The 2023 season has just ended, and on March 13, the 2024 campaign will open its doors. Touchdown Actu therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Green Bay Packers.
The transition did not last long. Orphaned by their quadruple MVP who left for the big city, the Packers had to rebuild. Express metamorphosis with qualification for the playoffs and a clear victory against Dallas in the 1st round. Green Bay seems to have once again had the upper hand on its choice of quarterback with a Jordan Love extremely promising especially in the 2nd part of the season.
With the youngest squad in the NFL, the objective of the offseason is simple: capitalize on young talents and strengthen with the aim of going even further in 2024. With 5 picks in the top 100 and probably a few million to spend during the free agencythe franchise has some great cards in its hands.
The captains
1. Aaron Jones (RB)
2. Jordan Love (QB)
3. Rashan Gary (Edge)
Symbol of his team’s flamboyant end to the season, Aaron Jones has become the symbol of the franchise. The fans’ favorite, and the cornerstone of the locker room. Basic element of Matt LaFleur’s attack, the efficiency of Aaron Jones makes his quarterback’s life easier. Despite a significant impact on the payroll in 2024, the runner’s future will continue to be written in green and gold.
He was expected around the corner. Carrying the heavy legacy of two generations of Hall of Famer quarterbacks who have succeeded each other over the last 30 years, Jordan Love put on the costume. Not without difficulty at the start of the year, he gained momentum throughout the season, to the point of having a very high level second half of the season. Creating great chemistry with his young corps of receivers, Jordan Love established himself as a leader and led the attack brilliantly, reassuring of his ability to be the quarterback of the futureand giving new ambition to everything Titletown.
If he has not yet reached his hoped-for potential, Rashan Gary has gained ground on the line over the years. Extended at the end of October, Rashan Gary is now the strong man in the defense. In a squad called to continue its rejuvenation during this offseason, the pass rusher will be a major anchor point and the relay for the staff on the field.
The undesirables
– David Bakhtiari (OT)
– De’Vondre Campbell (LB)
– Jaire Alexander (CB)
David Bakhtiari signed what was the largest contract for a tackle in November 2020 and since then he has only played 20 games. David Bakhtiari, as talented as he is, should be placed in the category of industrial accidents. A cost of $4 million per game played since then. It’s high time to stop the bleeding. By releasing him from his final year of contract, Green Bay will save $21 million in its payroll.
After a high-flying season in 2021 that saw him named an All Pro, De’Vondre Campbell is on the decline. Quay Walker’s takeover as leader of the second curtain and some physical glitches brought him back into line. Frustrated or even angry during the season, his future could quickly be written far from Wisconsin. The Packers would recover some liquidity in the operation.
If the idea has so far been ruled out by the general manager, Jaire Alexander’s future remains quite uncertain. Far from his best level in 2023, the cornerback is far from justifying his incredible salary. Suspended a match by the team during the season because of his behavior, Alexander has also already posted a farewell message on social networks. In Green Bay we only accept diva attitudes from quarterbacks, so it would not be surprising if the departure of the two-time Pro Bowler is considered during the spring, particularly in the event of an interesting offer. Given the structure of his contract, this will only be possible after June 1st.
The summer man
Jeff Hafley (Defensive Coordinator)
Recurring problem for several seasons, the Packers defense has been singled out again all season and the now former coordinator Joe Barry designated scapegoat and guilty of all evils. Certainly rightly so.
Matt LaFleur went looking for his successor at the university level. Jeff Hafley was the head coach of Boston College for 4 years. Also passing through Ohio State in 2019 with excellent defensive results, the 44-year-old technician also experienced the NFL as a defensive back coach.
Hafley will quickly have to reassure himself about his abilities to lead a squad which is not devoid of talent, but which lacks consistency. Follower of an aggressive philosophy, the opposite of Barry’s preventive defense, Jeff Hafley will also be expected in his ability to help players progress.. A quality that the technician demonstrated particularly during his time in Columbus. The franchise has invested heavily in defense in the 1st round of the draft in recent seasons (Stokes, Walker, Wyatt, Van Ness), and they all need to improve to justify their selection.
