3 free agents Packers couldn’t sign due to lack of cap space
The Green Bay Packers had the option to become players in free agency even if it was just for one mid to high-priced free agent. However, they worked extremely hard to push their cap issues to 2022 just to re-sign their own guys. If they were going to create even more space it would’ve created even more problems in the not-so-distant future.
This leaves them with the same question marks heading into the 2021 NFL Draft that they had at the beginning of the offseason. If money wasn’t an issue, or if Green Bay even had room to sign one major player this offseason, here are three free agents they would’ve loved to have.
The Green Bay Packers had some holes to plug in free agency this offseason, but were unable to do so because of their cap space.
Free agent Packers couldn’t sign: J.J. Watt, Edge
When J.J. Watt was released by the Houston Texans, there was an instant love affair between Packers’ fans and getting Watt to their team. Watt was a star for the Wisconsin Badgers in college and is just a good all-around dude. When Ed Werder announced Watt’s wish list for his new team that included a quarterback, supporting personnel and money, fans tried to talk themselves into Green Bay being a clear option despite not having any of his last requirement.
Despite the Packers already having Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary on the roster as outside linebackers many thought Watt could come in and move along the defensive line while spelling the outside linebackers as needed. At that time, Preston Smith was even thought to be waived so the Packers could save some cap space. Unfortunately, neither option happened and Watt signed with the Arizona Cardinals for a whopping two years and $28 million while Smith took a pay cut to stay with Green Bay.
Free agent Packers couldn’t sign: Leonard Williams, DL
Defensive line is one of the biggest question marks for the Packers this offseason and they have done absolutely nothing to address it so far. Kenny Clark is their only consistent lineman although there are hopes Kinglsey Keke could build on his impressive 2020 campaign if he can stay healthy.
Adding a player like Leonard Williams would’ve done wonders for the team if they had the necessary cap space. Williams is a great run defender and would’ve instantly helped the team in that category. He can not only take on blockers, but free up the linebackers behind him to fly through the holes and make plays. That’s exactly what the doctor ordered for the Packers. Unfortunately, he re-signed with the New York Giants for three years and $63 million–a number Green Bay couldn’t come close to matching.
Free agent Packers couldn’t sign: William Jackson III, CB
There were high hopes the Packers would sign an outside free agent at cornerback to bolster the position until a long-term solution was added to the roster. Think Richard Sherman. However, Green Bay ended up re-signing Kevin King and have done nothing else to the position, leaving a sour taste in fan’s mouths.
Next. 5 Packers on hot seat after free agency. dark
William Jackson III was PFF’s highest-ranked free agent cornerback this offseason and he would’ve been the cream of the crop for Green Bay. He’s had an up-and-down career so far but has the highest potential to turn in a great season. He ended up signing with Washington for three years and $40.5 million.