Packers: Top 10 2021 free agents still remaining they should look at

The Green Bay Packers have been busy this offseason even if they’ve only technically signed one outside free agent. General manager Brian Gutekunst and Director of Football Operations/Salary Cap Guru Russ Ball have worked magic to restructure a number of player’s contracts and cut a few others to get their team under the cap.

Although it hasn’t led directly to the team bringing in outside free agents, it has allowed them to re-sign Aaron Jones and Kevin King and keep as many players intact from a team that has made the NFC Championship game two seasons in a row.

There are still plenty of talented players left in free agency that could help Green Bay get over that hump. Here’s a ranking of the 10 best available based on a combination of talent and fit. If the front office decides to continue cutting money, they could look to sign someone off this list.

If the Green Bay Packers can create more cap space, they should look at these top 10 remaining free agents still on the board.

10. Bobby Massie, OT

Green Bay is in a tough predicament at offensive tackle. On the surface, they have David Bakhtiari and Billy Turner to man the position. However, Bakhtiari is recovering from an ACL tear and his exact timeline won’t be known until later in the summer and the Packers can’t risk waiting until then to make a move. Massie would give them a solid veteran option who is a better pass-blocker than run-blocker.

9. Malik Hooker, S

Despite having Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage at safety, Green Bay is in the market for a third safety. In today’s age, a fifth defensive back is basically a starter and the Packers haven’t been able to trust theirs in recent seasons. Hooker can play as a high safety, allowing Amos and Savage to wander the field and disrupt offenses from multiple spots–something they do best.

8. Rick Wagner, OT

Wagner is still contemplating retirement, but if he decides to return Green Bay would be a logical destination. He played well for the Packers and I’m sure they’d love to have him back. Wagner could start at right tackle while Turner slides to the left side until Bakhtiari is truly ready to return.

7. Quinton Dunbar, CB

Despite re-signing Kevin King and having Jaire Alexander on the opposite side of the field, the Packers probably aren’t done at this position. Although it’s more likely they’ll target someone in the draft, they could sign another veteran as well for insurance. Dunbar will likely sign a one-year prove-it deal to show he’s healthy once again and ready to return to his elite 2019 form.

6. Brian Poole, CB

Poole is smaller than the Packers like with their cornerbacks, as he stands just 5-foot-9. However, he’s purely a slot corner which Green Bay needs after Chandon Sullivan has struggled in that role in recent seasons. Poole has been consistent if nothing else and still has plenty of good football in him at 28-years-old.

5. Antonio Brown, WR

I struggled with where to put Brown or even if I should include a wide receiver on this list at all. The Packers are returning their top four wide receivers and Devin Funchess in 2021 so they don’t have a need for another middling player at the position. However, Brown showed some signs of his explosiveness last season and he could be worth the risk and likely has a higher upside than any current Packers’ receiver not named Davante Adams.

4. Alejandro Villanueva, OT

Speaking of consistent, that’s exactly what Villanueva is on the outside. He’s equally good in both phases of the game, even if that means he’s just average at both. He’d provide Green Bay with an average option at offensive tackle which may not be a great selling point, but isn’t the worst option in the world.

3. Russell Okung, OT

Okung is another veteran option the Packers could look at for a season or two until they can develop or find their long-term solution on the right side. Okung’s emergence would allow Turner to slide inside which is another question mark the Packers must answer this offseason.

2. Mitchell Schwartz, OT

Schwartz is the best offensive tackle remaining in free agency and has been one of the best right tackles over the last few years. He’s still on the market because of his back injury and that’s why he was cut from the Chiefs as well. He’d be a tremendous option to plug in at right tackle and not have to worry about that position all season long (if he can stay healthy).

1. Richard Sherman, CB

Sherman is still a dream signing for the Packers and would be an amazing get. He’s a strong veteran voice who would hold others accountable in the locker room and give the Packers an edge on defense. He could also help mentor any younger corners the Packers might acquire in the draft and would fit in tremendously in the locker room. The only thing holding Green Bay back from signing him is the money he is probably looking for.