Following a lacklustre season and the high-profile departure of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers defied expectations with a dramatic turnaround in 2023.
Rodgers' exit paved the way for Jordan Love to step into the spotlight after spending three seasons on the bench, and he immediately faced immense pressure to prove his worth.
The early signs were shaky, with Love's performances mirroring the inconsistency of the entire team.
However, a mid-season turnaround rekindled excitement, as Love and the Packers won six of their final eight games to clinch a surprising NFC wildcard berth.
The doubters were silenced in their first play-off outing - a dominant 48-32 victory over the number two seed Dallas Cowboys.
Love carved through the vaunted Cowboys defence, putting Green Bay into a commanding 48-16 lead with just ten minutes remaining in the game.
Their momentum nearly propelled them even further, as they challenged the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers in the divisional play-offs.
They came close to pulling off a remarkable feat as they led the 49ers for much of the second half before eventually falling to a 24-21 defeat.
As they prepare for the new NFL season, the Packers are set to shuffle the pack once again, with several players falling into the free agent category.
The Packers head into the off-season facing the challenge of navigating a tight salary cap. Despite boasting numerous young players still on rookie contracts, they are already $2.8 million over the 2024 limit.
Tackle David Bakhtiari, defensive lineman Kenny Clark and cornerback Jaire Alexander command significant portions of the 2024 cap at $40 million, $27.4m and $23.9m respectively.
These looming contracts, coupled with the need to retain talent and make strategic additions, will likely trigger a busy off-season filled with tough decisions for the Green Bay front office.
There are a total of 12 free agents on the Packers roster who are free to negotiate pre-contract terms and sign for whichever club they choose ahead of the new NFL season.
However, there are three we think they should keep on the roster to bolster their chances of landing a spot in the Super Bowl showpiece next season.
Trio of Free Agents Must Return
With three seasons under their belt, cornerback Robert Rochell and running back Patrick Taylor fall into the restricted free agent category, meaning the Packers could limit their market options by placing tenders on them.
However, losing both players could leave the Packers thin in key positions, so they might face a tough decision.
Rochell was a valuable special teams player and could provide cornerback depth for the Packers, while Taylor offered additional value on special teams and functioned as a reliable third-down running back with decent blocking and receiving skills.
While neither is guaranteed a starting spot next season, retaining even one of them would bolster the Packers' depth on both offence and defence.
Irish punter Daniel Whelan is another player the Packers must retain after a promising first season in the NFL. His 46.2-yard average per punt and zero punts blocked solidified his position, while his impressive hang time and clutch catches under pressure showcased his all-around contribution.
Although he had the lowest punt return rate in the NFL from Week 12, opponents averaged just 5.7 yards per return - the second-lowest average in that span of games.
Whelan played well in his first year in Green Bay, and his large fanbase in Ireland were able to capitalise by hitting the bookmakers hard towards the end of the regular season.
The best betting apps in Ireland rate the Packers as 23.00 shots to win the next Super Bowl – odds which would attract a ton of interest on the Emerald Isle if they retain Whelan's services.
NFL Draft the Key to Success for the Packers
In addition to resolving the futures of their free agents, the Packers must utilise the upcoming NFL Draft to fill some gaps in their squad. Here are a few potential options:
Taliese Fuaga
Taliese Fuaga could be a good option to boost their offensive line. The Oregon State standout boasts quick feet, powerful blocking and the versatility to play both tackle and guard.
Cooper DeJean
Cooper DeJean isn't just starter material at both cornerback and safety, he's also capable of adapting to multiple roles. He could blend into a hybrid safety/slot role, ready to seamlessly transition to outside cornerback when needed.
The 21-year-old could be the missing piece that offers defensive flexibility and adaptability for the Packers, which is a valuable asset in today's dynamic NFL landscape.
Troy Fautanu
The Packers need a versatile lineman who can line up at tackle and guard, and that's where Troy Fautanu comes in.
The 23-year-old could fill in for Bakhtiari, who has struggled with fitness issues. He could also slot inside to guard, while either Rasheed Walker or Zach Tom line up as Love's blindside protector.
Jordan Morgan
After assembling one of the youngest and most dynamic groups of skilled players in the league, it's time for the Packers to turn their attention to the offensive front.
Jordan Morgan is a versatile prospect with the potential to either follow in Bakhtiari's footsteps as an undersized yet promising left tackle or transition inside to solidify the guard position.
