The Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst did not hesitate to begin making moves when Free Agency opened on Monday. Over the past few offseason, Gutekunst has made several franchise altering moves. Brian Gutekunst made the decisions to trade WR Davante Adams and QB Aaron Rodgers. On Monday, Gutekunst released two more long time, fan favorite Packers. It is quite clear that Brian Gutekunst will make the unpopular decisions.
The Packers were very active on day 1 of Free Agency. More active than most Packer fans can remember in some time. Gutekunst put Packer fans through an emotional roller coaster ride. To begin the day, Brian Gutekunst and the Packers released long time LT David Bakhtiari. Then, the Packers signed former Raider RB Josh Jacobs. For a few hours, it looked like the Packers had a dynamic running back duo. Those few exciting hours took a drastic turn when the Packers released RB Aaron Jones. Finally, Gutekunst and the Packers capped off the day with the massive signing of Safety Xavier McKinney. However, the decision to release Aaron Jones caused the most uproar.
To say Aaron Jones is a Packer fan favorite is an understatement. Jones is a standup man who handled himself with grace and respect. His contagious sense of kindness and friendliness will certainly be missed. Jones will always be a Packers legend. He will always have a place to stay in Green Bay. Gutekunst certainly rocked the boat with this move. Packer fans are not happy. However, Gutekunst made this move thinking it is best for the long term plan. Gutekunst knew this would not be a well-liked move. He understands how important Aaron Jones is to the Packers and the Green Bay community.
Tough Decisions for Brian Gutekunst
Brian Gutekunst vision for the Packers has started to become clearer and clearer. Last season, the Packers had the youngest roster in the NFL. By the end of the year, it was evident that many of these young players are oozing with talent. Jones is 29 years old. He turns 30 in December. Despite his strong finish to the 2023 season, he suffered several injuries throughout the season. Gutekunst made the decision to get younger at the RB position by signing Josh Jacobs. Josh Jacobs is 26 years old. Gutekunst is constructing a team that will play together for several more years.
The decision to move from Aaron Jones to Josh Jacobs will be judged in due time. Gutekunst will be held accountable by Packer fans if this move backfires. It is part of the gamble. Jacobs might play really well. Jones might struggle. Or, it is very possible that the alternative happens. Packer fans may not agree nor like all of Gutekunst’s decisions. Judging these decisions now is not right. The results will be determined on the field.
It is critical to remember that Gutekunst must make the decisions that he and his staff believe will set the Packers up for success. Gutekunst is a General Manager that is determined to follow his vision. His job is to build a team that will win football games. This responsibility requires him to make difficult decisions. Time will tell if these moves are correct. Gutekunst’s willingness to make tough decisions is an admirable trait for a general manager. Making unpopular decisions is part of the recipe for a successful franchise and having a general manager who is not afraid to do so is one to appreciate.
