The Green Bay Packers have now missed the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since Aaron Rodgers took over as the starter 10 years ago, and changes have to be made in the offseason.
Head coach Mike McCarthy was fired in Week 14, but the Packers are sure to make more drastic changes in the offseason. Blame McCarthy all you want, but this is one very flawed roster that no other elite quarterback in NFL history can work with.
Rodgers has a top wideout in Davante Adams, but not a whole lot after that. The Packers need to find him one or two more top-tier pass catchers and/or a true No. 1 running back. They have the cap space to make a couple of big moves, so there's no excuse to stand pat this offseason.
If Rodgers happened to submit a Christmas wishlist of players he wants Green Bay to add in the offseason, we think we have an idea of who he specifically asked for. Here are three NFL players that would help Rodgers and the Packers win again.
Rob Gronkowski
It's safe to say that the New England Patriots tight end needs a change of scenery. Keep in mind that the Pats tried trading Rob Gronkowski to the Detroit Lions in the offseason, but he threatened to retire if such a move took place. Thus, the Pats had no choice but to keep their disgruntled star for another year.
Well, Gronkowski is enduring his worst season as a professional now. He's 30 in May, is a free agent after the 2019 season and clearly isn't happy in Foxborough. The Patriots need to trade Gronkowski in the offseason, and the Packers make perfect sense as a potential landing spot.
The Jimmy Graham signing didn't pan out, but the Packers can easily release or trade the 32-year-old. That would clear cap and roster space to add Gronkowski, who's been the NFL's best tight end for nearly a decade now.
RELATED: ROB GRONKOWSKI STRUGGLES EXPLAINED: TIGHT END INJURED, "TIRED" OF THE PATRIOT WAY
Rodgers has never had an elite red zone threat like Gronkowski. He'd be an absolute force in Green Bay, working with the game's top quarterback while rediscovering his Pro Bowl caliber form.
The Packers probably wouldn't have to give up a whole lot for Gronk, either. Perhaps a second or third-round pick. It'd be a steep price, but they have to go all-in while Rodgers is in his prime.
This is easily the top player for the Packers to go for in the offseason, assuming Gronk plans to play in 2019 and is willing to find a new home.
Le'Veon Bell
Second-year running back Aaron Jones has had a productive season in Green Bay, but we're not sure yet if he can produce like a Pro Bowler. Rodgers has never had a running back of Le'Veon Bell's caliber, which is why the front office should consider him in free agency.
Bell is certainly not rejoining the Pittsburgh Steelers, given the rise of James Conner and his decision to sit out the entire year. Only so many teams will be willing to pony up the big dollars for Bell, and the Packers have good reason to go for it.
RELATED: LE’VEON BELL LIKES POST ABOUT STEELERS LOSS TO OAKLAND
The 26-year-old Bell is arguably the most complete running back in the NFL. He has three 1,000-yard seasons and has recorded at least 600 receiving yards in three different seasons. Why wouldn't Rodgers want a player like that?
Yes, Jones is good. But Bell is a Pro Bowl back. There's a huge difference. Rodgers would have an elite and consistent 1,000-yard rusher, plus an excellent option in the short-yardage passing game. This is the player the Packers should really go all-out for when free agency opens. This is the move they need to make in order to maximize the rest of Rodgers' prime years.
Larry Fitzgerald
Everybody knows that Larry Fitzgerald's goal is to finish his career with the Arizona Cardinals. But what if he finally realizes the desire to win a Super Bowl championship? It's not going to happen in Arizona, and if he wants the chance to win in 2019, then the Packers are the team.
Fitzgerald's stats have declined a bit, but he'd work nicely in the slot for Rodgers. The latter hasn't had a reliable third-down target to work with, and Fitzgerald would be that guy. Defenses would have no answer for an offense that consists of Fitzgerald and Davante Adams.
Though Fitzgerald will be 36 years of age next season, you have to think Rodgers will be able to get one or two productive years out of him. Fitzgerald may not be in his prime anymore, but he's still a very effective player who can change a game at any given moment.
Rodgers needs another strong locker room leader, playmaker and veteran to help out in the big games. Fitzgerald can provide all of that, and if he's open to leaving Arizona, the Packers need to bring him aboard. Rodgers winning Fitzgerald a Super Bowl before the end of his Hall of Fame career would be one of the top sports stories of the 21st century.
So make it happen, Green Bay.
NEXT: THE WORST DRAFT PICK AT POSITION 1 TO 32 IN NFL HISTORY