Packers: 5 edge rushers they should target in 2021 free agency
On the surface, the Green Bay Packers look like they are set with their edge rushers heading into the 2021 offseason. Za’Darius Smith was productive for the second straight season and Rashan Gary and Preston Smith are more than capable of splitting reps on the other side. However, it’s entirely plausible they could add at least one edge rusher this offseason.
With the Packers needing to trim more money off their salary cap, Preston Smith is a prime cut candidate. If Green Bay does part ways with one of their big 2019 free agent signings, it would save them $8 million this season. That’s a significant number and Smith is basically gone considering his dip in play last year.
Trending in the opposite direction, Gary appears ready to become a full-time player. That means the Packers don’t need somebody who will play a lot of reps, they simply need to add depth at the position. And for that reason, here are five edge rushers they could target in free agency to bolster the position.
Also from this series:
- 5 running backs Packers could target in free agency
- 5 wide receivers Packers could target in free agency
- 5 offensive tackles Packers could target in free agency
- 3 defensive linemen Packers could target in free agency
The Green Bay Packers could target any of these five edge rushers in free agency to bolster the position for the 2021 season.
Markus Golden
Markus Golden has bounced back and forth between the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants throughout his career, and could make a pit stop in Green Bay. He has two seasons where he racked up double-digits sacks and had 4.5 a year ago. As he enters his 30s, he could provide Green Bay with a good insurance policy should Smith or Gary go down with an injury.