The Packers opened the OTA portion of their offseason training this week. The news out of Green Bay has been very encouraging. According to Matt LaFleur, the Packers had one player missing from the team’s voluntary practices. CB Robert Rochelle had an excused absence due to a personal matter. Green Bay appears to be “all-in” so far this offseason. The buy-in from the Packers front office all way down to the last roster spot on has been exciting to see!
Green Bay, despite returning almost 81.8% of its roster from 2023, has experienced significant change this offseason. The organization hired a new Defensive Coordinator, who brought in several new staff members. The Packers moved on from veteran players like Aaron Jones, David Bakhtiari, De’Vondre Campbell, Darnell Savage, and Jon Runyan. Despite all that change, Gutekunst and LaFleur’s intent is to win a lot of football games in 2024.
Brian Gutekunst threw a knock out punch in free agency with the signings of Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney. Then, Gutekunst and his staff strategically addressed the draft with picks that filled the remaining holes on the roster – the secondary, offensive line, and running back. With an entirely different defensive scheme and new key offensive contributors, it is great to see an almost perfect attendance rating for voluntary practices.
The Packers Stars Are in the Building
If commitment was ever in question from the Packers superstars, OTAs have shut that down. It begins with QB Jordan Love. Love is in the middle of contract negotiations. Across the league, star players who are seeking extensions are not in attendance for OTAs. Justin Jefferson and Brandon Aiyuk are not in attendance for their teams’ voluntary practices. It is a breath of fresh air to see the Packers QB in attendance. It is clear Jordan Love is focused on winning and improving as a player and a leader.
CB Jaire Alexander has been praised throughout the offseason. In 2023, Alexander had a bizarre season. At times, it looked like he was uncommitted. So far, Alexander has been in the building for the entire offseason. Jaire is so bought-in that he is hitting the famous Soulja Boy “youuu” dance at practice. With a new Defensive Coordinator, Alexander’s participation in offseason programs and meetings is a great sign. He will play a massive role for the Packers in 2024. Their defensive success will depend greatly on Alexander’s level of play.
The minute the news broke that the Packers signed Safety Xavier McKinney, the excitement was through the roof. It was hard to imagine that excitement could grow but some how, some way it has! McKinney, like Alexander, has been a full participation at offseason meetings and workouts. Post practice, McKinney immediately watches the film. Then, he discusses it with his teammates before positional group meetings. That cannot be understated. The Packers secondary is young, especially at the safety position. McKinney’s counter part will most likely be a rookie or a second year player. Having a star player, communicate with young players like this, is a phenomenal sign for the Packers.
The energy and excitement in Green Bay is high. As the offseason continues on, it will be interesting to see if things stay the same. At the moment, the buy-in is obvious. It is even contagious!
