Packers: Top free agent remaining at each position of need
The Green Bay Packers are the only team in the NFL who has yet to sign an outside player in free agency. They’ve been busy making moves to get under the salary cap with their current roster and re-signing Aaron Jones which has left them with few resources to make other moves.
Although Green Bay still has a couple of tricks up their sleeves to create more cap space, it will be interesting to see if they actually pull the trigger. Sure, they’ve gotten under the 2021 cap, but it’s going to be a major issue next offseason. And the more moves they make now, the bigger problem they’ll have in 2022.
Still, if they do decide to kick the tires on a free agent signing, let’s peep the top players at some of the Packers’ biggest positions of need.
With the Green Bay Packers failing to participate in free agency so far this offseason, here are the top players remaining at each position of need.
Cornerback: Richard Sherman
Richard Sherman is still out there and it appears there are multiple teams with interest in his services. He’s said he wants to play two more years and although he isn’t elite like he used to be, he’s still a good corner with a strong locker room presence. He’d be a nice stop-gap for the Packers and give them time to develop some younger players to take over in 2023.
Defensive line: Jurrell Casey
Overall, it’s a weak free agent class for defensive lineman, but Jurrell Casey is now at the top of the list. He’s not nearly the same pass-rusher he was earlier in his career (he’s now 31-years-old), but he’s still a stout run-defender. That’s good enough for Green Bay, as they need to make major improvements in their ability to stop the run.
Offensive Tackle: Mitchell Schwartz
The Packers are in a sticky situation at offensive tackle with the David Bakhtiari injury and could certainly use another healthy body throughout the entire season. At this point, Mitchell Schwartz is the best offensive tackle out there. He’s struggled with injuries as well, but if he’s healthy he could be a steal for the Packers and be their starting right tackle right away.
Offensive guard: Gabe Jackson
Green Bay also needs help on the inside of their offensive line with Corey Linsley departing and Lane Taylor taking visits with other teams. Gabe Jackson would be a great addition in protection for Aaron Rodgers even if he does have some room for improvement in run-blocking. He might be worth taking a year or two flyer on as the younger guys continue to develop
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Wide receiver: Antonio Brown
The Packers are bringing their top four wide receivers back plus Devin Funchess who opted out of last season due to Covid. However, none of them are under contract past the 2021 season which means Green Bay could target some longer-term options. Even if Antonio Brown is at the top of the list currently, he’s likely not at the top of the Packers’ list. This is very unlikely to ever happen.