I think the Packers should be thinking of WR, TE, OT, iDL, LB, and CB as positions that could use FA attention. That is not to say that a significant addition could be made at all six positions, but those are the spots that I'm looking at for help. So who would fit in well at those spots?
Wide Receiver: There isn't a lot to like with this free agent class at wide receiver. While there are plenty of needs in the receiving corps, it wouldn't be shocking to me if investment here was minimal or even saved entirely for the draft. However, there is a handful of names that at least raise an eyebrow.
- Emmanuel Sanders, 49ers: Even at 32 and coming off an injury, Sanders demonstrated that he still brings value. And what's more, he made a great impact in offenses very similar to Green Bay's.
- Tajae Sharpe, Titans: Sharpe isn't a dynamic weapon, but he can separate and move the chains, which the Packers need in the offense. The tricky part is that he's a WR3/WR4 who can't play on special teams, which is something of a roster burden.
Tight End: If the right player or two actually makes it to market, TE might be a much better avenue for improving the pass catching weapons. Someone with true dual-threat ability as a receiver/blocker would be ideal for the offense.
- Hunter Henry, Chargers: If Henry gets out of that garbage dump because of his injury history, he's a guy who would be worth the risk. He's an excellent intermediate target in the passing game, while also adding strong blocking ability. He's the type of player that could unlock a lot on offense because he's so capable whether the call is run or pass.
- Austin Hooper, Falcons: Hooper is more trailer than truck when it has come to the Atlanta offense, benefiting more from the players around him rather than creating opportunities as a mismatch. That said, he's a reliable target over the middle of the field, and is solid as a blocker, so you could do worse.
- Marcedes Lewis, Packers: If the above aren't options or if GB doesn't have the cap space wherewithal, the Packers should just resign Lewis who, while not offering much as a pass catcher, has worked well as a blocker in the offense.
Offensive Tackle: With Bulaga due to hit free agency, the Packers have a decision to make. After a price is negotiated, are they willing to pay it? And how long will they have to commit to an aging player? While eating up a hefty chunk of the cap with a 30 year old isn't ideal, having a glaring hole at right tackle would probably be worse.
- Bryan Bulaga, Packers: Though he's dealt with his share of injuries and he's entering the latter stages of his career, Bulaga is still one of the best right tackles in football. Unless his asking price is outrageous, I think the smart move is to keep him.
Interior Defensive Line: While the Packers aren't completely devoid of talent on their defensive line, they are totally missing a backfield disruptor. They drafted Adams for that role and he didn't pan out. Keke also profiles that way, but he's a 5th rounder who barely played last year. So while they don't need a 80% snap count stud, they could use help in the role.
- Gerald McCoy, Panthers: McCoy is still very effective at getting into the backfield from both the 3 and the 1. As an older player, he could be an ideal match to go with the young and developing Keke. He would certainly need to be spelled often enough for younger players to get a lot of snaps.
- Maliek Collins, Cowboys: Collins is a classic 3T who has been a solid contributor for the Cowboys for a few seasons now. I'm not going to claim to have watched a ton of him, but those who follow Dallas all seem to say that his disruption on tape is more impressive than his modest production.
- Shelby Harris, Broncos: Harris has moved between DE and DT during his time in Denver, but seems to have found a good niche as an under tackle.
Linebacker: With Martinez likely walking away, Burks disappointing, and Goodson also a free agent, the cupboard projects to be virtually bare at linebacker. This is one spot where it would absolutely shock me if they didn't sign someone.
- Cory Littleton, Rams: Littleton isn't going to be handling any guards in the hole any time soon, but he's a legit coverage linebacker and a reliable tackler with plenty of range. He is going to be the spendiest linebacker on the market, but he also offers a defense the most flexibility.
- Nick Kwiatkoski, Bears: Kwiatkoski has apparently shown very well whenever injuries have forced him into the lineup for the Bears. So while there's a chance he doesn't play as well in a full time role, there's also a chance that he turns out to be a value. In what I have seen of him, he's a much more aggressive downhill player than what we've had in Green Bay.
Cornerback: While the outside starters are set for the time being, King is an uneven player entering a contract year and the depth is close to non-existent. Barely proven Chandon Sullivan being your 3rd corner is a problem.
- Chris Harris Jr, Broncos: Harris Jr. has been the best slot corner in the league for a long time. He played on the outside almost exclusively in 2019 and thus didn't perform as well, but I would guess that a move back inside would return him to form despite his age.
- Mackensie Alexander, Vikings: Alexander never developed into what the Vikings hoped he would, but was still a solid slot player for them last year. His former DB's coach is now in the same role for the Packers, so they should have some excellent intel on him.
- Kendall Fuller, Chiefs: Fuller was an excellent slot corner in Washington, but the Chiefs moved him to safety. That versatility is nice, but he could also likely go back to his old role and thrive.
, would recently released 30 yr. old Nigel Bradham be a solid ILB signing for the Pack? Was an OLB, moved inside with the Eagles and was their playcaller last year or 2. Very good coverage skills, not afraid to shoot gaps & make plays in backfield. May cost 1/2 or 2/3 of a Cory Littleton signing with a 3 yr./$21-24Mil contract. Any thoughts?
