Green Bay Packers Re-Sign or Let Go & Prediction: Lucas Patrick
By Paul Bretl
Prediction: The Green Bay Packers don’t re-sign Lucas Patrick
I would love for Patrick to return, even if it were as a backup, given the value of having a reliable presence available off the bench if needed. Also, without Jenkins, the only backup option at center currently is Jake Hanson, who was on the 53-man roster, but is a relative unknown.
Unfortunately, I just don’t see that being in the cards, and mainly for the two big reasons just discussed. The Green Bay Packers have a very capable trio of starters along the interior on the roster already, and Jenkins will — hopefully — be added back to the mix at some point as well. Green Bay also has Cole Van Lanen, who they spent a sixth-round pick on in 2020.
And, of course, money. Ultimately, I believe that Patrick ends up outside of what the Packers can afford or will be willing to spend on a player who could end up being a backup–there will be several teams who will want him as a starter, and he will be paid accordingly.
Over the last two drafts, Brian Gutekunst has spent six draft picks on the offensive line, a majority of which were interior players. They’ve planned for these types of situations and have the players to absorb Patrick’s absence. When it comes to building back that depth if there is one position that we know the Green Bay Packers are really good at finding, it’s offensive linemen.