The Packers have made waves in both the offensive backfield and defensive backfield this offseason. But speaking of the defensive backfield, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst was asked by reporters this week at the annual league meetings about the current state of Green Bay’s safety position and how it will be addressed moving forward.

This is what he had to say in response to a question asked about their plans regarding who they may pair free agent acquisition Xavier McKinney with (via The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman):

“Certainly I think we’d always prefer to have a young guy that’s going to have his best football ahead of him. I think we’ll look at all options as we go forward.”

Perhaps signs could point to Green Bay drafting a talented, young prospect like Iowa’s Cooper DeJean or Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin. But, it doesn’t appear that the Packers will go get a veteran safety in free agency after Gutekunst’s answer. The best safeties left on the free agent are all a little older. Justin Simmons (30), Micah Hyde (33), and Quandre Diggs (31) are all quality players, but Green Bay tends to stay away from aging defenders in free agency. But also, if they are in win-now mode, why not sign a guy like four-time All-Pro Justin Simmons to a two-year deal?

Regardless, Green Bay has already replaced former five-year starter Darnell Savage, who left for Jacksonville this offseason, with an ascending backend defender in McKinney. Now, they need to find somebody to replace Jonathan Owens, who left this offseason for Chicago. Whomever they add to the roster, Packers fans should be excited to see what new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley does with him and the rest of this defense this season.