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5 available linebackers Green Bay Packers could target

By Brian Sampson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 27: Avery Williamson #54 of the New York Jets in action in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 27: Avery Williamson #54 of the New York Jets in action in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers need help at linebacker. But that’s nothing new, as we’ve all known this for the last few years.

What is new, however, is a report from CBS’s Jonathan Jones that Green Bay “were working the phones early in the week to get some linebacker help.” He doesn’t list any potential candidates and doesn’t specify whether he means inside linebacker or someone on the edge which allows our minds to wander.

There’s an argument to make that the Packers could use help at either spot. With Za’Darius Smith going on the injured reserve and being out for at least three weeks, there could be a significant cause for concern that this back injury may affect him all season long. Do the Packers trust Preston Smith to be a full-time contributor after a down 2020 campaign and a slow start to the 2021 season?

Moving inside, Green Bay has spent few resources at the position in recent years. They continue to sign cheap, less talented players at the position and reap what they sow as a result. The Packers could desperately use an upgrade–the only issue is players aren’t really available at this time of the year. Let’s take a look at five free agents who could help fill one of Green Bay’s voids at either linebacker spot.

With the Green Bay Packers reportedly looking into linebackers, here are five players they could target that are available immediately.

Available linebackers for Packers: Benardrick McKinney, inside linebacker

It’s not often a former Pro Bowl linebacker is still available heading into Week 2 of the NFL season. Benardrick McKinney, a former second-round pick of the Houston Texans, made the Pro Bowl in 2018 with the Texans and is currently available on the free agent market. He was traded to the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, but was cut at the end of August. Still just 28-years-old, he could have a lot left in the tank to give to Green Bay.

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