Packers’ Best Free Agent Fits in 2023: Tight end
The Green Bay Packers will have to address tight end in one way or another this offseason. Perhaps, they could dip their toe in the free agency pool?
Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan are unrestricted free agents, leaving Green Bay very thin at the position. It’s unclear if either player will return, and the Packers will have to add talent if they let them both walk.
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Tight end is a tricky position to play and to evaluate. It often takes players several years to adjust to the blocking and receiving expectations, leaving a high draft pick as unlikely to be the only way Green Bay addresses the position this offseason. Here are perfect fits from the free agent market if they are looking to add a veteran.
The Green Bay Packers will likely have a need at tight end this offseason, and these tight ends fit perfectly for what they’re looking for.
Marcedes Lewis
Lewis has been such a terrific fit for the Packers, I had to add him to this list. He could return on a one-year deal to help mentor a draft pick or two. He’s basically a glorified lineman at this point, but he’s a great presence in the locker room. He would be a huge loss on and off the field.
O.J. Howard
Green Bay has been rumored to be interested in Howard for years, but has never pulled the trigger. Could this be the year? After being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, he’s never developed into the type of player scouts thought. He hasn’t had more than 14 receptions since the 2019 season and isn’t exactly known for his blocking either. Maybe Green Bay will take a flyer.
Irv Smith Jr.
Smith Jr. is another player with potential that has yet to be realized. However, he’s come closer than Howard and his struggles have been more injury related than anything else. Green Bay could sign him to a one-year prove-it deal that would allow him to establish health and help bridge the gap to their long-term solution at the position.
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Austin Hooper
Hooper is the most established player on this list and would cost the most as a result. He had 41 receptions for 444 yards and two touchdowns with the Tennessee Titans last year. He also has two seasons with at least 71 receptions under his belt. The Packers could see what he has left in the tank on a two or three year deal.