2025 NFL Free Agency

[Heyjoe4]

Dillon is not the running back option, just as I'd said for years and Lafleur eluded to, the plan last year before his injury didn't allow was to use him in a more Hback TE move around type role.

This is the reason I keep him around - Fitzpatrick held a roster spot this year, Dillon can do all of that and offer RB snaps too if needed or to diversify alignment options.

Yeah he knows the system for sure and is inexpensive insurance on the PS. On the margin, even an undrafted rookie would not offer more for the minimal cost.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

Dillon is not the running back option, just as I'd said for years and Lafleur eluded to, the plan last year before his injury didn't allow was to use him in a more Hback TE move around type role.

This is the reason I keep him around - Fitzpatrick held a roster spot this year, Dillon can do all of that and offer RB snaps too if needed or to diversify alignment options.

He would also have to contribute on special teams and, above all, stay healthy.

 

[tynimiller]

He would also have to contribute on special teams and, above all, stay healthy.

For sure. Which many don't recall but he played a decent amount of teams his first two years in the league. He'd have to go back to that some.

 

[Dantés]

The more I sift through this FA class and the more I think about the Packers' needs, the more I think Darius Slayton ought to be their #1 target.

Getting Jordan Love back on track and progressing is the single biggest way that the Packers could improve in 2025. And if the offense lacks a vertical option, everything else is going to be a lot harder. Teams will be able to sit on the Packers' offense in coverage, condense windows, limit YAC, stifle the rushing attack, send more pressure after the QB, etc. Christian Watson hasn't been everything that fans have hoped for, but his presence on the field has had a key impact, much like MVS before him.

Slayton is easily the best vertical WR due to hit the market. Here's the overview:

-28 years old (in January-- will be 28 into the 2025/26 postseason)
-Drafted in the 5th round in 2019 (Pick 171) out of Auburn
-He played out his rookie contract and a 2/12 extension with the Giants
-At the combine, he was 6'1" 190# with long arms, big hands, and a big wingspan
-He ran a 4.39, broad jumped 135" (97th%), and vertical jumped 40.5" (93rd%)
-He was recently the Giants' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year

Production:

2019: 48/740/8, 15.4 YPR
2020: 50/751/3, 15.0 YPR
2021: 26/339/2, 13.0 YPR
2022: 46/724/2, 15.7 YPR
2023: 50/770/4, 15.4 YPR
2024: 39/573/2, 14.7 YPR

That is relatively modest production, but he was playing with Daniel Jones for virtually his entire tenure in New York, and he's one of the worst deep ball throwers in football. He led the team in YPR every season save 2021 and 2023.

When you watch him, it appears to me that he still has the vertical speed to threat defenses. He has always been remarkable at tracking the deep ball and making catches over his shoulder. His speed also makes him a threat on slants and crossers. He isn't elusive or powerful after the catch, but if he slips a tackle he can run away from people.

The best FA comp I can think of is Gabe Davis, who got 3/39 from the Jags. However, they were buying his age 25-27 seasons, whereas Slayton is already 28. So I don't know if he would get a discount on that deal because of age or a markup on it because of inflation and the weakness of the FA class. I would anticipate something in the range of 9-14M.

I don't think the Packers should go get him at all costs, but I do think they should aggressively pursue him. If they didn't land him, barring a trade, the next best option on the market is probably bringing MVS back or taking a flier on D.J. Chark. I'm not opposed to either of those ideas, but I don't think they do as good a job of addressing the issue. They may end up just looking for a rookie to rely on, but I don't think this class is loaded with vertical options either.

 

[tynimiller]

The more I sift through this FA class and the more I think about the Packers' needs, the more I think Darius Slayton ought to be their #1 target.

Getting Jordan Love back on track and progressing is the single biggest way that the Packers could improve in 2025. And if the offense lacks a vertical option, everything else is going to be a lot harder. Teams will be able to sit on the Packers' offense in coverage, condense windows, limit YAC, stifle the rushing attack, send more pressure after the QB, etc. Christian Watson hasn't been everything that fans have hoped for, but his presence on the field has had a key impact, much like MVS before him.

