The Green Bay Packers have entered a new era in their franchise’s history. One could argue that the transition began in 2020 with the selection of Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but the roster started to transform in a big way following the 2021 season. Davante Adams’ demand for a trade led to the beginning of a youth movement on offense with the selections of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure to help replace him at the wide receiver position.
The 2023 offseason saw Green Bay trade Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, which was the most important part of their transition. They also allowed many of their veteran players to leave in free agency and utilized five draft picks to get more young pass catchers for their new starting quarterback.
Going into last season, Green Bay only had a few seasoned veterans. These players, Aaron Jones and David Bakhtiari, were released this offseason for salary cap purposes. Once again, Green Bay looked to the NFL Draft for their long-term replacements, focusing primarily on the offensive line.
The Green Bay Packers Drafted Jordan Morgan in the First Round of the 2024 NFL Draft
Bakthiari was not the only offensive lineman who left the Packers in free agency. Starting right guard Jon Runyan Jr. and swing tackle Yosh Nijman also left. Runyan signed with the New York Giants and Nijman signed with the Carolina Panthers.
With their offensive line depth a sudden issue, Green Bay used three draft picks on versatile offensive linemen. Jordan Morgan was taken in the first round, Jacob Monk in the fifth, and Travis Glover in the seventh.
Morgan’s status as a first round pick, as well as the fact he played left tackle in college, have made him the one of the three with the highest expectations. Throughout the Packers’ offseason activities, Morgan has practiced every position on the offensive line except for center.
That being said, he is being viewed as a potential starter at left tackle. However, he will have to win that job over Rasheed Walker, who started there for Green Bay last year when Bakhtiari went down.
The Green Bay Packers Have Signed First Round Pick Jordan Morgan
Earlier today, the Packers revealed that they had agreed to Morgan’s rookie contract. He will be paid $14.185 million over the next four years with $7.135 million of that being a signing bonus.
Morgan was Green Bay’s first pick in the draft this year, but he was the last of their picks to sign his rookie contract. Now every one of their picks is under contract.
As mentioned, Morgan will compete with Walker for the starting left tackle job. However, the Packers are determined that their starting five offensive linemen will be their five best linemen. This means that Morgan could very well start at left tackle, but he could also start at right tackle, right guard, or left guard.
Or he may not start at all. This would surely be disappointing considering he is a first round pick, but it is up to Morgan to earn himself a job. The Packers just gave him the opportunity.
