Remember, everything in the NFL comes with a cost. A reminder of that came last week when the Packers weren’t awarded any compensatory draft picks because Gutekunst used free agency last offseason much more than his predecessor, Ted Thompson.

Because the roster is in such a sorry state, acquiring Brown or Bell is a luxury the Packers can’t afford. They need a more measured approach, using the draft, where they have two first-round picks, and free agency to get five or six quality starters.

Brown is a poor fit for the Packers anyway. His performance hasn’t dropped off, though he’s at an age where that process could begin at any time. He also will want his contract redone, which is why he rebelled in Pittsburgh and finally got the Steelers to put him on the open market last week. His demands would probably start at $20 million per year. Mostly, though, he has gained a reputation as a problem everywhere but on the field. The Packers have a rookie coach trying to establish a culture in the locker room; do they really want to saddle him with a malcontent?

Then there’s the trade compensation. If the Packers could steal Brown for a third- or fourth-round draft pick, it might be worth taking a flyer. But the Steelers insisted they will only take adequate compensation for Brown and, due to his baggage and salary demands, he’s not worth even a late first.