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Green Bay Packers: 3 Defensive Linemen to Target in Free Agency

By Paul Bretl

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive Tackle Michael Pierce #97 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive Tackle Michael Pierce #97 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 10: Michael Pierce #97 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a sack during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Michael Pierce

Of the three players, Michael Pierce is likely the most realistic option given the other needs that the Green Bay Packers have to address with their somewhat limited cap situation. And like D.J. Reader. Pierce is a run-stuffer. Which once again, is just what the Packers need.

Over his four-year career, Pierce has proven to be durable and from 2018 to 2019 he saw his snap count increase from 37 percent to nearly 50 percent of Baltimore’s total offensive snaps. This past season he would total 16 pressures, one of which was a sack, along with 21 run stops according to Pro Football Focus.

Now, Pierce’s numbers aren’t going to be as sexy as what Reader and Williams have put up, but with a projected average salary of $4.7 million per year, he’s a much more affordable option for Green Bay. And also, it’s not as if they need him to play like a No. 1 interior defensive lineman, they still do have Kenny Clark but the addition of Pierce can provide the Packers with a nice boost.

And take it for what it’s worth but Green Bay’s Director of Football Operations, Milt Hendrickson, was previously a scout with Balitmore and the Packers have pursued a few former Ravens’ players since he has arrived.

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Bonus Option: Chris Jones

Now, in a perfect world in which Madden rules applied, this would be an ideal signing. And while we would all love a defensive front made up of Za’Darius Smith, Chris Jones, Kenny Clark, and Preston Smith, I didn’t include Jones on this list because at a projected $19.2 million per year average, I don’t even see how it is possible for him the end up in Green Bay.

All stats courtesy of Football Database, Pro Football Focus, Pro Football Reference, Spotrac, and ESPN.

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