Green Bay Packers: 9 Returning Players on the Hot Seat

Green Bay Packers IOL: Lucas Patrick

Cap Savings: $1.975 million

Lucas Patrick really had an underrated 2020 season for the Green Bay Packers, ranking 12th out of 86 guards in PFF’s ($$) pass-blocking efficiency metric and 6th in ESPN’s pass-blocking win rate metric. But this is a Packers team still looking to create cap space, and Patrick is not guaranteed a starting job.

When David Bakhtiari is back in the fold, that likely leaves just one guard spot up for grabs, with Elgton Jenkins, Billy Turner, and Josh Myers accounting for the other positions. With plenty of options along the interior, if Patrick is beaten out by Royce Newman, Jon Runyan, or Ben Braden, for example, or if it’s just a close competition, I do believe that Green Bay will consider choosing the cap savings over rostering Patrick.

The potential downside to moving on from Patrick is that the Packers will be relying heavily on several young and inexperienced players along the offensive line. Just last year, as Green Bay battled numerous injuries up front, we saw how important depth was to their success. Like every other player on this list, training camp and the preseason will be the true test.

Green Bay Packers WR: Devin Funchess

Cap Savings: $1.22 million

If Devin Funchess makes the team and goes on to make an impact this season, I won’t be surprised. If Devin Funchess is left off the initial 53-man roster, I won’t be surprised. I really have no clue what to expect from him.

In a vacuum, looking at Funchess’ talent, he’s absolutely someone who can carve out a role on this Green Bay Packers team. His big frame and ability to play from the slot will create mismatches, and he’s someone who could become a favorite target on third downs and in the red zone.

With that said, it’s been almost two years since Funchess has taken the field. He will have to shake off the rust, eliminate the drops, something that has been an issue for him over his career, and pick up the Matt LaFleur offense quickly. If he doesn’t, then he’s a likely cut candidate.

Green Bay Packers WR: Equanimeous St. Brown

Cap Savings: $850,000

Depending on how many receivers the Green Bay Packers choose to keep, there is either going to be one or two spots available, with the first four already accounted for. St. Brown saw just 16 targets a season ago and caught nine of them with one touchdown, but also had a couple of drops. Those 16 targets were down considerably from the 34 he had in 2018 as a rookie.

St. Brown also hasn’t brought a ton of value to special teams, seeing just 48 snaps there in 2020. Compared to someone like Malik Taylor, who St. Brown will be competing against, who had 210 snaps on special teams a year ago.

It’s going to be a crucial summer for St. Brown. He will have to show more consistency overall and provide additional help on special teams.