5 underrated free agents Packers should consider signing

It’s been a few years since the Green Bay Packers aggressively hit the free agent market, signing Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Adrian Amos and Billy Turner in one offseason. Their front office typically likes to build through the draft and wait until the big-money deals have been given to sign a veteran free agent.

That’s exactly the type of deal Green Bay likes to pursue–Jarran Reed and De’Vondre Campbell are recent examples. Reed didn’t pan out as hoped, but Campbell turned in a First Team All-Pro performance in 2021.

If they continue to go that route, I’ve compiled a list of underrated players who won’t sign for anything close to their potential value. Here are five players at key positions who are underrated entering free agency.

If the Green Bay Packers want to sign an under-the-radar free agent, here are five candidates they should strongly consider.

Larry Ogunjobi, Defensive Line

Dean Lowry and Reed are unrestricted free agents and it’s unlikely Green Bay will bring them back, opening up a larger role for Devonte Wyatt and TJ Slaton. However, if they want to add a veteran face to the locker room, Ogunjobi could be their guy. He has a quick first step off the snap which has helped him rack up 70 quarterback pressures over the last two seasons. Concern about a foot injury led to him signing a one-year deal last offseason and could continue to drive his price down.

Yannick Ngakoue, Edge

The Packers will need support on the edge, as Rashan Gary recovers from the ACL tear he suffered last year, and they have little to no depth. Ngakoue presents an elite pass-rushing specialist who can play exclusively on pass-rushing downs. He has at least eight sacks in every season of his career and racked up 9.5 last season. He’d be nice to bring in on third downs and let him go to work.

Austin Hooper, Tight End

Hooper was once a big name in fantasy football, but has fallen out of relevance over the last couple of seasons. That pendulum has now swung so far that he’s underrated in my eyes. He’s PFF’s fifth-ranked tight end, but could pour in a better season than any of the guys ahead of him. At 28-years-old, he flashed terrific hands, the ability to find soft spots in zone coverages, explosiveness and the skill of making contested catches. Green Bay needs to add all that and more from a receiver this offseason.

Julian Love, Safety

There’s no questioning the need at safety for the Packers, considering Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage’s disappearing acts in 2022. Love is PFF’s seventh-ranked safety and 62nd player overall in their free agency guide. He’s an extremely solid tackler, missing only six tackles last season. He can also play in the slot, near the line of scrimmage, or deep, providing defensive coordinators with a ton of versatility. He’s a must-sign player, in my opinion.

Parris Campbell, Wide Receiver

The Packers have the start of something at the wide receiver position with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and even Samori Toure. However, they need to continue building the position out. Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard are free agents and their Packers’ future is unclear. I’d rather spend the money on a buy-low target like Campbell. He’s struggled with injuries throughout his career which will drive his price down, but he can compliment the young Packers’ receivers nicely. He has great hands, can play in the slot, and works underneath routes.