2025 NFL Free Agency

[Dantés]

Where do you think the Packers need to invest with veteran talent? Who do you have your eye on?

 

[Dantés]

I think the Packers need a vertical wide receiver who can step in immediately. Watson won't be in that role for at least half the season and he might not be effective for any of it.

Darius Slayton of the Giants is the clearest option. I would guess he gets some kind of markup on the Gabe Davis deal (3/39). D.J. Chark could be a budget option if he's healthy.

At defensive tackle, assuming the Packers let Slaton walk, they need to replace about 425 snaps at the 1T/NT spot. I could see signing a guy and drafting another in the middle rounds because Clark isn't really that player anymore.

B.J. Hill of Cincinnati is probably the most brand-name option out there, but I'm more intrigued by a couple of LA products: Bobby Brown III (Rams) and Teair Tart (Chargers). If the Packers were inclined to trade Devonte Wyatt, one of the best FA options this year regardless of position would be Milton Williams from Philly.

At defensive end, this draft class seems rich so I probably wouldn't wade into the market unless it was for a serious difference-maker or for a guy who brings a skill-set they don't current have (i.e. a skilled high-side rusher).

The difference-maker would be Khalil Mack (LAC). The speed rushers that I like are Baron Browning (ARI) and Azeez Ojulari (NYG).

The spot that needs immediate help more than any other is undoubtedly cornerback. I don't think the top guys on the market warrant a big contract, so I'm inclined to take multiple swings on tier 2 options or maybe make one solid signing and then one budget signing.

The guys I like in this FA class are Byron Murphy (MIN), Paulson Adebo (NO), Kristian Fulton (LAC), and Nate Hobbs (LV).

So that's...

WR:
-D. Slayton, NYG
-D. Chark, LAC

DT:
-B. Hill, CIN
-B. Brown, LAR
-T. Tart, LAC

DE:
-K. Mack, LAC
-B. Browning, ARI
-A. Ojulari, NYG

CB:
-B. Murphy, MIN
-P. Adebo, NO
-K. Fulton, LAC
-N. Hobbs, LV

Funny that there's a Charger at every spot.

 

[tynimiller]

I would add edge Malcolm Koonce set to hit FA from Oakland. His 2023 was SPECIAL and had injury not stolen his 2024 he'd be a massive FA target I suspect. He still might make bank but he could make a perfect candidate for a solid one year deal where he knows he can play into another BIG deal in a prove it post-injury year.

CB - I still think Brandon Stephens could be a redemption target that wouldn't cost much - LOTS of starting experience and a SOLID 2023 and a bad 2024.