Slayton is easily the best vertical WR due to hit the market. Here's the overview:

-28 years old (in January-- will be 28 into the 2025/26 postseason)
-Drafted in the 5th round in 2019 (Pick 171) out of Auburn
-He played out his rookie contract and a 2/12 extension with the Giants
-At the combine, he was 6'1" 190# with long arms, big hands, and a big wingspan
-He ran a 4.39, broad jumped 135" (97th%), and vertical jumped 40.5" (93rd%)
-He was recently the Giants' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year

Production:

2019: 48/740/8, 15.4 YPR
2020: 50/751/3, 15.0 YPR
2021: 26/339/2, 13.0 YPR
2022: 46/724/2, 15.7 YPR
2023: 50/770/4, 15.4 YPR
2024: 39/573/2, 14.7 YPR

That is relatively modest production, but he was playing with Daniel Jones for virtually his entire tenure in New York, and he's one of the worst deep ball throwers in football. He led the team in YPR every season save 2021 and 2023.

When you watch him, it appears to me that he still has the vertical speed to threat defenses. He has always been remarkable at tracking the deep ball and making catches over his shoulder. His speed also makes him a threat on slants and crossers. He isn't elusive or powerful after the catch, but if he slips a tackle he can run away from people.

The best FA comp I can think of is Gabe Davis, who got 3/39 from the Jags. However, they were buying his age 25-27 seasons, whereas Slayton is already 28. So I don't know if he would get a discount on that deal because of age or a markup on it because of inflation and the weakness of the FA class. I would anticipate something in the range of 9-14M.

I don't think the Packers should go get him at all costs, but I do think they should aggressively pursue him. If they didn't land him, barring a trade, the next best option on the market is probably bringing MVS back or taking a flier on D.J. Chark. I'm not opposed to either of those ideas, but I don't think they do as good a job of addressing the issue. They may end up just looking for a rookie to rely on, but I don't think this class is loaded with vertical options either.

I'm right there with you on Slayton, always been a fan and still think if the Giants don't want to be idiots they resign him.

 

[Dantés]

I'm right there with you on Slayton, always been a fan and still think if the Giants don't want to be idiots they resign him.

I doubt that they do.

They're about the start the timeline over with a rookie QB. They have Jaylin Hyatt, a 23 year old, who they should probably give some run in that role. I could see them letting the 28 yo just walk.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

I thought Gutey did pretty well last year with McKinney & Jacobs. I'm content just to sit back and see what he does this off-season.

 

[tynimiller]

I doubt that they do.

They're about the start the timeline over with a rookie QB. They have Jaylin Hyatt, a 23 year old, who they should probably give some run in that role. I could see them letting the 28 yo just walk.

Oh I also think they’re about to reset hard, but I don’t think it is wise to let Darius walk is likely what I should have said. IMO

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Mack would be a terrific addition. I know a lot of fans look at corner as the biggest need but it wasn’t the corners that cost the team against the Eagles. Fixing the pass rush would be a massive improvement for this defense, rather than a better corner that would still not play well because the QB has too much time to find an open receiver.

 

[PackerDNA]

My concern with Mack is he's coming off a year of big drop in production, is 34, and in spite of that, won't be cheap.

 

[Dantés]

My concern with Mack is he's coming off a year of big drop in production, is 34, and in spite of that, won't be cheap.

In counting stats but not really in level of play.

 

[Pkrjones]

The more I sift through this FA class and the more I think about the Packers' needs, the more I think Darius Slayton ought to be their #1 target.

Getting Jordan Love back on track and progressing is the single biggest way that the Packers could improve in 2025. And if the offense lacks a vertical option, everything else is going to be a lot harder. Teams will be able to sit on the Packers' offense in coverage, condense windows, limit YAC, stifle the rushing attack, send more pressure after the QB, etc. Christian Watson hasn't been everything that fans have hoped for, but his presence on the field has had a key impact, much like MVS before him.

