Latest News: Three unrestricted free agents who might boost the…

Three unrestricted free agents who might boost the squad’s 2024 competitiveness.

In several aspects, the Green Bay Packers in 2023 performed better than predicted. After a 3-6 start, the squad went on a 6-2 run to end with a 9-8 record. The group stunned the NFC East-winning Dallas Cowboys to become the youngest team to qualify for the playoffs.

The Packers seem to be struggling financially this offseason. The Packers are estimated to have $2.8 million in cap space per Over The Cap. But, by making some bold structural changes and parting ways with players like Royce Newman, David Bakhtiari, and De’Vondre Campbell, the team may free up as much as $50 million in salary space.

Having all that, the Packers ought to be able to make a couple significant acquisitions. It is reasonable to infer that the team’s primary priorities are safety and linebacker. The squad may benefit from adding more depth to the running back room and offensive line.

Let’s now outline three reasonable free agency targets that the Packers should aim for in 2024.

Detroit Lions’ safety On Sunday, January 21, 2024, C.J. Gardner-Johnson exits the tunnel for player introductions prior to kickoff in an NFC divisional round playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Gardner Johnson, C.J., S
The Packers will require a safety. Jonathan Owens, Rudy Ford, and Darnell Savage are all going for free agency and none of the trio perfomed all that well in the first place.

Gardner-Johnson’s 2023 season with the Detroit Lions was marred by injuries. Despite only appearing in three games, the defensive back had 17 tackles and one interception. Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year, $8 million contract last offseason, but he will now return to free agency.

A plagued by injuries in 2023, the DB could not secure as big of a deal as he wants this summer. Gardner-Johnson, on the other hand, is a flexible defender who can play as a box safety or in the slot. Gardner-Johnson had a career-high six interceptions in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he has at least one interception in each of his five NFL seasons.

According to one estimate, Gardner-Johnson will sign a contract for about $8.5 million a year. For a DB that chases balls down, this might be a wise buy and not too expensive for the Packers.

Donovan Smith, T.
In the NFL, Donovan Smith has long been a starting-caliber tackle. Since joining the NFL in 2015, the tackle has started 133 games. Smith played with the Kansas City Chiefs for the entirety of 2023, and he had a significant role in the team’s second straight Super Bowl triumph.

Smith had a 55.4 PFF grade in 2023. Smith stood up admirably in pass protection and only allowed two sacks during the season, despite it not being his best performance of the year.

Smith is the kind of seasoned player the Packers could use on the line. Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan are set to hit free agency, while David Bakhtiari and Royce Newman are probably going to be released from the team. Smith serves as a decent backup left tackle option if you need one.

October 15, 2023, Chicago, Illinois, USA: In the second half of the Minnesota Vikings’ game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) crosses the goal line to recover a fumble 42 yards for a score. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Jamie Sabau

LB Jordan Hicks
Finally, how about we look at another division rival? In 2023, Hicks racked up over 100 tackles for the sixth consecutive year. The veteran would provide the Packers’ linebacker group much-needed experience and is a reliable presence in the middle of the field.

De’Vondre Campbell is most certainly a cap casualty, as was already announced. This indicates that the squad needs a seasoned player in the center, and Hicks is a good match. Hicks completed 2023 with 107 tackles, 1 INT, and 1 sack in addition to a fantastic 74.5 PFF rating. In addition to benefiting the Packers, acquiring Hicks would be a major setback for the rival Vikings.

Hicks, who is 32 years old, just signed a contract that included an average salary of $5 million, so it probably wouldn’t break the bank.