5 dream free agents for Packers to pursue in 2023

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) celebrates a turnover in the third quarter during a Week 15 NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The Cincinnati Bengals won, 34-23. The Cincinnati Bengals improved to 10-4 on the season.Nfl Cincinnati Bengals At Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dec 18 0111
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) celebrates a turnover in the third quarter during a Week 15 NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The Cincinnati Bengals won, 34-23. The Cincinnati Bengals improved to 10-4 on the season.Nfl Cincinnati Bengals At Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dec 18 0111 /

Dream free agents for Packers: Jessie Bates, Safety

Getting back to safety, Jessie Bates is PFF’s top-ranked safety in this class and the fourth-best prospect overall. They project him to receive a five-year contract worth about $15 million per year on average.

As previously mentioned, Green Bay could create up to $20 million in cap space if they restructure every possible contract. That would give them enough room to sign Bates as their big free agency splash.

At just 26-years-old, Bates has his best football ahead of him. He’s a durable player who is always on the field. His best talent is providing run support to the defense, something the Packers could benefit from. He would be a good start to addressing the safety spot.