In 2019, 2020, and 2021, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst was in the fortunate position of building championship-contending teams. Trade deadlines came and went, but Gutekunst refrained from making major moves, as his team was thriving.
However, 2022 was a different story. A team built for championship success stumbled with a 3-5 record. Despite having Aaron Rodgers fresh off back-to-back MVP seasons, the Packers were struggling, ranking 26th in scoring. Gutekunst explored trade options but ultimately stayed put.
Now, in 2023, the Packers are facing another challenging season. With a 2-5 record and four consecutive losses, the team has struggled to make any significant progress. Given the team’s overall performance, there seems to be little reason for the Packers to become buyers at this trade deadline.
The 2023 season was always viewed as a rebuilding year. The primary goals were to evaluate Jordan Love’s capabilities, foster the growth of young receivers, and address salary cap concerns. The vision was to lay the foundation for future championship-caliber teams, with experienced quarterbacks and receivers leading the way.
Gutekunst was cautious in free agency, mainly focusing on safety and special teams. So, it’s puzzling why he would now consider parting with valuable draft picks just days before the trade deadline.
The Packers are not a strong team at the moment. Recent losses to the Raiders, Broncos, and Vikings emphasized that fact. Acquiring a receiver or offensive lineman won’t magically transform the Packers into a winning team.
The Packers’ young receiving corps has underperformed, but adding a veteran receiver during the season isn’t a magical solution. The growth process would need to restart with a new player who must learn the offense and develop chemistry with Jordan Love. Rather than making a trade for immediate results, it might make more sense to target a veteran receiver in free agency next March.
In summary, the Packers are not in a position to compete for a championship this season. The focus should remain on long-term development and building a stronger team for the future. There’s no need for a quick fix.
If anything, Gutekunst should be considering selling. Players like Preston Smith and De’Vondre Campbell, both 30 years old, have showcased their value in recent games. Trading them could yield draft picks and provide younger players with valuable experience.
This season has always been about setting the stage for the coming seasons. While it may be a challenging reality for some veterans, it’s a necessary step for the Packers’ future success. The Green Bay “G” logo is the ultimate priority, and the team’s focus should be on the future. Stand by Love, invest in young talents, and embrace the coming seasons with optimism.