The Green Bay Packers are looking ahead to the upcoming season with optimism—especially on the offensive side of the ball, where quarterback Jordan Love is expected to take a major step forward. The Packers are depending heavily on Love, and it seems the success of their season will hinge on what he can deliver.
“It’s Jordan Love time. Only one offensive player on the roster (two-time Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins), and three players in total, predate the quarterback’s time with the team. He’s on a top-of-market deal, so the onus is on him to start lifting his teammates rather than the other way around. The roster’s still solid, but competitions at left tackle and receiver will help set the course for how far the team can go, and Love’s work through any bumps at those spots will be key,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote.
While the offense looks mostly settled, the defense could use some reinforcement. With Steelers star T.J. Watt reportedly growing unhappy in Pittsburgh, the Packers may have a golden opportunity to strike a deal.
“The Packers are trying to contend for a Super Bowl, and Watt is exactly the player Green Bay needs to really assert itself as formidable threats in the NFC. Adding Watt as a bookend rusher with defensive end Rashan Gary would put NFC North quarterbacks on notice. That would be an unreal coup for the Packers at this point, and the team has the cap space to sign Watt to a deal of his choosing. Returning Watt to Wisconsin (where he played college ball) would be a fun way for the pass-rusher’s career to end. Green Bay could also send its 2023 first-round defensive end Lukas Van Ness back to Pittsburgh to make this trade feasible for the Steelers,” For the Win’s Cory Woodroof wrote.
Van Ness was projected to play a major role in Green Bay’s defense, but his snap count has steadily declined. Trading a young, talented player for someone with over 100 career sacks would represent a major upgrade for the Packers—and the Steelers could develop Van Ness into the player he was expected to become.
