2025 NFL Free Agency

[Sunshinepacker]

Godwin has saw success immensely both wide and inside, his last four mostly healthy seasons in snaps and where:

2023 - 335 slot / 655 wide - 1024 yards
2022 - 628 slot / 311 wide - 1023 yards
2021 - 509 slot / 303 wide - 1103 yards
2020 - 519 slot / 357 wide - 840 yards

I typed that quickly, poor response on my part. The Packers's receiving group with watson on the field is the most efficient AND explosive receiving group in the NFL. Without Watson, they become middle-of-the-road. Godwin is not going to be able to do what Watson could do. The Packers need to find a receiver that can open up the offense like Watson did and demand over-the-top help when he's running routes. Godwin is a very good receiver but I don't think he's the type of receiver that will be best help this offense. Metcalf is exactly the kind of receiver that can replicate/exceed what Watson did for the offense.

 

[tynimiller]

I typed that quickly, poor response on my part. The Packers's receiving group with watson on the field is the most efficient AND explosive receiving group in the NFL. Without Watson, they become middle-of-the-road. Godwin is not going to be able to do what Watson could do. The Packers need to find a receiver that can open up the offense like Watson did and demand over-the-top help when he's running routes. Godwin is a very good receiver but I don't think he's the type of receiver that will be best help this offense. Metcalf is exactly the kind of receiver that can replicate/exceed what Watson did for the offense.

Not a free agent. Of course if they cut him it makes sense to weigh between the two.

If metcalf was a FA he’d be towards if not top of my list

 

[tynimiller]

Did Morgan and Musgrave have injury histories in college?

Morgan played his final three seasons injury free but the season before that tore ACL

Musgrave had two seasons missing significant time

 

[McKnowledge]

You hit on the main point, imo - a deep playoff run is expected this year. Love enters his third year as a starter, and this was widely considered to be the time when the Packers would be ready for a SB push.

We've all shared our opinions on offseason moves - FA, draft, trade(s) - and that is in Gluten's very capable hands (and the creativity of Russ Ball for cap management).

The Packers have been the youngest team in the NFL for the past two seasons, I think. So it is time for that experience, including key additions before the 2024 season in Jacobs and McKinney and a solid draft class, to gel and integrate with needed off season additions at CB, Edge/DL, and WR.

I try not to set my expectations too high, but this year I am expecting a lot from the Packers.

My expectations are high regarding the division. All 3 opposing divisional teams face uncertainty whether at QB or coaching staff.

Packers have maintained continuity, but it's time to reclaim the throne as Kings of the North.

I am quite sincere, with the expanding salary cap, Gute needs to get some difference makers in free agency and stop with the RAS projects.

Target multiple pass rushers at all levels of the defense and revamp the WR room.

Every player must fit the scheme and overall team philosophy regardless of name and/or reputation.

 

[Dantés]

Alright, here's an exercise.

Who is the player you think the Packers are most likely to pursue in FA at every position from outside of the org? You have to choose one (and only one) guy in every category and it can't be a current Packer. The exercise is not your favorite player or the best talent or the best value, but rather who you think the Packers would actually pursue.

Here's mine:

QB-- Zach Wilson, DEN: The only reason to sign a QB is to develop a QB2 for the future in the likely event that Malik Willis leaves. Wilson should be cheap, he's only 25, and he has raw skills that would make him a feasible backup to Jordan Love.

RB-- Travis Homer, CHI: This is another position where "no one" is the most likely outcome, however Homer could make some sense as he wouldn't cost much and he has a lot of ST value, which could help him to beat out a Chris Brooks or Emanuel Wilson.

TE-- Hunter Long, LAR: If the Packers were to go after a veteran TE, it would make sense to target a guy with in-line blocking prowess.

WR-- Darius Slayton, NYG: If rumors of the pursuit of Metcalf don't materialize into reality, I would guess that they will go after a vertical threat.

OL-- Dillon Radunz, TEN: He never found a permanent starting role with the Titans, but he's a Packers type and has 4 position flex.

DT-- Bobby Brown, LAR: This position will most likely be addressed in the draft because it's such a good class, but if they went after a veteran, I would look for a 1T/NT to replace Slaton.

DE-- Khalil Mack, LAC: The Packers don't need bodies/depth at DE, they need impact. Mack is the best guy on the market and is only available because of age.