Slayton is easily the best vertical WR due to hit the market. Here's the overview:

-28 years old (in January-- will be 28 into the 2025/26 postseason)
-Drafted in the 5th round in 2019 (Pick 171) out of Auburn
-He played out his rookie contract and a 2/12 extension with the Giants
-At the combine, he was 6'1" 190# with long arms, big hands, and a big wingspan
-He ran a 4.39, broad jumped 135" (97th%), and vertical jumped 40.5" (93rd%)
-He was recently the Giants' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year

Production:

2019: 48/740/8, 15.4 YPR
2020: 50/751/3, 15.0 YPR
2021: 26/339/2, 13.0 YPR
2022: 46/724/2, 15.7 YPR
2023: 50/770/4, 15.4 YPR
2024: 39/573/2, 14.7 YPR

That is relatively modest production, but he was playing with Daniel Jones for virtually his entire tenure in New York, and he's one of the worst deep ball throwers in football. He led the team in YPR every season save 2021 and 2023.

When you watch him, it appears to me that he still has the vertical speed to threat defenses. He has always been remarkable at tracking the deep ball and making catches over his shoulder. His speed also makes him a threat on slants and crossers. He isn't elusive or powerful after the catch, but if he slips a tackle he can run away from people.

The best FA comp I can think of is Gabe Davis, who got 3/39 from the Jags. However, they were buying his age 25-27 seasons, whereas Slayton is already 28. So I don't know if he would get a discount on that deal because of age or a markup on it because of inflation and the weakness of the FA class. I would anticipate something in the range of 9-14M.

I don't think the Packers should go get him at all costs, but I do think they should aggressively pursue him.

Christian Watson averaged 57 targets/yr over his 1st three years. Yes, he only played 38 out of a possible 51 games due to injury... BUT I certainly hope Gute doesn't spend $12-$15mil/yr on a vertical threat WR unless it's a 22-25 year old Randy Moss. A rookie burner can stretch the field on long patterns, getting 4 targets/game, for less than $1mil/yr., and ocassionally catch a 50yd TD.

Imho, spend the big FA money on a CB and/or Edge rusher to boost the D.

 

[gopkrs]

Mack would be a terrific addition. I know a lot of fans look at corner as the biggest need but it wasn’t the corners that cost the team against the Eagles. Fixing the pass rush would be a massive improvement for this defense, rather than a better corner that would still not play well because the QB has too much time to find an open receiver.

Yes, the pass rush needs fixing. We need a good corner too. If we had to choose between one or the other for a first choice; I'd try and take the one that is better at his position.

 

[tynimiller]

My concern with Mack is he's coming off a year of big drop in production, is 34, and in spite of that, won't be cheap.

He literally just played one of his best seasons. Dude was a BEAST

 

[Heyjoe4]

I thought Gutey did pretty well last year with McKinney & Jacobs. I'm content just to sit back and see what he does this off-season.

Well said Curly. The last two times Gluten dipped into FA big time he came away with 1) the Smith bros, Billy Turner, and Amos and followed with 2) McKinney and Jacobs.

So yeah, I feel pretty good too about both his talent evaluation and then his decision making. He always has options, and has done a very good job in FA and the draft. No major complaints from me.

 

[Heyjoe4]

He literally just played one of his best seasons. Dude was a BEAST

I missed that too. He is with the Chargers, right? What were his stats last year?

I'd be fine if Gluten can get him on board for a 2 year deal at, say $40 mil. (I really don't have a feel for high-end Edge player comp, so that's a guess.)

There is talk about a trade with Cleveland for Myles Garrett. As much as I'd love to see that, I think the cost in draft capital would be way too high. Mack would be a very capable alternative at a much lower price. This team is playing too well to mortgage the future for one guy, even a guy like Garrett.

 

[PackerDNA]

Going to be interesting to see how far Gute is willing to go in free agency this year. This is the first time in 4 years that he has some real flexibility, he can clear up to 74 million under the cap if he wants to go all out.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Going to be interesting to see how far Gute is willing to go in free agency this year. This is the first time in 4 years that he has some real flexibility, he can clear up to 74 million under the cap if he wants to go all out.

Thanks for the cap update. A lot obviously depends on who is available in areas of need - iDL, Edge, CB, and WR. Gluten doesn't have to fill all those needs thorough FA, and probably can't anyway.

