Packer’s change has begun!

Now that we have the Ceremonial NFL Pro Bowl behind us and Super Bowl 54 soon upon us, change has already begun at 1265 Lombardi Ave. The trio of Davante Adams, Kenny Clark and Z’Darius Smith represented the Packers well in the Pro Bowl. It was a nice honor for them to have the opportunity to showcase their talents, albeit in a very controlled game-like situation.

In Green Bay, change wasted no time. Secondary Coach Jason Simmons departed the team for a position with the Carolina Panthers. Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur wasted no time and has interviewed two prospective replacements. Jerry Gray, 57 has a long NFL resume including having been a Defensive Coordinator twice. He has worked with great defensive minds such as Mike Zimmer, Gregg Williams and Pete Carroll. Gray would add a level of experience to the defensive. LaFleur also interviewed 46 year old Tony Oden who was most recently with the Miami Dolphins (not an inspiring thought). Oden’s other stops in the NFL were more impressive, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, New Orleans and Houston. Green Bay has some nice talent in the Secondary, I’m interested to see what some new energy will bring.

In the coming months we can expect to see more change coming both by subtraction and addition. We know Gutekunst does not fear Free Agency as did Ted Thompson. I believe help from Free Agency will come in the form of a veteran Slot WR, a true MLB, and Dline to complement Kenny Clark. DL Montravius Adams appeared to begin 2019 with great promise, but that seemed to fade as the season wore on. 2020 will be a make or break year for Mo Adams. At this point we don’t know the fate of TE Jimmy Graham, LB Blake Martinez or OL Brian Bulaga. These players salaries would impact the Packers CAP space tremendously moving forward. We can only watch as GM Brian Gutekunst, HC Matt LaFleur and DC Mike Pettine determine who they want to see back with the Packers from a list of a dozen or so Free Agents.

I want to get the Super Bowl in the rear view mirror and look ahead at possible FA signings, OTA’s, and the NFL Draft. It will be exciting to see who enters training camp 2020 wearing the Green and Gold. We know this Packer Leadership isn’t afraid of change, but embraces change. During the Post Season Press Conferences, they made it very clear, the Packers are “In it to Win it!” Let’s investigate and enjoy what the future holds for 2020 in the next several months.

As Always, Go Pack Go!

PackerGreg