LB-- Devin Bush, CLE: Bush never paid off as a top 10 pick, but he has a role on defense and plays a lot of special teams.

CB-- Paulson Adebo, NO: The media is sleeping on Adebo-- he will likely be the most coveted CB free agent on the market because of his age and skillset, and I expect the Packers to be in the mix for him.

S-- Darrick Forest, WAS: The Packers need absolutely nothing at safety, but Forrest is young, a great athlete, and he plays on teams.

 

[Pugger]

I consider WR need #5 in the draft. If somebody falls that they like on day 2 I could see Gute selecting a WR. Otherwise, I expect a late round pick and a low salary signing after the draft. I lean to Watson (KC) to replace Watson.

From what I hear this isn't a very good WR draft class so if we want to improve our WR room quickly we may have to test the FA/trade waters.

 

[gopkrs]

From what I hear this isn't a very good WR draft class so if we want to improve our WR room quickly we may have to test the FA/trade waters.

Or beef up our run blocking. Defenses would really have to commit to stopping our running attack if we could block the hell out of them

 

[Heyjoe4]

My expectations are high regarding the division. All 3 opposing divisional teams face uncertainty whether at QB or coaching staff.

Packers have maintained continuity, but it's time to reclaim the throne as Kings of the North.

I am quite sincere, with the expanding salary cap, Gute needs to get some difference makers in free agency and stop with the RAS projects.

Target multiple pass rushers at all levels of the defense and revamp the WR room.

Every player must fit the scheme and overall team philosophy regardless of name and/or reputation.

Agreed. Some people are gonna take issue with "revamp the WR room, but what other choice is there? The unit didn't progress much at all last year, or I didn't see it. Yes there are some very fine players there - Reed, Watson, Doubs and Wicks. But Watson is out until November, Doubs has concussion issues that should/could end his NFL career and Wicks has great feet and lousy hands. Trade for DK Metcalf and sign FA Darius Slaytom. And use a day 2 pick on a WR. Just some ideas I've heard.

CBs and pass rushers desperately needed. Again, use FA (Byron Murphy for ex) and a high draft pick on either position. Probably best to go CB given the drop off in talent. Edge is loaded in this draft.

If the Packers wanna compete with the Eagles, Lions, Bills, and Ravens (maybe the Chiefs), they have to make many or al of these moves. Just my opinion.

There ya go McK. We have done Gluten's job for him!

 

[McKnowledge]

Agreed. Some people are gonna take issue with "revamp the WR room, but what other choice is there? The unit didn't progress much at all last year, or I didn't see it. Yes there are some very fine players there - Reed, Watson, Doubs and Wicks. But Watson is out until November, Doubs has concussion issues that should/could end his NFL career and Wicks has great feet and lousy hands. Trade for DK Metcalf and sign FA Darius Slaytom. And use a day 2 pick on a WR. Just some ideas I've heard.

CBs and pass rushers desperately needed. Again, use FA (Byron Murphy for ex) and a high draft pick on either position. Probably best to go CB given the drop off in talent. Edge is loaded in this draft.

If the Packers wanna compete with the Eagles, Lions, Bills, and Ravens (maybe the Chiefs), they have to make many or al of these moves. Just my opinion.

There ya go McK. We have done Gluten's job for him!

I like this plan.

Metcalf is an upgrade over Watson, Slayton is a true professional, it would be nice to see him produce with competent QB play. Reed dominates in the slot.

They have had their flashes, but Doubs and Wicks need a change in scenery. If I had to keep one as WR4 then it would Wicks, but addressing WR depth with this '25 draft class would save money.

May sound like fool's gold, but I am interested in seeing how far Travis Hunter may fall in the draft.

If he is still around for picks 10-12, then assuming GB doesn't (and shouldn't) trade their 1st rounder, I would send that pick and possibly Alexander to the other team. Hunter is an instant CB1 and would be an elite WR4.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I like this plan.

Metcalf is an upgrade over Watson, Slayton is a true professional, it would be nice to see him produce with competent QB play. Reed dominates in the slot.

They have had their flashes, but Doubs and Wicks need a change in scenery. If I had to keep one as WR4 then it would Wicks, but addressing WR depth with this '25 draft class would save money.

May sound like fool's gold, but I am interested in seeing how far Travis Hunter may fall in the draft.

