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Green Bay Packers ‘No. 1 Priority’ at LB is Cory Littleton

By Paul Bretl

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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With a huge hole to fill at linebacker, it has been reported by Bill Huber that the Green Bay Packers are making free agent Cory Littleton their “No.1 priority” at the position.

There has been a lot of news to come out of the NFL Combine this week in regards to how the Green Bay Packers are going to attack free agency. We’ve heard that they are looking into Austin Hooper, Joe Schobert, and Nick Kwiatkoski. However, there hasn’t been any news about any sort of communication with Bryan Bulaga and his representatives.

Now with the Combing wrapping up, the newest piece of information to be reported by Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated is that free-agent linebacker, Cory Littleton, will be Green Bay’s “no. 1 priority among this year’s free-agent linebackers.”

And of course, this acquisition would make a lot of sense for the Green Bay Packers. Blake Martinez has very likely played his last snap in Titletown, which despite some of his limitations, leaves a huge hole in the middle of this defense. Littleton, on the other hand, is the top free-agent linebacker in this year’s class and would provide the Packers with an immediate upgrade.

At only 26-years-old, Littleton is entering his prime years and when it comes to what you look for at the inside linebacker position, he checks all the boxes. He has great range, makes impact plays, is reliable in coverage, and is a solid tackler as well.

Over the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, he has started all 32 games and totaled five interceptions, 22 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, 7.5 sacks and six tackles for loss. On top of that, he was Pro Football Focus’ (subscription required) seventh-best coverage linebacker in 2019 and led the linebacker position in tackling efficiency.

He’s truly an ideal fit and exactly what the Packers need, but as you would expect, he’s going to come with a hefty price tag and Green Bay just doesn’t have the same spending power that they did a season ago. Now, that doesn’t mean they couldn’t sign a player of Littleton’s caliber, however, that greatly restricts what they can do elsewhere.

And considering that they still have holes to fill at tackle, receiver, interior defensive lineman, tight end and cornerback, not to mention that Kenny Clark needs a contract extension, it’s unfortunately not as simple as just paying Littleton. Sacrifices will have to be made elsewhere.

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Whether the Packers land Littleton remains to be seen but I think it is certainly a positive that GM Brian Gutekunst is exploring all of these options even though acquiring them may take some creativity. And considering that Green Bay was almost reluctant to make any free agent signings under former GM Ted Thompson, I imagine that this new approach is a breath of fresh for most fans.

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