Brian Gutekunst’s Reluctance to Spend Draft Capital and the Trey Hendrickson Dilemma

A Hesitant Approach to Veteran Acquisitions

Brian Gutekunst, the general manager of the Green Bay Packers, has consistently shown a reluctance to sacrifice premium draft capital to acquire veteran players. However, the impact that Trey Hendrickson could have on the team’s pass rush makes him a player worth considering.

The Packers’ inactivity in pursuing a proven pass rusher has left fans questioning the front office’s strategy. Relying on Lukas Van Ness, who has yet to start an NFL game, to provide consistent pressure opposite Rashan Gary is a risky move. Even Gary, once touted as a future All-Pro, has yet to reach elite levels, with his 7.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits last season falling short of expectations.

Why Trey Hendrickson Would Be a Game-Changer

Trey Hendrickson’s presence on the Packers’ defense could change everything. In the past two seasons, Hendrickson has nearly matched Gary’s career sack total, racking up an impressive 35 sacks compared to Gary’s 39 in six years. As the reigning NFL sack champion, he represents exactly what Green Bay needs to address its biggest positional weakness.

But there’s a major roadblock.

Danielle Hunter’s Extension Complicates Everything

Danielle Hunter, a longtime menace to the Packers while with the Minnesota Vikings, has now inadvertently dealt another blow to Green Bay’s aspirations.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Hunter recently secured a one-year, $35.6 million extension. This deal is significant because Hunter and Hendrickson are the same age, setting a new benchmark for elite defensive ends.

Hunter’s dominant 2024 season with the Houston Texans resulted in fewer sacks than Hendrickson, yet he still secured a massive payday. This means that any team acquiring Hendrickson will likely have to offer a similar, if not larger, contract extension.

Why the Packers Are Out of the Race

For Gutekunst, the possibility of trading for Hendrickson was already slim, but Hunter’s contract has effectively eliminated any remaining chance. The Packers’ general manager is highly unlikely to part with premium draft capital for a 30-year-old player who will demand a $35 million-plus extension.

With Hendrickson now an improbable target, the Packers are left with limited options. Their best hope is to find success in the draft or see internal improvements from Gary and Van Ness. It’s a risky strategy, but one that Green Bay seems willing to take.

Barring an unexpected turn of events, the Packers’ dream of acquiring Trey Hendrickson appears to be over.