Dantés
Gute Loot
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2017
- Messages
- 12,154
- Reaction score
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The Packers have a super young team that's been to the playoffs in back to back seasons, they have cap space to move this off-season, and their GM is probably as good as anyone in the league at adding quality veteran talent to the roster.
But here's the problem-- this free agent class is terrible. There are hardly any blue chip talents due to hit the market, especially if you're aiming for younger players.
So how could the Packers still improve? I think it's by doing something that's kind of our of character: targeting players who are over 30. I have two in mind in particular:
1) Khalil Mack, DE, LAC: The Packers have a storied history of signing HOF level defenders nearing the end of their careers (White, Woodson, Peppers). Mack fits that mold. He was still playing at a very high level in 2024 and elite pass rushers tend to age gracefully. Green Bay currently has four young defensive ends, all of whom deserve some snaps, but none of whom are difference-makers. Mack would upgrade the pass rush while hopefully mentoring the younger guys in the room and perhaps helping them to finally break through.
2) Davante Adams, WR, NYJ: Adams is technically under contract, but New York saves a ton of money by releasing him (~30M in cap space). He's taken a step back from the elite player he once was, but he would still be the best receiver in GB by a wide margin. He's compelling to me mostly for two reasons: 1) he would immediately address the man coverage problems currently plaguing the Packers offense and 2) there's zero concern about his ability to translate to LaFleur's offense. He would be the ideal player-mentor for Wicks.
So you add a veteran leader to both sides of the ball who can still play and who also address areas of need. The relative depth in their position groups would meanwhile allow the Packers to carefully manage their snap load throughout the season and keep them fresh for a postseason push.
But here's the problem-- this free agent class is terrible. There are hardly any blue chip talents due to hit the market, especially if you're aiming for younger players.
So how could the Packers still improve? I think it's by doing something that's kind of our of character: targeting players who are over 30. I have two in mind in particular:
1) Khalil Mack, DE, LAC: The Packers have a storied history of signing HOF level defenders nearing the end of their careers (White, Woodson, Peppers). Mack fits that mold. He was still playing at a very high level in 2024 and elite pass rushers tend to age gracefully. Green Bay currently has four young defensive ends, all of whom deserve some snaps, but none of whom are difference-makers. Mack would upgrade the pass rush while hopefully mentoring the younger guys in the room and perhaps helping them to finally break through.
2) Davante Adams, WR, NYJ: Adams is technically under contract, but New York saves a ton of money by releasing him (~30M in cap space). He's taken a step back from the elite player he once was, but he would still be the best receiver in GB by a wide margin. He's compelling to me mostly for two reasons: 1) he would immediately address the man coverage problems currently plaguing the Packers offense and 2) there's zero concern about his ability to translate to LaFleur's offense. He would be the ideal player-mentor for Wicks.
So you add a veteran leader to both sides of the ball who can still play and who also address areas of need. The relative depth in their position groups would meanwhile allow the Packers to carefully manage their snap load throughout the season and keep them fresh for a postseason push.
