Despite a 3-6 start, the Green Bay Packers rallied under quarterback Jordan Love to win six of their last eight games and get to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the NFC.
The club ended 9-8 and was barely outside the top ten offensively, indicating that it will be a top-tier outfit next season. Green Bay’s playmakers around quarterback Jordan Love include running back Aaron Jones, receivers Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks, as well as tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft.
Love, who is in the final year of his rookie contract and will receive $12.75 million on his fifth-year option, is due for a contract extension this summer. Getting that done is probably GM Brian Gutekunst’s top offseason priority.
The Packers’ defense also requires some serious repair. The club finished 17th in total defense, 16th in sacks, and 31st in interceptions, prompting the sacking of defensive coordinator Joe Barry and the hire of Jeff Hafley as his replacement.
Here’s everything you should know about Green Bay’s offseason:
PROJECTED 2024 CAP SPACE: $10.33 million (10th-worst in the NFL).
Offense: running backs A.J. Dillon and Patrick Taylor; tight ends Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis; offensive tackles Yosh Nijman and Caleb Jones; offensive guard Jon Runyan
Defense: LB. Eric Wilson; cornerbacks Keisean Nixon and Robert Rochell; safety Jonathan Ford, Darnell Savage, Zayne Anderson, Christian Uphoff, and Jonathan Owens.
Special teams: Punter Daniel Whelan
Outlook: Dillon has been an ideal No. 2 back in Green Bay, averaging 728 yards per season over the last three years. It would make perfect sense for GB to retain him around. Runyan is one of the league’s best guards, but he’s likely too expensive for the Packers’ comfort. Though the organization has seven defensive backs ready to hit free agency, none are really worthy of keeping. Expect Green Bay to make a strong free-agent push for serious cornerback and safety help.
2024 DRAFT PICKS: Round 1 (No. 25 overall) | Round 2 (via New York Jets) | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 3 (via Buffalo) | Round 4 | Round 5 | Round 6 | Round 6 | Round 7 | Round 7
TOP DRAFT NEEDS (in order): CB, DL, OL, S, LB – The Packers had the second-fewest interceptions in the NFL in 2023 (seven), so it wouldn’t be unexpected if they selected a cornerback with the 25th choice. Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry or Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw would be ideal opponents for Jaire Alexander.
If the team wants to strengthen its defensive line, Michigan’s Kris Jenkins (6-foot-3, 304 pounds) or Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat (6-foot-4, 362 pounds) would be excellent Round 1 picks. Both may impede running lanes with their large bodies and put pressure on the quarterback.