This isn't a particularly strong draft overall, but there do seem to be a number of interesting CBs available at #23. IMO, they need a legitimate pass rusher and a WR - and I hope those positions can be filled with FA.

 

[Dantés]

Christian Watson averaged 57 targets/yr over his 1st three years. Yes, he only played 38 out of a possible 51 games due to injury... BUT I certainly hope Gute doesn't spend $12-$15mil/yr on a vertical threat WR unless it's a 22-25 year old Randy Moss. A rookie burner can stretch the field on long patterns, getting 4 targets/game, for less than $1mil/yr., and ocassionally catch a 50yd TD.

Imho, spend the big FA money on a CB and/or Edge rusher to boost the D.

12-15M AAV is the going rate for guys like Gabe Davis and Darnell Mooney. The top of the market is 35M (Justin Jefferson).

So to say that you wouldn't want the Packers to spend that level of money unless it was on arguably the best WR of all time is another way of saying that you would never be ok spending free agent money at WR.

That said, I can see the wisdom in turning to a rookie, however I'm not certain there are many good options in this class.

 

[Dantés]

Going to be interesting to see how far Gute is willing to go in free agency this year. This is the first time in 4 years that he has some real flexibility, he can clear up to 74 million under the cap if he wants to go all out.

What adds to the intrigue is that even as he has more room to operate, the FA class is as bad as I can remember.

 

[tynimiller]

12-15M AAV is the going rate for guys like Gabe Davis and Darnell Mooney. The top of the market is 35M (Justin Jefferson).

So to say that you wouldn't want the Packers to spend that level of money unless it was on arguably the best WR of all time is another way of saying that you would never be ok spending free agent money at WR.

That said, I can see the wisdom in turning to a rookie, however I'm not certain there are many good options in this class.

Handful at best IMO that you might get adequate replacement from them for the absence of Watson...I don't see any rookie that day 1 is fully replacing him and all he does.

 

[Dantés]

Handful at best IMO that you might get adequate replacement from them for the absence of Watson...I don't see any rookie that day 1 is fully replacing him and all he does.

In terms of having the combination of speed and length, I think Tre Harris would be the best option. Savion Williams obviously has both traits, but he's a gadget player who wouldn't be ready to be a fixture in the offense as a rookie. Elic Ayomanor might have the skillset, but I think he probably needs to be a Z receiver because he's pretty bad getting off the LOS. Who else? Pat Bryant?

It's not a great receiver class and when you aim at a particular skill set, it becomes even narrower.

 

[tynimiller]

In terms of having the combination of speed and length, I think Tre Harris would be the best option. Savion Williams obviously has both traits, but he's a gadget player who wouldn't be ready to be a fixture in the offense as a rookie. Elic Ayomanor might have the skillset, but I think he probably needs to be a Z receiver because he's pretty bad getting off the LOS. Who else? Pat Bryant?

It's not a great receiver class and when you aim at a particular skill set, it becomes even narrower.

Tre Harris and Elic Ayomanor are for sure two guys that are capable of being high target guys like we've seen Watson be and each in their own way can push defenses deep, but IMO both are going to take our first rounder or a trade up in the second (just my board...some boards show Tre might be there in second).

Jalen Royals is still the one guy I think has a strong likelihood of being there in the second that has insane juice/speed both in quickness/short range but long speed as well.

Matthew Golden while physically isn't GB prototypical type also has incredible route ability with high velocity speed and might be a massive vertical threat.

I'm out on Savion pesonally....dude has significant drop issues - he is an incredible athlete though.

 

[PackerDNA]

What adds to the intrigue is that even as he has more room to operate, the FA class is as bad as I can remember.

Yeah, the timing is kind of lousy. Still, between draft free agency and trades we can see a lot of improvement

 

[tynimiller]

What adds to the intrigue is that even as he has more room to operate, the FA class is as bad as I can remember.

Part of me wonders if some of the "moves" might include saving money long term by extending our known "futures" now. Like Tom...give him that 3 or 4 year extension now. He is the RT of the future without question....