Re-sign or Let Go and Prediction: Packers IDL Jarran Reed
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers have 14 unrestricted free agents to address during NFL free agency this offseason.
Over the next few weeks, my “Re-sign or Let go & Prediction” series is back, where I will be taking a look at each of the Packers’ unrestricted free agents, and examining why Green Bay may try to re-sign them, why they would let them walk, and then I’ll make a prediction.
Next up is interior defensive lineman Jarran Reed. If you’ve missed any of the other articles in this series, you can find them all below.
Why the Green Bay Packers would re-sign Jarran Reed
Jarran Reed’s first season with the Packers was improved over his 2021 season with Kansas City. Although his overall production was similar, with 33 pressures, four sacks, and 28 stops, Reed was able to produce those numbers in nearly 150 fewer snaps than what he had with the Chiefs, according to PFF.
Reed was playing his best during the final month of the season, which, not coincidentally, coincided with the interior defensive line and the defense as a whole playing their best football as well. Now, of course, Reed wasn’t the sole reason for any of that, but improved run defense and more regular pressure from the interior were two key contributors to the defense’s success. As we look for ways that this defensive unit can bounce back in 2023, consistent play from the trenches will be an important factor.
As we look at the Packers’ interior defensive line unit as it’s currently constructed, they need to add another member to the rotation with how heavily rotated this position group is. Right now, the room is made up of Kenny Clark, TJ Slaton, and Devonte Wyatt, along with Jonathan Ford and Chris Slayton, neither of whom has any NFL experience. In addition to strengthening the overall depth, adding a veteran presence specifically to this position group could be quite valuable, given that both Slaton and Wyatt have fewer than 350 career snaps.
Perhaps a reduced role for Reed could actually lead to more impact plays as he’s more often put in positions that better suit his skill set rather than playing the majority of the snaps, regardless of the situation.
Why the Packers won’t re-sign Jarran Reed
Although Devonte Wyatt may not have been ready for a full-time role right away, with Reed on the Packers last season, he — along with Dean Lowry — blocked Wyatt from seeing more playing time. It’s now time that both he and Slaton take on larger roles, and that becomes more challenging with Reed on the team.
Over the Cap projects that Reed will early just under $7 million per year on his next contract. For one, that alone could put him out of the Packers’ price range, given their salary cap situation, and two, there’s no reason to allocate that much of the salary cap to a fourth member of the rotation–which is what Green Bay should be looking for.
In addition to those reasons, although Reed finished the year strong, the interior defensive line play was very inconsistent for a large portion of the season, and that includes his performances.
Next. At the right price, free agent WR Robert Woods makes sense. dark
Prediction: The Packers don’t re-sign Jarran Reed
To put a bow on the previous section, Reed can likely earn a larger role and payday by playing elsewhere. It’s time for Wyatt and Slaton to take on a larger share of the snaps. Green Bay should, however, still add to the interior defensive line room but can do so through the draft or with a more cost-efficient free agent option.