Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Should Absolutely Win Executive of the Year

The NFL regular season has concluded, which means debates on the year-end awards are set to begin.

When looking at the Executive of the Year award, many will look at Eric DeCosta of the Baltimore Ravens or John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers. However, there is no candidate more deserving than Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst.

The Packers had missed the playoffs in the previous two seasons, but Gutekunst made some big moves this offseason to right the ship.

At the forefront this past offseason's marquee acquisitions were free agent signings Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Adrian Amos.

Za'Darius Smith is the most effective pass rusher in the entire league, having forced 61 quarterback pressures this season and tallying 13.5 sacks. Preston Smith logged 12 sacks in his first season in Green Bay, alongside 56 tackles, both career highs. As for Amos, the former Chicago Bear recorded 84 tackles, which is the second-most on the team behind linebacker Blake Martinez.

Those acquisitions are just part of the excellent job Gutekunst has done. The Packers' draft class was phenomenal in 2019. First round picks Darnell Savage and Rashaan Gary look like stars in the making, and the Packers found a steal in offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins who was selected in the second round.

Gutekunst's hyperactive offseason resulted in the Packers winning the NFC North and clinching a first round bye in the playoffs. While Green Bay usually opts for a conservative approach in free agency, Gutekunst went against the grain and splashed out on some big names.

The decision paid dividends and it's clear that Gutekunst deserves praise for his work.