If he is still around for picks 10-12, then assuming GB doesn't (and shouldn't) trade their 1st rounder, I would send that pick and possibly Alexander to the other team. Hunter is an instant CB1 and would be an elite WR4.

Talk about remaking the WR group - Metcalf, Slayton, and Reed in the slot with Wicks as WR4. I'd be ecstatic if Gluten could pull that off. Hunter is an interesting guy and trading up wouldn't be out of the question. I'm not sure what kind of attention JA would attract in a trade. From Gluten's comments it sure doesn't sound like he'll be back.

 

[OldSchool101]

@Pokerbrat2000 didn't want to hijack the jones thread further. But absolutely Slayton would be an awesome FA signing by Gute.

This cat many don't even remember or know much about because of the abysmal situation he's been in over in NY.

Just to break him down some for many...here's his RAS card from his draft year (2019)

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Cat is taller than many realize and is quite solidly framed weight wise with it.

Now some will point to his catch percentage is lower than you'd possibly like, but not to harp on something many overlooked with the likes of MVS - average depth of target is a metric you cannot ignore and the higher it gets the lower you need to tick the expected completion %. His career he has an DOT of 13.1...for an example MVS is 3 yards more...Davante is 3 yards closer.

All his stats also one has to take into consideration has been done with Daniel Jones being the best QB of the bunch....Glennon, Eli (when he was past his prime), Colt McCoy, Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito are guys that had four or more starts in his time also....

For Slayton to have produced four seasons over 700 yards, 21 total TDs cannot be overlooked IMO due to arguably having some of the most inconsistent QB play and coach troubles as anyone.

In a dream world we sign Slayton and Jalen Royals or Jayden Higgins in the second round happen. At that point the position is so flushed it is going to make or break Doubs, Reed or Wicks in GB....Heath and Melton will be battling for PS or that 6th spot without thinking.

It’s funny, when I first started peeking at WR’s in my Mocks, Ayomanor and Royals were the first 2 to peak my interest. Both are Packer types imo. Royals would be like having a slightly bigger Reed as our X/Slot crossover vehicle. You almost can’t find a better comparable. It’s like Having 2 Reed’s on the field simultaneously and I think that would be formidable. Especially if we can find a way to get Musgrave going again. spending a Day2 on Royals or Elic Ayomanor would be my choice in the draft. I think either are capable of offering a noticeable upgrade pretty quickly.

 

[tynimiller]

It’s funny, when I first started peeking at WR’s in my Mocks, Ayomanor and Royals were the first 2 to peak my interest. Both are Packer types imo. Royals would be like having a slightly bigger Reed as our X/Slot crossover vehicle. You almost can’t find a better comparable. It’s like Having 2 Reed’s on the field simultaneously and I think that would be formidable. Especially if we can find a way to get Musgrave going again. spending a Day2 on Royals or Elic Ayomanor would be my choice in the draft. I think either are capable of offering a noticeable upgrade pretty quickly.

Noel from Iowa State is the slightly more built body wise version of Reed…dude is like a freaking carbon copy with touch more juice if we want to experiment with Reed outside more

 

[tynimiller]

With Watson down...I think there could be a case for Reed moving outside more like he did in college...if that might occur (mix in a Doubs trade depending and this could increase even more). Jaylin Noel to me is literally like redrafting Jayden Reed, except more pure slot even....wasn't a fan of drafting a slot pure only type, BUT depending on how things shake out and what the team expects Watson to be able to do, Reed could play that outside separator deep pressure type and we could really use an underneath playmaker.

 

[Heyjoe4]

With Watson down...I think there could be a case for Reed moving outside more like he did in college...if that might occur (mix in a Doubs trade depending and this could increase even more). Jaylin Noel to me is literally like redrafting Jayden Reed, except more pure slot even....wasn't a fan of drafting a slot pure only type, BUT depending on how things shake out and what the team expects Watson to be able to do, Reed could play that outside separator deep pressure type and we could really use an underneath playmaker.

As it stands right now, moving Reed outside on most passing plays makes sense. If that does happen then it also makes sense to draft a slot guy.

I'd rather see Gluten make a trade for Metcalf and/or sign Darius Slayton and make the need to draft a WR less of a priority. But in the here and now, with Watson out, moving Reed outside makes sense.

Unfortunately Doubs is a wild card. It wouldn't be a complete surprise if he decided to leave the NFL. Probably safe to say the WR group is going to get a shake up.