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When Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst made a big splash in free agency by signing three marquee defenders, many around the league were shocked.
The Packers never took that approach under Gutekunst’s predecessor Ted Thompson. The shift from perhaps being too conservative to rolling the dice three times in free agency showed Gutekunst was his own man and that he wasn’t afraid to open up the wallet if it meant improving his team.
Now the Packers are ten games into the season and it’s safe to say the spending spree was a smashing success. Linebackers Za’Darius and Preston Smith plus safety Adrian Amos have helped elevate a defense that had no consistent pass rush and had safeties that were liabilities.
It’s no secret what the Smiths have done. They have combined for 18.5 sacks and have endeared themselves to fan through their on field celebrations and always doing interviews together in the locker room. They’ve brought an element of fun to the team that hasn’t been there in a long time.
As for Amos, you don’t hear his name mentioned as much which is a good thing considering how his predecessor Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was always in a position to jog towards the ball after the play was over. Amos did have a highlight moment early on however as his interception helped seal the Packers’ season opening win over the Chicago Bears, Amos’ former team.
All three free agent signings have made a splash and as Gutekunst noted upon their signing, they’re just entering their physical prime.
That should terrify the NFC North.
Free-agent additions have come as advertised for Packers—Packers.com
The return on investment is already phenomenal on this free agent class, but how they perform in a potential playoff run will be the true test. The three were signed to put them over the top and I really wouldn’t bet against them at this point.
Updating status of Packers’ 2019 free agent departures—Packers Wire
Is there “one that got away” that Green Bay didn’t re-sign in free agency? The only one it could be is Randall Cobb, who has enjoyed recent success in Dallas combined with the struggles Green Bay has at at wide receiver.
Four players who could enhance Packers’ offense (subscription required)—PackersNews.com
More Jamaal Williams could make Aaron Jones even more dangerous. Could Jace Sternberger also be an ace in the hole now that he’s finally healthy?
Myles Garrett, two others ejected after late skirmish—NFL.com
Myles Garrett should be suspended for the rest of the season. There is no need for that kind of act. We can only hope Mason Rudolph isn’t hurt because of it.
Meet Narwhal, the rescued ‘unicorn’ puppy with a tail on his face—Washington Post
What a good and adorable boy. Two tails means he can be twice as happy as other puppies.