“Don’t leave a stone unturned.” That’s how Brian Gutekunst said he would build the Green Bay Packers list when introduced as the team’s general manager just over three years ago. This year, that mantra may be even more appropriate than ever, as the Packers face a difficult off-season from a financial point of view.
With the team reaching $ 12 million above the salary cap (depending on where the final number falls), Gutekunst and Russ Ball have a difficult job for them. It is likely that the restructured contracts are in the cards of this team, and there will probably still be some painful cuts coming as well.
But a tool in Gutekunst’s arsenal that he didn’t use – a stone he left unturned, as it were – is the franchise’s hallmark. In media availability on Tuesday, Gutekunst questioned whether the team is fundamentally opposed to the use of tags, which has not happened since 2010.
“It is very much on a case-by-case basis; there is no philosophy for not using it, ”replied Gutekunst. “It is always something we will look at and if it is the best situation for us, then we will go ahead and use it.”
The only strong contender to receive a tag this season would be Aaron Jones, both based on the tag’s finances – running backs are among the lowest-priced positions in the NFL – and his caliber of play in recent years. When asked directly about Jones being a tag candidate, Gutekunst acknowledged that this was a real possibility, saying “we certainly could (tag Jones), it is something we are working on”. Although he preferred not to follow this path – saying “there are usually better ways to do this” – Gutekunst left the door open. “I think that, as we walk the path here in the next week or so, if that is in the interest of the Packers, we will do that.”
The value of the franchise tag for a running back is currently projected at around $ 8.5 million, based on the expected salary cap. However, the Packers would need to release about $ 20 million in cash from the books before the start of the league year if they used a Jones tag. While this is theoretically possible, it would probably require some significant restructuring or contractual extensions for names like Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams or cuts involving players like Preston Smith and Dean Lowry.
However, the Packers’ financial situation does not prevent them from going after a big fish in the free agent market, if the adjustment is appropriate. Despite the financial challenges, Gutekunst said the team still hopes to be able to make one or two major signings under the right circumstances.
“I think we will be able to do that if the right player is there,” said Gutekunst, before alluding to the need to restructure some big-cap numbers and make some cuts. “A lot of that will be determined in the coming weeks, as we solve this puzzle and decide for some of our own guys, which is the first step. But if we think that the right player is out there and we think that he is the right thing for the Green Bay Packers, we will be able to do that. “
It is important to note, however, that the flexibility of the Packers is still limited, as the GM added that “we will not be able to make a much. “
In terms of providing this flexibility, no player has been discussed more among Packers fans than linebacker Preston Smith. Smith’s contract carries a $ 16 million cap in 2021, but cutting it would save the team $ 8 million in maximum space. However, Gutekunst told local writers on a private call that “we certainly hope (Smith) comes back”.
As our Peter Bukowski observed, Gutekunst said something similar in 2019 when asked about Jimmy Graham’s status amid speculation that he would be released that season. The team held Graham for another year – which seems to have been a mistake, given a 447 yard season while leading all NFL tight ends in a cap hit – and this suggests that they can do the same with Smith.
If Preston returns, however, it will still be difficult to imagine him doing so with that $ 16 million limit. The team may need to ask him to cut some kind of payment, especially due to his low year in 2020. Still, Smith is the only player on the list with experience playing for new defensive coordinator Joe Barry, which could pay off. some level of additional consideration for a return.
Keep your browsers locked at the Acme Packing Company for the next 15 days as we approach the start of the 2021 league year, which starts on March 17th.