Green Bay Packers new general manager Brian Gutekunst said all the right things at his first meeting with the media when he was hired and since then at other various events (Senior Bowl, NFL Combine).
Gutekunst said he was going to be aggressive in the free agent market. Being aggressive and ‘doing something’ are two different things. Personally, I think his statements while truthful are going to leave the Packer fans extremely disappointed.
The Packers need some big time talent signed for their defense and at tight end. DT Muhammad Wilkerson is an example of this. He is also meeting with New Orleans, a better team than Green Bay, and Kansas City, a team which will take a step back this year. Hopefully, Wilkerson’s relationship with DC Mike Pettine will be the key.
But if Wilkerson signs with the Packers, he won’t be cheap. And that’s the problem.
Gutekunst can say all he wants about “being aggressive” in free agency, but the Packers – unless they cut or work out pay cuts for people like Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb – don’t have a lot of money to spend once they sign their draft picks.
They desperately need a edge rusher and a cornerback and to find them on the free agent list is easy – signing them is not.
Believe it or not, they are even more desperate for a tight end – and there are good ones in the draft – but there are also some good ones on the free agent list – they won’t be free.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Wilkerson and then on March 14 when the signing period begins.
I just wouldn’t hold my breath.
