The NFL scriptwriters went crazy when they sent the Green Bay Packers back-to-back franchise quarterbacks to the New York Jets 15 years apart.
The fact that they both derailed in New York perfectly encapsulates what the 21st century has looked like for Gang Green. Green Bay’s contrarian approach to the quarterback position, drafting a first-round successor years before his inauguration as the franchise signal-caller, has become a major storyline amidst Jordan Love‘s early success. It hasn’t taken long for fans and media to joke that the Packers will also ship him to the Big Apple a little over a decade from now.
Elements of Brett Favre’s and Aaron Rodgers’ games are palpable when watching Love. From the side-arm slings and the one-legged releases to some ill-advised rockets over the middle, Rodgers and Favre are like the angel and devil on his shoulders.
However, Love doesn’t have a Sterling Sharpe or Jordy Nelson. Brian Gutekunst has constructed a unique wide receiver room that gets most things done by committee. Christian Watson is the deep threat, Romeo Doubs is the chain mover, Jayden Reed is the gadget player, and Tucker Kraft has emerged as a physical red-zone threat.
After a humbling playoff loss in Philadelphia and a sophomore season characterized by an inability to reach the next level, there is a unanimous belief that the Packers need more firepower. After introducing themselves with a dominant road Wild Card win in Dallas last offseason, they filled their biggest hole with the best safety on the market and swapped out their beloved running back for a younger, more physical bruiser.
Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs became instant leaders and made their positions the team’s greatest strengths. Losing to a team stacked from top to bottom like the Philadelphia Eagles only emphasizes how important it is for Gutekunst to land a true difference-maker this spring. I may have name-checked Sharpe and Nelson, but there’s a guy out there who is arguably more accomplished than either, and he is still playing at a high level.
Davante Adams finally made it to New York with Rodgers last season, just in time for their season to completely fall apart. With Rodgers’ uncertain future, Adams will likely have a new home next season or perhaps an old one. He was transparent about leaving Green Bay because of uncertainty around Rodgers and a desire to continue performing at the highest level. Las Vegas was not the place to do that, and he has acknowledged how much Love has exceeded his expectations. A reunion would not only be a cinematic plot twist from the scriptwriters, but it would also give Love a legitimate No. 1 receiving threat that could get the young Packers over the hump.
Adams isn’t the only major talent trying to escape in New York. Aaron Glenn was a strong hire who will make a valiant effort to keep things together as the team begins rebuilding or at least searching for its franchise quarterback. Still, plenty of key pieces have one foot out the door. In particular, there is chatter that elite young wideout Garrett Wilson may seek a trade this offseason. The reporters presented this in the specific case in which Rodgers returns. Still, his frustration has been palpable as the losses stacked up and his involvement declined after Adams’ arrival.
He would cost a fortune, but for good reason.
A top wideout would be a huge get, but other premium positions look even more precarious. At cornerback, the Packers appear headed for a divorce with Jaire Alexander, their top cover corner. After a string of injuries, a team-imposed one-game suspension, and constant speculation about potential tension, it’s beginning to look like Alexander’s flamboyant personality and Green Bay’s tightly run, traditionalist organization have finally had enough of each other.
Cornerback was an issue before considering Alexander’s possible departure, so it vaults to the top team need. Last offseason, Gutekunst addressed Green Bay’s greatest need at the top of the market. If he does so this season, that will lead him to Jets cornerback D.J. Reed. If Gutekunst opts to build through the draft instead, it could mean sitting through failed Kevin King and Quinten Rollins developmental phases before getting to Alexander’s heir apparent. Reed is the closest to a sure thing on the market this cycle.
And, finally, if Gutekunst feels more adventurous than usual, and perhaps willing to channel some of the desperation that led him to Brandon McManus, there is Haason Reddick. The Jets’ edge-rusher was elite in Philadelphia but tanked his value by holding out after the Eagles traded him to New York. There are character concerns, but he has proven his talent.
Lukas Van Ness, a first-round pick in 2023, has not lived up to expectations. He is far from a bust. Still, with Rashan Gary having a down season and not much depth existing behind them, an edge rusher is undoubtedly on the menu this offseason, one way or another.
The Packers have made a living by nailing franchise quarterbacks, even if they’ve been a bit premature. The Jets have failed to make theirs by trying to scrape up what’s left of them at the end of their careers. Amidst the calamities at MetLife Stadium this season, some elite talent is available at varying degrees.
Green Bay needs another difference maker or two, so it has every reason to turn its attention to New York and acquire a premium player in a different shade of green this fall.
