The Green Bay Packers are well into their training camp these past few days and there’s a lot of possibilities being considered for the upcoming season. One of them is keeping three kickers into the roster, a decision that will surely be assessed in the coming weeks.
Packers had low expectations for the 2023 season following a disappointing previous year and the departure of their long-time franchise player Aaron Rodgers. quarterback Jordan Love, who had been on the bench for three seasons, finally took on the starting role. Initially, his performance was inconsistent, mirroring the team’s ups and downs. However, they found their stride in the second half, winning six of their last eight games and securing the NFC’s final wildcard spot.
Love’s standout performance came in a dominant victory over the Dallas Cowboys, where he showcased his skills and led the team to a substantial lead. Although they fell short against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional playoffs, his first season as a starter was impressive. He threw 32 touchdown passes, ranked second in the league, and displayed promising potential.
Looking ahead, the Packers face financial constraints but have key free agents to consider retaining. The team’s young offense flourished under head coach Matt LaFleur, who demonstrated his ability to develop players.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Drops Possibility of Having Three Kickers for Next Season
During the team’s first minicamp, LaFleur oversaw how the kickers performed. In an article by Mike Spofford for the Packers’ official website, the part of the practice was explained in detail.
“The final offseason workout featured plenty of field-goal work in the kicking competition. The three kickers each tried four field goals from 43-46 yards in the middle portion of practice, and then three more from 49-54 at the end of the two-minute drills.
Veteran Greg Joseph made all seven of his kicks, with Anders Carlson and Jack Podlesny each going 6-for-7. Whether General Manager Brian Gutekunst has eliminated from the competition over the course of OTAs and minicamp isn’t certain.
“That’s to be determined, quite honestly,” LaFleur said of the possibility of all three kickers remaining on the 90-man roster at the start of training camp. “Ultimately that’s going to be Gutey’s decision, but that’s something that we’ve certainly talked about,” Spofford wrote.
As it stands, Joseph is standing out of the three, while both Carlson and Podlesny didn’t do so bad too. While the choice may have advantages, a spot on the roster may be handed out for some other need, especially with how Carlson performed in the playoffs earlier this year.It remains to be seen how Green Bay’s front office will act in this area of their offseason. In any case, it’d be interesting to see how the possibility of having three kickers will play out in the following season.
