Now that the dust has settled on another Packers season, it is time to look forward to the offseason, and this year the offseason outlook looks good for the Packers.
Looking back to last year there were some major questions heading into the 2023 offseason.
The biggest question was whether or not then starting Quarterback Aaron Rodgers would come back to the Packers for another season.
Other questions were whether or not the Packers should go in big in the free agent market.
Should there be a veteran presence in the Wide Receiver room?
What was the future of Packers Offensive Lineman David Bahktiari?
All those questions in the offseason led to some uncertainty of how the 2023 season would go.
Offseason Outlook One year Later
Fast forward a year later.
The Packers enter the offseason as a confident, young team, poised and ready to improve on their 9-8 season.
A season that included a playoff run and a wild card victory.
A season where the team almost pulled it off against the top team in the NFC in their house.
To keep or not to keep
There are several pieces on the Packers that are free agents this offseason.
On offense A.J Dillon, John Runyan Jr. and Yosh Nijman are some of the names that are free agents this offseason.
Meanwhile some of the names on defense who are free agents include Keisean Nixon, Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford.
The Packers have the option to ether resign those players or let them test out the free agent market.
Needs and Improvement
The Packers needs seem to be on the defensive side.
Going into last offseason the Packers thought that was the strongest part of their team.
Instead the Packers struggled and by last week the Packers let go of defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
But there are some gapping holes on the Packers defense and that showed during their loss against the 49ers.
First, they need to reamp the saftey position.
Clearly Savage might not be the solution at free saftey and he might not be back with the team.
Owens and Ford are also free agents but both show some potential.
The Packers also need to address the cornerback position opposite of Jaire Alexander.
After the release of Rasul Douglas, Carrington Valentine stepped in nicely but he seems to work well as the nickel corner.
Finding a corner opposite of Alexander not only frees up Nixon for his kick return duties but he can then be the dime corner if needed.
Lastly on defense the Packers need to find some depth at Inside Linebacker.
It is unknown if De’Vondre Campbell is coming back next season.
Late in the season it seemed like the Packers were just using him on certain downs while using Isaiah McDuffie as the main Inside Linebacker.
Ether way the Packers must find at least one more person at that position to have some depth.
Whether its through the draft or though Free Agency the Packers must address these needs during the offseason.
A much clearer picture
At this time during the offseason there was a very foggy picture.
A lot of uncertainty.
This year is a different story, the offseason outlook has more of a clearer picture.
The questions are there but there are more answers can be found easier now without any uncertainty.
The 2024 Offseason already is off to a better start than last year, hopefully a sign that the 2024 season will be a successful one.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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