The 2023 season is likely going to be a reset year for the Green Bay Packers. They were unable to spend much during the offseason as they figured out the Aaron Rodgers situation. By trading him they incurred a lot of dead cap space, but their future outlook is much brighter with the money that was cleared.
The Packers also have a very young roster that is lacking experience at multiple positions. Key roles are going to be filled by first and second-year players, which will lead to some bumps in the road.
But, there is no denying the talent on the roster. If things go well, the Packers will surprise some people. Preparing for their second game of the preseason, the coaching staff and front office will now have to start thinking about how they will pare down the roster.
Cut-down day is right around the corner and e could start to see some roster movement in the coming days. Teams will look to trade some players to recoup some value instead of outright releasing them and receiving nothing in return.
In the opinion of Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, the Packers should be placing star edge rusher Rashan Gary on the trading block. Holder believes the depth that Green Bay has built up across its defensive front should allow them to shop Gary around and take the best return package.
“The 25-year-old is about to enter a contract year and has proved he can be productive when healthy, which should make him a coveted asset on the trade market. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers have Preston Smith under team control until 2027 and just spent their first pick of the draft on another edge defender, Lukas Van Ness.
So, the Packers would still have plenty of pass-rushers if they dealt Gary, especially since they also selected defensive linemen Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks last April, plus Devonte Wyatt the year before.”
After seeing stars Davante Adams and Rodgers traded in consecutive offseasons, if the Packers moved Gary, there may be a revolt from the fan base. 25-year-old ascending pass rushers do not get traded unless it is clear that a long-term deal will not be reached.
There has been no indication that the Packers and Gary won’t be able to work out a long-term deal. His recovery from an ACL injury last season certainly complicates things a little bit, but there is a deal to be made.
If the Packers are going to trade anyone from their pass-rushing room, it would be Preston Smith. Smith turns 31 in November and it could be argued that he no longer fits the team’s timeline. He wouldn’t return a trade package as significant as Gary, but Gary is someone that Green Bay should be building around, not looking to move.
