Love to take the field and with that disenable Jordan Love to show how good he is. After one hard hit vs Eagles at the beginning of the 4th Q he decide to check what is with his hurting ribs (notice, nothing was broken, but it was very panful - just to compare with broken thumb on the hand he using to throw the ball!) and Jordan Love stepped in the game. He was playing so well that Packers almost came to close to Eagles and have possibility to win the game. That might happened if referees called that pass interference call on the last throw from Jordan Love to Randall Cobb. They should get the ball at 1 yard line in front of red zone.

On the 1st press conference after the game ACR said that everything is ok with him and that he will play until there is the slightest chance to win the wild card position.

Now, he is pushing Packers to make the decision and push him out of Green Bay so that he can say how they still do not respect him and, in his mind, he will be good guy and Packers will be bad.

So, for me, there is only 3 options for Packers to proceed: 1. they trade ACR (I would like that trade will be to the team ACR are agreed to, but not necessarily); 2. ACR to retire and 3. Packers to cut the ACR. Fourth option is not feasible, because it would be easy way for ACR to spit on Packers - that option is that they keep him on the roster as Jordan Love's back up. That would be disrespectful, I do not believe any Packers player deserve that way of behavior, after all, there was ~10 joyful years of Packers football while ACR lead them.

Thank you!

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barutanseijin's picture

February 28, 2023 at 05:44 pm

If Bart Starr finished as a backup, so can Rodgers.

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NorCalPacker685's picture

February 28, 2023 at 12:19 pm

This whole concept of 2 plans is what has held this team back from getting over the proverbial hump for years... one eye on the future and one eye on the now... Just have a backbone and move forward with THE plan. And that plan should be to trade Rodgers for as much as you can, and surround Jordan Love with as much talent as you can. That is the only way you can find out what he is as a player... You gave 12 Donald Driver, Jennings, Nelson, Jones, Finley and so on when he first started. Do the same for Love and see what happens... Aaron's reign is over. It was a fun ride that started out great, and ended with way too many playoff 3 and outs when it mattered most. I'm ready for the next generation!!!

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 28, 2023 at 12:40 pm

Normal, I am in lockstep with you!

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dobber's picture

February 28, 2023 at 03:07 pm

I would expect that they have multiple plans spelled out for the offseason regarding how key players and contract restructures go, and with signings leading into the draft. I'd also think that after each change, they're updating and adjusting those plans, figuring in draft opportunities and routes through the draft (lots of those). Otherwise, what are they doing with all their time? Playing Mario Kart?

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MooPack's picture

February 28, 2023 at 03:21 pm

Actually I think they are playing the old Electric Football to design plays.

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dobber's picture

February 28, 2023 at 05:13 pm

Dude!

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Turophile's picture

February 28, 2023 at 05:15 pm

Under the 'What Changes' heading there should be something said about the scheme and how a new QB would execute MLF's vison.

Some have suggested that Rodgers changes quite a lot at the calls sent in, at line of scrimmage. Me. I have no idea if he he does it a lot or (like all QBs do, at least occasionally). If Love becomes the starter many will be watching to see if the scheme runs differently and by how much. Someone like Dusty Evely can chart the plays and probably will have a good idea of the scheme differences.

Of course there will always be SOME differences as schemes evolve over time and we would be going from a real vet to a younger player, who may not have the same strengths, but how big will those changes be ?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 01, 2023 at 02:32 am

The Packers' front office should have two plans without a doubt, if not three. In the unlikely event that AR retires, GB picks up quite a bit of salary cap relief in March (assuming it is amicable and AR does the expected by adjusting his contract and then retiring post June) and a trifle more in June. There would be considerably more spendable cap space. Another plan if AR insists on returning to play for GB in 2023. That leaves GB with about $19M to spend on FAs while keeping their scheduled draft picks. And then a plan if AR is traded.

Indeed, particularly if AR retires or is traded, the front office has a philosophical decision to make: do they get younger and/or also improve the cap situation or try to surround Love with as much talent as possible? What about surrounding Love with as much offensive talent as possible while not overly focusing on the defense? Do you mangle Clark's already much abused contract so that his cap number is up there with Aaron Donald's (~$27.5M for 2024)? Ditto for Bakh, Douglas, Campbell, etc.

The coaches should have two plans as well.

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greengold's picture

March 01, 2023 at 06:36 am

I agree TGR. The Packers simply have too many moving parts, be it players, any number of trade partners, or cap adjustments. All of that I’m trusting is being planned for, or has been long anticipated. No surprises, as this will be our 3rd consecutive year with questions at QB1.

Multiple plans are more than likely in place given the multitude of possible scenarios in play. Gutekunst has no chance of appeasing fans at this stage.

Patience is a virtue.

I’ll be shocked if AR isn’t traded to NYJ. I’m sure his agent is seeking offers, and, knowing AR as we do, he’ll want Bak to travel along with him.

Why? Woody Johnson, a top 5 D, gaping holes on their OL and $$$$.

Woody Johnson is driving that train, and he’s one deal away from his Jets being legit SB contenders.

That deal is not for a 2-8 below 40 degrees Carr.

Add, we should be grateful LV is a prominent player in this, further driving price to the Packers’ benefit.

Gutekunst shouldn’t be expected by fans to say a thing about this current status… but…

A lot of moving pieces.

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Coldworld's picture

March 01, 2023 at 12:14 pm

It’s not about the number of plans, but how realistic they are in the context of our position and competitors. Plans are only as good as their strategic foundation.

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