Green Bay Packers: Key Free Agents the Next 3 Seasons
By Paul Bretl
Here is a look at the Green Bay Packers’ key free agents in each of the next three seasons.
While it is certainly easy to get wrapped up in taking care of immediate team needs, when it comes to being an NFL General Manager, it’s always a fine balance between building a competitive team in that moment while also planning for the future. And when it comes to the Green Bay Packers, we saw that this offseason.
With holes to fill at linebacker, receiver, and tackle, GM Brian Gutekunst would go the less expensive route in free agency by signing a few bounce-back candidates, knowing full well that Green Bay’s spendable cap space may be limited again in 2021. On top of that, they have several of their own key free agents that they’ll have to make decisions on next offseason. So having as much available cap space as possible is a must.
Then in the draft, with Rodgers getting closer to 40-years-old, we’d see the Packers draft his heir in the first round to the chagrin of many fans. In Round 2, with uncertainty around Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams’ futures in Titletown, Gutey drafted A.J. Dillon. Again, to the chagrin of many fans.
And then in Round 6 with the interior of the offensive line potentially influx in the coming seasons, Gutekunst loaded up on two guards and a center.
Essentially what the good NFL teams do is prepare for possible free agent departures a year or two in advance. Whether it be making sure that enough cap space is available to re-sign those key players or drafting their successor, with all of the roster turnover that takes place in the NFL, the goal is to have as few holes as possible on the roster at all times.
Not to mention that teams – or most teams – are trying to stay competitive for the upcoming season as well. Once again, that balance is key.
I know that may sound simple but as we’ve seen, it’s not easy either.
So what does the free agency landscape look like for the Green Bay Packers in the coming years? Who may be in their final season or two and which positions could they be targeting in the next few drafts?
Well, let’s take a look.