Green Bay Packers Re-Sign or Let Go & Prediction: Tyler Lancaster

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Tyler Lancaster (95) fends off a block while tackling Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) for a three-yard loss during the first quarter of their game Sunday, November 21, 2021 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 34-31.Mjs Packers22 12 Jpg Packers22
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Tyler Lancaster (95) fends off a block while tackling Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) for a three-yard loss during the first quarter of their game Sunday, November 21, 2021 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 34-31.Mjs Packers22 12 Jpg Packers22 /
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Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Tyler Lancaster (95) tries to tackle Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) during their football game Sunday, September 13, 2020, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.Mjs Apc Lancaster 0913201131 /

Why the Green Bay Packers won’t re-sign Tyler Lancaster

Having just pointed out what Lancaster adds to this Green Bay Packers defense, that certainly doesn’t mean that this position isn’t upgradable–because it is. There are certainly times where Lancaster is moved with ease and he disappears.

In terms of yards per carry allowed and Football Outsiders’ rush DVOA measurement, the Packers actually ranked worst in each category in 2021 compared to 2020–finishing 30th and 28th, respectively. Now, of course, nobody is pinning that all on Lancaster, but my point is there is room for improvements.

Perhaps TJ Slaton will take on a larger role in 2022 and take Lancaster’s snaps–although it’s worth noting that with the interior defensive line being such a heavily rotated position, Green Bay will still be in need of finding a key rotational player alongside of Slaton.

Or the Packers could look for an upgrade early on in the draft. If Green Bay is willing to spend an early-round pick on the position — something that they haven’t done in a while — a few options could include Perrion Winfrey, Travis Jones, DeMarvin Leal, and Phidarian Mathis.

As I mentioned, Lancaster isn’t going to break the bank in free agency, but Green Bay, who will likely be limited to some degree in what they can spend, could look to replace his production and presence with a less expensive player–especially if their plan is to rely more on Slaton.