In Pearl Jam’s 1998 hit song ‘Wishlist’, lead singer Eddie Vedder says:
“I wish I was a messenger and all the news was good. I wish I was the verb 'to trust' and never let you down.”
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst can certainly relate.
With the NFL’s legal tampering period set to begin Monday, Gutekunst certainly has a ‘Wishlist’ of his own. And like Vedder, Gutekunst undoubtedly hopes “all the news is good” and that he’ll “never let down” Packer Nation.
As of Friday morning, Green Bay is $46 million below the salary cap. The Packers can push that total to nearly $53 million with the impending release of cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Here are five players that could be on Gutekunst’s wish list — and what it might take to land them.
1. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay, WR
Forget all this Davante Adams talk. The former Packer receiver will turn 33 this season. And more sequels turn out like ‘Caddyshack II’ than ‘The Godfather Part II.’
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The 29-year-old Godwin is three years, 2 months younger than Adams — a lifetime in NFL years. And while Godwin is coming off a dislocated ankle, he’s traditionally been extremely healthy, playing in at least 14 games six of his first seven seasons.
Godwin was second in the NFL in receiving yards when he was injured last season. He also ran a 4.42 second 40-yard dash coming out of Penn State in 2017, giving him the ability to take the top off the defense. That’s something the Packers desperately need as Christian Watson recovers from an ACL injury.
If Godwin passes the medical tests, he’s the most intriguing player in a less-than-inspiring wide receiver market. He also fills what’s arguably Green Bay’s No. 1 need.
Godwin’s projected value is in the four-year, $90 million range. That’s a much better gamble for Green Bay than hoping a rookie receiver pans out.
2. Carlton Davis, Detroit, CB
Green Bay has been exploring trade partners for Alexander for weeks now. And even if the Packers can’t find a taker, they’ll almost certainly move on from the selfish and disgruntled Alexander before free agency arrives.
Green Bay could move forward with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine — who finished the year strong when Alexander missed the final two months. But adding a veteran to the mix would be wise.
The 28-year-old Davis had a tremendous 2024 season in which opposing quarterbacks completed just 55.3% of their passes and had a 77.0 passer rating when throwing at him. Davis also had two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in 13 games last season before suffering a broken jaw in Week 15 that ended his season.
Davis has been banged up in recent seasons, missing 20 games in the last four years. When he has played, though, he’s bordered on elite.
The website overthecap.com projects Davis to land a contract in the three-year, $44 million range. The Packers have the money — and the need — and would improve their roster while hurting a divisional foe.
“That’s been an outstanding addition,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said of Davis last November. “As a matter of fact, I told him … ‘Man, one of the best moves we made was acquiring you, getting you here.’ ”
3. Josh Sweat, Philadelphia, DE
In March, 2019, Gutekunst signed pass rushers Za’Darius Smith (four years, $66 million) and Preston Smith (four years, $52 million) to big free agent deals. Preston Smith was 27 at the time, while Za’Darius Smith turned 27 during the 2019 campaign.
Interestingly, Sweat is currently 27 — the age many NFL players are at their prime.
Sweat has 33.0 sacks in the last four seasons and had 8.0 sacks for the Super Bowl champion Eagles in 2024. He also had 2.5 sacks, seven pressures, and six combined tackles in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl win over Kansas City.
Green Bay’s collection of defensive ends (Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox Jr.) is average, at best. The room needs a jolt — in both free agency and early in the draft.
Sweat — who is projected to land a deal in the $18 million a year range — would do just that.
4. Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers, DE
Green Bay has had the NFL’s youngest roster the last two seasons. And signing the 34-year-old Mack would seemingly go against everything the Packers stand for.
Don't forget, though, Green Bay signed 34-year-old Julius Peppers in free agency in 2014, and squeezed three extremely productive seasons out of the future Hall of Famer.
Mack — like Peppers — is a unicorn and a likely Hall of Famer himself one day. Mack has 107.5 career sacks, including a career-high 17.0 in 2023.
Mack seems likely to re-sign with the Chargers after they released Joey Bosa earlier this week. If Mack gets to the open market, though, the Packers could certainly have interest.
Remember, Green Bay tried trading for Mack back in 2018, when he was dealt to Chicago. And while Mack’s projected value of roughly $20 million per year might seem steep, the Packers have the cap space — and the need — to make it work.
5. Byron Murphy, Minnesota, CB
Murphy picked the perfect time to have a career year.
The 27-year-old made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2024 after posting six interceptions, 14 passes defensed, six tackles for loss and 81 tackles. All were career-highs.
Murphy can play outside or in the slot, which would give the Packers tremendous flexibility.
“He’s got the corner skillset, he’s a willing and able tackler, great instincts, great ball skills,” Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell said of Murphy during the 2024 season.
Murphy is expected to sign a deal in the range of $12 million per season.
Green Bay is used to seeing Minnesota poach many of its players in free agency. Seeing a Viking become a Packer would be an interesting twist.