The offensive line market has been absolutely booming already in 2024 NFL free agency, and the Green Bay Packers might have to dip their toes in the pool before all is said and done. The Packers have already said goodbye to players like David Bakhtiari and Jon Runyan Jr. in free agency, and even though they've drafted well in this area, you always need to be loading up in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
With four of the five starting spots pretty well locked in for next year and some competition for the fifth, the Packers don't need to go and overspend by any means, but there might be some intriguing value out there to get some guys with Adam Stenavich and watch them cook.
Which free agents could make sense in Green Bay's current context?
1. Mekhi Becton, OT (Jets)
One of the best things teams can do in NFL Free Agency is take calculated risks on the most talented players on the board, especially when those guys are still young.
Mekhi Becton was a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Physically speaking, he is essentially one of one. As of this moment in time, he's 24 years old and won't turn 25 until April. But think about that for a moment...This guy is not even 25 years old yet.
Although Becton has struggled with some injuries in his career, as well as the dysfunction of the New York Jets, this could be a really intriguing dart to throw for the Green Bay Packers and a player who will be motivated to prove his former first-round status.
The question in Green Bay is -- does Becton have a clear path to playing time? Rasheed Walker, a 2022 7th-round pick, played very well for the Packers last year and has given them the confidence to move on from a franchise legend like David Bakhtiari. Perhaps that would deter someone like Becton, who may be looking for more of a situation similar to what Andre Dillard found last year with the Titans. But the Packers could end up being a prime landing spot due to the presence of Stenavich and his ability to develop this position group.
2. Kevin Zeitler, OG (Ravens)
The timing couldn't be more perfect for the Green Bay Packers to bring Kevin Zeitler home to finish out his NFL career.
Unless the Packers are going after a complete youth movement on the offensive line, Zeitler could actually be the perfect fit to replace departed starter Jon Runyan Jr. at the right guard spot. Even at the age of 33 this past season, Zeitler was a Pro Bowl player for the Baltimore Ravens and should be able to contribute at a high level for at least another couple of seasons.
He just turned 34 this offseason, and is an experienced veteran who gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what you're going to get every day, every snap, every week.
Zeitler is a Wisconsin (Waukesha) native and played his college football for the Wisconsin Badgers. He's been a stud throughout the course of his NFL career and would help the Packers not only keep Jordan Love clean but pave the way for new running back Josh Jacobs.
3. Dalton Risner, OG (Vikings)
The Green Bay Packers undoubtedly saw what Dalton Risner just did in his lone season as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Risner came in as a street free agent during the season and pitched a complete shutout after seizing the left guard position.
And when I say he pitched a shutout, I mean Risner didn't allow a single sack in his time with the Vikings.
Risner was vastly improved after signing with the Vikings, especially compared to his time with the Denver Broncos. There was a rumor floating around that Risner was being blacklisted by every team in the NFL because of a sideline scuffle he had on Christmas Day with former Broncos backup QB Brett Rypien.
Ultimately, Risner went from being projected to sign a hefty deal in free agency to having to wait until after the season started to sign with a team. And he took advantage of his opportunity.
He could easily come into Green Bay and start at the right guard position, vacated recently by free agent Jon Runyan Jr. who bolted for the New York Giants on a big-money contract.
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