The main free agents
1. Kesean Nixon (CB/KR)
2. AJ Dillon (RB)
3. Jon Runyan (OL)
4. Darnell Savage (S)
5. Rudy Ford (S)
Others: Jonathan Owens (S), Yosh Nijman (OT), Josiah Deguara (TE), Tyler Davis (TE), Eric Wilson (LB).
Double All Pro at the position of kick returner, Kesean Nixon also spent the entire season as a starter at slot cornerback. With a mixed record. At best, the former Raider is a complementary player on defense. The way his contract was structured last year, he will count for 1.5 million in the payroll even without being under contract. Adding salary to that seems a bit high for a special teams player.
Workhorse of the racing game, AJ Dillon does not have the qualities to carry an attack on his shoulders. He failed to seize opportunities in the absence of Aaron Jones and did not perform as expected on the goal line. However, a return could not be ruled out provided that the financial terms are those of a back-up runner.
A 4-year starter on the offensive line, Jon Runyan is an average player. Neither good nor bad. Not always brilliant at opening gaps for runners, the franchise has almost already confirmed its succession by creating a rotation with Sean Rhyan at the end of the season.
Selected in the 1st round in 2019, Darnell Savage never confirmed the hopes placed on him. Despite a few flashes, his wanderings have too often cost the Packers points, it is time to turn the page. The other two safeties are also at the end of their contract. One of the two will certainly have to be retained if only for the sake of rotation. In this game, Rudy Ford gave the most guarantees of reliability and great special teams skills.
The Top 5 needs
1. Safety
2. Guard
3. Cornerback
4. Running back
5. Linebacker
The weakest link in Green Bay’s defense, the safety position also sees almost the entire squad reach the end of their contract. It’s not one, not two, but three players who should be expected during the offseason. Whether in the draft or among free agents, the general manager has already announced the color, saying he is confident in the team’s ability to unearth talent via these two levers.
Still among defensive backs, the cornerback position will also have to be considered. Even if Jaire Alexander was confirmed, the question of his opposite arises. Eric Stokes has only played two games in 2023, and seems to perpetually struggle with physical glitches here and there. The rookie Carrington Valentine has, for his part, shown some promise, but he does not necessarily have the makings of a regular starter. Finally, the nickel position occupied in 2023 by Nixon would also deserve a new face to help the squad progress.
The offensive line suffered a lot in the first part of the season, whether in the running game or in pass protection. If the end of the year showed an improvement, can young Rasheed Walker really establish himself as a starting left tackle? Nothing is less sure. But the staff seems to have confidence in the former Penn State player. Reinforcements on the line could then concentrate on the interior. Josh Myers never reassured himself at the center position, and the right side saw an unusual alternation between Runyan and Rhyan.
If Aaron Jones is unbeatable and essential, he has never been overused by the Packers. As the years go by, there is no reason for this to change. A number 2, capable of becoming number 1 following drives, must therefore be found to relieve Jones.
The change in defensive scheme which is beginning implies for the linebackers a redistribution of roles for some, but also the integration of profiles necessarily present in the workforce currently.
Target
Xavier McKinney (S)
The safety position is so depopulated that we should expect a double dose of reinforcement during the spring. The draft bringing its share of uncertainties, the Packers will necessarily have to be active on the free agent market to find an already seasoned player. The potential savings in payroll should allow the franchise to make a move or two.
If his career was punctuated by physical glitches, Xavier McKinney has also established himself as a reference in his position when he is in full possession of his means. Versatile, as effective in tackling as in coverage, the current Giant is a leader as proven by his status as captain of the blues. A new strong man for the final curtain, and a relay for the new defensive coordinator.
New blood
Graham Barton (OL)
The Packers showed in 2023 that they are never stronger than when the ground game is running at full speed. Suffering at the start of the season, the interior of the line showed signs of weakness and inconsistency. Versatile and able to play all 5 positions on the offensive line, Graham Barton has the profile that Green Bay loves.
Tackle at Duke, he should probably be repositioned at the next level. Intelligent, mobile and solid on its supports, its contribution to opening gaps should delight the runners. And relieve Love as a result. At the end of the first round, the franchise would not lose out by opting for this player.
Other picks: Cooper DeJean, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Kamren Kinchens
2024-02-19 11:00:33
#Intersaison #Green #Bay #Packers #ambition #rediscovered
