2024 is coming to an end for the Green Bay Packers and the world in general. Overall, it was a good year that saw the team improve on its 2023 regular win total (9-8 to 11-5), win a NFL Playoff Game on the road (Dallas Cowboys), and reveal team President and CEO Mark Murphy’s successor.
However, as is the case with all seasons, the 2024 offseason and regular season was not without its controversies. Here, we’ll take a look at five such stories that had fans buzzing this past year.
1. The Green Bay Packers Drafted Jordan Morgan in the First Round of the 2024 NFL Draft
One of the biggest questions early in the year was who the Packers would draft with their first round pick. With the offense all but set with young talent, many expected Green Bay to address defense early and often in the 2024 NFL Draft.
And they did. Just not in the first round.
While many fans wanted the Packers to draft Cooper DeJean, a defensive back out of Iowa, in the first round, Brian Gutekunst and the front office instead selected offensive lineman Jordan Morgan.
Drafting Morgan was the first time the Packers selected an offensive lineman in the first round since 2011 when they drafted Derek Sherrod. While Morgan played left tackle in college, Green Bay has used him as a guard, making him the first interior lineman selected by Green Bay since Aaron Taylor in 1994.
Adding to the controversy is the fact Morgan has only played in six games and has spent most of the season on injured reserve. Meanwhile, the Packers’ defensive secondary has struggled at times while DeJean has had a stellar rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
2. The Jordan Love “Hold In”
After putting together the best first season starting by a quarterback in franchise history, Jordan Love proved to the organization that he is third consecutive franchise quarterback. Based on the way the NFL market is for quarterbacks, he expected to be paid like it.
While Love and the front office expressed optimism that they would have a deal done by the start of training camp, the first day of camp came and went without a deal.
Instead of holding out and subjecting himself to fines, Love reported for training camp on time, but did not participate in any practices until his contract was agreed upon.
It took a few days, but Love and the Packers eventually agreed on a four-year $220 million contract with the largest signing bonus in NFL history ($75 million).
3. The Green Bay Packers Suspended Wide Receiver Romeo Doubs
Through four weeks of the 2024 season, the Packers were 2-2, with both of their wins coming with Malik Willis starting at quarterback as Love sprained his MCL in Week One. Despite the .500 start, everything seemed to be looking up for the team as they were clearly playing better than they were in 2023.
But then wide receiver Romeo Doubs did not show up for practice leading up to Week Five. While reports vary, the common belief is that he was unhappy with his roll on the team and the number of targets that he was getting (at the time, he was second on the in targets).
Green Bay ended up suspending Doubs for that Week Five game, which was in his hometown of Los Angeles, California against the Rams.
The third-year wide receiver has 46 receptions for 601 yards and four touchdowns this season and is eligible for a contract extension in 2025. Many wonder, though, if he will get a second contract from the Packers.
4. The Green Bay Packers Signed Brandon McManus
There was no question that the Packers needed to fix their kicker position in 2024. Anders Carlson led the NFL in missed in 2023 and performed terribly in training camp in 2024. As fans recall, Green Bay opted to cut both Carlson and Greg Joseph in favor of Brayden Narveson, whom they claimed off of waivers.
But Narveson was not any better. While he made all of his extra point attempts, he only made 70% of his field goals through six weeks. This led Green Bay to cut him and sign free agent Brandon McManus.
At the time, the signing of McManus was controversial because of the lawsuit brought against him by former Jacksonville Jaguars flight attendants, who claimed he assaulted them on a team flight to London last year.
Gutekunst and McManus said the law suit had been resolved and that the Packers were comfortable moving forward with him.
It has worked out for the Packers, as McManus is on pace to have the second-best season in franchise history in terms of field goal percentage (currently at 94.4%).
5. The Jaire Alexander Knee Injury
Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander was looking to make 2024 a bounce-back year after an injury (and drama) filled season in 2023. He was off to a good start two, notching two interceptions in the season’s first three games, including his first career pick-six.
And while he missed a couple games early due to a groin injury, everything seemed fine. Unfortunately, Alexander injured his knee on the defense’s final play against the Jaguars in Week Eight. It looked awful when it happened, and many fans feared he would be lost for the season.
But the Packers said he avoided major injury and brought him back for Week 11 against the Chicago Bears. Alexander only played 10 snaps before being taken out of the game due to his injury.
He has not played since.
It was revealed soon after that he had torn his PCL, a worse injury than the team had thought. While he has practiced, he has not played. Many wonder if he is refusing to play while Green Bay is pushing him to return.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said he would not comment on any potential disagreements between Alexander and the medical staff, but did say he did not know if he would play again this year, including in the Playoffs.
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
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- Packers Fans Go Insane After Justin Jefferson Drops Key Pass
- “Should Be an OC, Not a HC;” Packers Fans Are Doubtful of Matt LaFleur Following Loss to Vikings
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