LeRoy Butler knows a thing or two about the Green Bay Packers organization. He has been in Green Bay for the better part of the last three decades. The Packers Super Bowl window seems to be two, MAYBE three years long. based on Aaron Rodgers’ cap hit he seems to be a lock for two more years (barring retirement), and possibly a third.
Butler attended the Red Smith Awards banquet in Appleton, Wisconsin on April 11th. Since 1965 iconic athletes, coaches, and commentators have spoke at the Red Smith Sports Awards. All proceed form this events are distributed to local youth sports organizations, high school booster clubs, and other similar organizations.
LeRoy Butler’s quote:
“I would tell them (Green Bay) not to panic yet. Just because some people are thinking you’ve lost so much on offense, you can’t get to a the Super Bowl. I would be patient and give the team room enough to get it right, I trust Brian (Gutekunst) to get it right, and Mark Murphy.”
“I have advocated openly that I would trade for DK Metcalf or Michael Thomas, or at one point they wanted Will Fuller. If it were me “I’d be on the phone with the Saints trying to get Michael Thomas. He has three years left of a four year deal. If it was me, I’d trade for DK Metcalf and when you bring him in here I’d sign him to an extension, the one that Davante Adams didn’t sign. Now you can draft whoever you want, it’s no pressure.”
Could these trades realistically work?
The biggest hurdle for signing or trading any of these wide receivers is the salary cap. While Russ Ball is a wizard, the salary cap is already pushing the limits. With Green Bay’s recent signing of Sammy Watkins, it appears as though they only have enough room left (currently) to sign their 11 rookies (pending they don’t trade any draft picks away). However there are a few moves Green Bay could make to create space:
- Extend CB Jaire Alexander
- Extend S Adrian Amos
- Back-load the contract with the incoming wide receiver
The other question would be if General Manger Brian Gutekunst would be willing to give up draft capital. It would likely take upwards of 2-4 draft picks to get Thomas or Metcalf in Green Bay. That on top of a fat contract is an expensive tab for one player. However if this type of move puts Green Bay right back in the Super Bowl conversation, it may be worth it.
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