The Green Bay Packers are on the cusp of making the NFL playoffs as a wildcard with the youngest roster in the NFL.
At this point, it’s no secret general manager Brian Gunekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur are turning to youth that can thrive immediately as they turn the tide from the days of Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Davante Adams, Rasul Douglas and a bevy of other longtime veterans they have parted ways with in the last few years.
So far, it’s seemed to work to perfection.
While there are obvious holes on the 2023 Green Bay Packers — particularly on defense — there is more young talent on both sides of the ball then there has been in a long time.
Offensively, Jordan Love has thrived in his first season as the starting quarterback, but the Packers picked well and landed players who can contribute right away.
Jayden Reed appears to be the next standout wide receiver, while Christian Watson has succeeded in his second pro season while healthy. Luke Musgrave appears to have the potential to be a top-tier tight end, and Tucker Kraft has stepped up in his absence. The wide outs are young, but there is depth. Players such as Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and even Malik Heath have all stood up when their number was called.
It’s been amazing to see, and it’s unusual for an NFL club to prosper with such a youthful roster. Defensively, a few players are aging, including as De’Vondre Campbell, who will most likely not be returning in 2024. Jaire Alexander’s return is also unlikely at this point.
Preston Smith, who has 45 tackles and seven sacks and is still producing at a high level, will face a decision from the team.
Smith’s cap figures for the next three seasons are $16.51 million, $17.51 million, and $18.21 million, according to Over The Cap, and he turns 31 next month. The Packers would save only $2.52 million by releasing Smith in the offseason, leaving them with a dead cap cost of just under $14 million. The key element, however, is that Smith’s contract would expire in 2025.
Smith is performing admirably. The Packers will most likely have to let him go due to financial constraints, but he should have no trouble finding a new team.
However, the Green Bay Packers have lately drafted young defensive players that are beginning to play at a better level, like as Devontae Wyatt, who has 33 tackles, four sacks, a fumble recovery, and 3.5 tackles for loss, a significant improvement over his rookie season.
Quay Walker has found his stride in his second season after transferring from Georgia. He currently leads the team in tackles (103) and had an interception that he recovered for a touchdown earlier this season.
While there will be apparent issues addressed on the Pack defense, as well as a change in defensive coordinator in 2024 if the fans have their way, the youthful Green Bay attack is very much set.
The only two unknowns are veteran running backs AJ Dillon and Aaaron Jones, and it’s very certain that one, if not both, will be released this offseason.
Aaron Jones Is Almost Certain To Leave The Green Bay Packers This Offseason
While Jones has been a productive Green Bay regular for a long time and entered the 2023 season as one of the Packers’ most valued offensive assets, injuries have hampered him all season.
Jones will almost definitely play his final games for the Packers over the next two weeks and into the playoffs if Green Bay secures a spot, according to NFL experts at Spotrac.
It will ultimately come down to money as the Green Bay Packers try to free up as much cap room as possible in order to continue adding talented youth to their ascending squad.
“A knee injury diverted an already low-producing 2023, putting Aaron Jones and his $17.7M cap hit on notice this winter,” said writer Mike Ginnitti. A pre-June 1 release saves the Packers $5.3 million, while pushing this over June 1st saves the Packers $12 million.”
On the Spotrac podcast, the prognosis for Jones was much more foreboding, as if the Packers had already made their decision.
“Aaron Jones from Green Bay it does seem like that’s a foregone conclusion.”
Aaron Jones has struggled for the Packers this season due to injuries.
It will be difficult to digest given the explosive running back’s contributions to the team since his arrival as a fifth-round pick in 2017.He’s had three 1,000-yard seasons, including 1,121 yards last season. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and had a league-high 16 touchdowns in 2019.
But, as we’ve seen time and again in the NFL, Aaron Jones turned 29 this year and his output has dipped. This season, he has 425 yards and two touchdowns to his name. He’s averaging 4.3 yards per rush, which isn’t horrible but is the lowest in his career.
It will be difficult to digest given the explosive running back’s contributions to the team since his arrival as a fifth-round pick in 2017.He’s had three 1,000-yard seasons, including 1,121 yards last season. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and had a league-high 16 touchdowns in 2019.
But, as we’ve seen time and again in the NFL, Aaron Jones turned 29 this year and his output has dipped. This season, he has 425 yards and two touchdowns to his name. He’s averaging 4.3 yards per rush, which isn’t horrible but is the lowest in his career.
