As the clock at Lambeau field hits 00:00 and the Green Bay Packers suffer another heartbreaking loss, the crowd roars turn to what seems like hopeless silence once again.
Before the wounds of another postseason collapse have healed Packers nation has shifted their thoughts and anxiety to the many questions of the upcoming offseason. Packers faithful sit and wonder, what’s next ?
Make no mistake about it, this off-season will forge the next 5-10 years of the Green Bay Packers franchise. So let’s take a stroll down the hypothetical road and scenarios that could unfold.
The first domino that needs to fall is with soon to be back to back MVP QB Aaron Rodgers. Does Aaron want to return ? Does he want to leave ? How much salary will hr command ? How long does he want to retire ?
Let’s assume Aaron Rodgers returns (I personally think this is the case). The first question is why would he return? This is a fairly easy answer. He has comfort and a career rejuvenation under coach MLF. He also would not have to face Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson… the list goes on and on. Clearly if Aaron Rodgers wants to continue playing it’s with a super bowl appearance in site and that path is much easier through the NFC. Next, let’s visit a contract extension.
Aaron Rodgers returning will free up much needed salary cap relief no matter what the annual value may be. Aaron could also sign a team friendly deal, however this seems unlikely. Aaron certainly wants to compete and signing any contract extension will allow the team the process of “keeping the band together”. Surely if Aaron Rodgers returns Davante Adams will follow suit, via franchise tag or extension.
I’m the scenario in which Aaron Rodgers departs or retires the Salary cap relief will also be ample.
Many in Packers nation are hoping for a trade of the MVP as the assets the team would obtain would be one of the biggest packages in NFL trade history, this would almost assure a quicker rebuild, which is of much importance to everyone in Titletown. Next, let’s visit the Packers salary Cap issues.
The packers are roughly 40 million over the salary cap and need Russ Ball to pull many, many Rabbits out of his hat. Although the salary cap situation for the Packers looks dire and gloom, the upcoming salary cap explosion in 2023 and beyond is sure to allow the team to become more aggressive in retaining their many prized free agents. There will be “tough decisions” on the roster in the term of cap casualties. Let’s take our best guess on how the packers could intact get the salary cap back to baseline.
1.) Rodgers extension 2.) restructures of David Bakhtiari, Kenny Clark, and Adrian Amos. 3.) cuts: Zadarius smith, Lucas Patrick, Billy Turner, Randall Cobb
The above situation will allow the Packers to now approach resigning some of their in house free agents. My guess is Lazard will return after signing his tender so let’s not include him. I believe the Packers will tag or sign Davante long term. I believe that Rasul Douglas will return on a lesser deal than he would get on the open market. I do not believe all pro LB Campbell will return, despite the cap gymnastics I just don’t see a returning path for Campbell, I hope I’m wrong.
Allow me to put on my “Soothsayer” cap on for a moment.
I believe the packers core returns to the Packers for a continued run at a chip. organizations like the packers do not like to rebuild. I think Aaron and Davante return. I predict that one of the smith bros return. Most importantly, I predict another North title and a chance for what seems like a world of fans and an organization that needs redemption.
-Mark
GoPackGo
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