The Packers’ Most Remarkable Offseason Gambit

There’s just no denying it. We’re almost four months into an offseason that’s been full of changes, drama, intrigue, wonderment. New coaches, new front office, revamped playbook, departing veterans, speculation going every which way over the number 14 draft selection, how to best take advantage of having a full dozen draft picks…

For me, however, one thing stands out about the chess game that is the NFL offseason. The Green Bay Packers have made one especially bold gambit. In chess, a gambit is an early move or tactic whereby a player makes a sacrifice for the sake of some compensating advantage. In football, think of it as a maneuver, entailing a degree of risk, which is calculated to gain…