Last season was a bit of a whirlwind for the Packers. The franchise went 13-4 in the regular season and earned the top seed in the NFC heading into the playoffs. Despite the regular season success, Green Bay ultimately was knocked out by the 49ers in the Packers opening playoff matchup. There were plenty of off-field distractions that took away from the team last year. Aaron Rodgers remained in the news amid the vaccine controversy and the uncertainty with his contract.

It was a rocky road for the franchise in 2022 but still plenty of reason for optimism moving forward. The biggest news of the offseason was Aaron Rodgers agreeing to a three-year worth roughly $150 million. Following months of uncertainty, Rodgers committed to the franchise once again which will keep their championship window open. However, the four-time MVP will be without his number one weapon this season. Losing Davante Adams will prove to be the Packers' worst offseason move and the franchise will miss the superstar more than they seem to realize.

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Packers Worst Offseason Move

To start with, the Packers did not have much choice but to trade the prized wide receiver. The Packers were unable to reach a long-term extension with Adams and the relationship was clearly fractured. The Packers elected to extend the franchise tag on the five-time Pro-Bowl member and two-time All-Pro. After Adams made it clear he was unwilling to play under the franchise tag, the Packers had no choice but to trade him. Green Bay ultimately shipped off the superstar to the Las Vegas Raiders. Adams immediately agreed to a five-year deal worth $141 million which made this the most lucrative wide receiver contract at the time.

While the logic is fair, this does not change how much the team will take a step back. It is nearly impossible to replace a guy who has had over 1000 yards receiving in three of the last four years. While Rodgers has had success with other wide receivers before it is clear he had an impressive dynamic with Davante Adams. It also is evident that Rodgers was aware of the wide receiver's unhappiness and elected to sign anyway.

The Packers did receive the 22nd and 53rd overall picks in the previous draft in the trade. Green Bay selected Georgia linebacker Quay Walker with the 22nd pick and used the 53rd pick in a trade to land wide receiver Christian Watson. The North Dakota standout will have some massive shoes to fill as he will be expected to play a major role this season.

The Packers elected to bring back Allen Lazard who will be upgraded to the team's number one threat. Green Bay also made news by trading for former standout Randall Cobb and giving him a four-year extension. Lastly, they signed Sammy Watkins in free agency. The wide receiver group of Lazard, Watkins, Cobb, and Watson will be expected to collectively pick up the slack left by Davante Adams.

The franchise may not have had much of a choice, but it is tough to say they did not take a major step back from the loss of the star receiver. The Packers will attempt to move on without him and Aaron Rodgers must get comfortable with his new receiving core.