The Packers were active in the free agent market last offseason. Big-ticket agreements for running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney helped the team finish 11-6 and qualify for the playoffs in 2024.
Given the number of core players Green Bay presently has on rookie contracts, the team ranks in the top half of the league in terms of spending power, with roughly $50 million in accessible dollars. A chunk of that sum will be required to keep in-house free agents and sign the Packers’ upcoming draft class, but there is still room for a significant move. However, one should not be expected given the current situation.
“I view every offseason that we have to attack it aggressively,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said (via Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal). “Every year, there won’t be a Josh Jacobs or Xavier McKinney to go get…” If it is right for us, we will attack it. If they are not present, it does not exist.”
During Gutekunst’s tenure, the Packers were not known for making big moves in free agency. It would be unsurprising if Green Bay had a calmer March this year, given the team’s total $35.5MM commitment in terms of guaranteed money to McKinney and Jacobs for 2024. Few notable pending free agents are expected to go, while kicker Brandon McManus remains a priority as the new league year approaches.
Of course, Gutekunst and the Packers will need to plan forward on the extension front while determining their financial priorities for the immediate future. According to Wilde, 2022 first-round picks Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt may have their fifth-year options picked up based on Gutekunst’s comments regarding the Georgia products after the season. A decision on both options must be taken by May 1, but leaving one or both in place until 2026 might pave the way for a long-term agreement.
Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, the team’s starting offensive tackles, are expected to leave in the offseason. Committing to one or both (along with other members of the 2022 selection class) will be critical for the Packers, thus preserving money for future deals would be a wise decision in a number of places. As Gutekunst and the Packers attempt to move ahead in the extremely competitive NFC North next year, a big signing or two may not be in the cards.
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