Grading Packers’ free agency during NFL’s legal tampering period
The first phase of free agency is ending on Wednesday, with the NFL’s legal tampering period closing at 3 p.m. CT on March 15th, and the official NFL season is beginning. That signals the official start of free agency, but shouldn’t affect the Green Bay Packers much in the grand scheme of the process.
Green Bay and the rest of the league have been able to negotiate contracts with players since Monday, March 13th. Many players have agreed to deals that can become official once the league year starts on the 15th. Trades can also become official.
The Packers haven’t done much to address their laundry list of needs, but that’s not unexpected. They’ve been waiting for Aaron Rodgers to share his decision for the 2023 season before they can make any major moves. We have no idea when that will come, but hopefully sooner rather than later.
For now, let’s check in on Green Bay’s legal tampering period and how it went for them.
Now that the NFL’s legal tampering period in free agency is ending, let’s grade the Green Bay Packers’ performance.
Moves: Re-signed Keisean Nixon
The only move Green Bay made was to re-sign All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon to a one-year deal. OverTheCap has his base salary at $1.35 million with a 2023 cap hit of $4 million with per-game roster bonuses along the way.
It will be interesting to see what role he plays in 2023. Obviously, he’ll be the team’s starting kick returner, but will he also get on the field at cornerback or even play some offense? Matt LaFleur could get a little funky with his role.
Losses: Allen Lazard, Jarran Reed
So far, Green Bay has only lost Allen Lazard to the New York Jets and Jarran Reed to the Seattle Seahawks. Randall Cobb is reportedly returning in 2023, but it’s unlikely it will be with the Packers. We’ll see how they approach the rest of their free agents.
Grade: C+
The Nixon deal is a bit odd that it’s only a one-year agreement. I would’ve thought Green Bay would’ve gotten a couple of years out of the deal, as that might make most sense for both parties. However, Nixon could be betting on himself and hoping to hit free agency again next season with another strong season under his belt.
Next. Packers free agency tracker: Latest signings, trades, contract info. dark
The veteran losses aren’t a surprise and will likely continue happening. The Packers aren’t trying to compete for an immediate Super Bowl in 2023 and will prioritize a healthy salary cap and younger players moving forward. They could still make a move, but it will likely be for someone in his mid-20s, not later in his career.