Packers free agent targets: 28 Top-100 external candidates to consider
The Green Bay Packers might be setting the table to make a run at a prominent free agent or two.
They’ve been clearing money on their 2023 salary cap thanks to moves with Aaron Jones, Preston Smith, Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander. That gives them bout $16.6 million in current cap space, but they’ll need some of that for the draft and any in-season moves.
They could still touch the contracts of David Bakhtiari, De’Vondre Campbell, Rashan Gary, Rasul Dougals, Jon Runyan and Pat O’Donnell, creating a maximum of another $26 million in the process. That should give them enough room to sign at least one big-name free agent.
Using The Athletic’s Free Agency Ranking List , I picked out 28 players who the Packers should consider pursuing with that money. These guys all fit positions of need and would be great additions to Green Bay.
If the Green Bay Packers want to make a big splash in free agency, here are 28 top-100 external candidates they should consider.
5. S Jessie Bates (Bengals)
17. S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Eagles)
There’s no debating the need at safety. Adrian Amos and Rudy Ford are unrestricted free agents, leaving Darnell Savage as the only returning safety. That’s not a good thing. Bates is the top safety on the market and will command significant money. He’s only 26 years old and has his best play ahead of him. Gardner-Johnson is as versatile as they come and can play all over the field.
19. Edge Marcus Davenport (Saints)
The Packers are likelier to pursue an edge further down on this list, as Gary and Smith are locked in as their starters. However, Davenport is the top-ranked edge and would be an immediate upgrade from Smith.
21. S Jordan Poyer (Bills)
22. TE Evan Engram (Jaguars)
Tight end is another major need for Green Bay; several good ones are available. Engram is at the top of the list and would be a nice receiving threat for the team. The Jaguars could end up placing the franchise tag on him as well.
31. WR Jakobi Meyers (Patriots)
This year’s free agent class is very weak at the wide receiver position, which is why Meyers is the top-ranked receiver, but the 31st overall prospect. He’s a decent receiver, but probably not worth the type of money he’ll command.
32. S Von Bell (Bengals)
34. WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham sat out the entire 2022 NFL season in a surprising move. He’s now 30 years old and coming off a torn ACL. It will be intriguing to see the interest he receives this offseason.
35. TE Dalton Schultz (Cowboys)
40. Edge Yannick Ngakoue (Colts)
If the Packers are looking for a pure pass-rush specialist, Ngakoue is their guy. He’s very good at getting to the quarterback and could spell Smith on passing downs. He’s had at least eight sacks in every year of his career. You just don’t want him on the field on running downs.
48. TE Mike Gesicki (Dolphins)
53. Edge Brandon Graham (Eagles)
55. TE Hayden Hurst (Bengals)
57. WR D.J. Chark (Lions)
If the Packers want to add another downfield threat to their team, Chark would be an intriguing candidate. He’s struggled with injuries throughout his career, but there’s no denying his talent. He signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Detroit last year and is likely looking for more years and money this time around.
61. Edge Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Texans)
62. Edge Justin Houston (Ravens)
64. WR Mecole Hardman (Chiefs)
67. WR Parris Campbell (Colts)
Hardman and Campbell are two of my favorite wide receiver targets in this year’s class. They are both young and have their best football ahead of them. Hardman is a speedster who would thrive in Matt LaFleur’s horizontal passing scheme. Campbell has battled injuries, but was finally healthy last year.
68. S Julian Love (Giants)
Love is another of my favorite free agents in this year’s class. He’s versatile, can play all over the field, and is a solid tackler. He would be a reasonable addition to the Packers’ safety room.
71. S Terrell Edmunds (Steelers)
72. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Chiefs)
81. Edge Jadeveon Clownery (Browns)
85. Edge Samson Ebukam (49ers)
88. Edge Melvin Ingram (Dolphins)
90. S Donovan Wilson (Cowboys)
92. S Marcus Epps (Eagles)
94. S Juan Thornhill (Chiefs)
If the Packers want to add a safety on a decent contract, this trio is where they’ll have their best luck. They each bring their own strengths and weaknesses to the table, and the Packers must decide how to best spend their money.