3 Packers position groups that worsened in free agency
The Green Bay Packers lost several players in free agency and don’t have the financial tools to replace their production with veterans. As they rebuild with a focus on the long term, there’s no doubt this team lacks talent.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still talented players on the roster. Green Bay is in the process of re-tooling their franchise and isn’t starting from scratch. They’re just beginning from a position of scarcity.
They decided to let key veterans walk in free agency, worsening these three position groups in the process.
The Green Bay Packers lost players at these three position groups in free agency, worsening them for the 2023 NFL season.
Defensive Line
Green Bay’s defensive line has been in the dumps for several years despite rostering one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL in Kenny Clark. Clark’s production has decreased under defensive coordinator Joe Barry–a concerning trend for the Packers’ top defenders–, but he has received little help from his teammates.
The Packers spent a 2022 first-round pick on Devonte Wyatt, and the jury is still out on him. He improved as the season went on, but received few opportunities during his rookie campaign. Will he be ready to contribute in 2023? TJ Slaton is also in for an expanded role and we’ll find out if he’s ready.
Wide Receiver
The Packers needed an overhaul at their wide receiver position, and the changes could be good in the long term (I’m not out here advocating for them to re-sign Allen Lazard or Randall Cobb). The other side of the coin is that they have less talent right now than they did last season.
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs may have bright futures, but they are the top two receivers on the depth chart as second-year pros. And the third player on that depth chart? Also, a second-year pro–2022 seventh-round pick Samori Toure. Green Bay needs to add at least one veteran presence.
Tight End
Tight end is in complete shambles right now. Robert Tonyan signed elsewhere, and Marcedes Lewis remains a free agent. That leaves…checks notes…Josiah Deguara as tight end 1. With all due respect, Deguara had 13 receptions in 17 games last season and is more of a fullback/tight end hybrid, if anything.
Packers 7-round mock draft: Trading down version. dark. Next
Green Bay will likely address this position early in the draft, but there are major question marks as we stand now. Bringing Lewis back for another year wouldn’t be the worst thing if Green Bay can find some money to do it.