The Green Bay Packers have real cap issues, but that shouldn’t prevent them from trying to get better during the offseason, as they presumably are inclined to go all-in with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams.
Because of that, Packers management needs to find good value in free agency to reinforce what already is one of the best in football, but couldn’t be good enough to win big in the playoffs.
So, let’s analyze 10 potential ideal free agent signings for the Packers, using PFF contract projections.
DL Calais Campbell, Baltimore Ravens
Contract Projection: One year, $8 million fully guaranteed
This is not exactly a cheap signing, but Campbell would be the best defensive line partner Kenny Clark has ever had. After stellar stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Baltimore Ravens, he goes back to free agency as a 35-year-old player. He is old for NFL standards, but can still be productive and wouldn’t be as expensive as he was when he signed his prior deal with Jacksonville.
WR/RB/KR Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons
Contract Projection: Two years, $12 million ($6M per year, $8.25M total guaranteed)
Patterson has never materialized as a great receiver as his draft status suggests (that’s your fault, Vikings). But his time with the Patriots, Bears and especially Falcons showed he can be an effective all-around player. He would be useful as an offensive playmaker, considering Arthur Smith runs a similar scheme compared to Matt LaFleur’s one, and is also a legendary kickoff returner.
DL Sheldon Richardson, Cleveland Browns
Contract Projection: One year, $3 million fully guaranteed
A Richardson signing would use a similar logic I had to suggest Calais Campbell. A veteran, established interior defender to help Kenny Clark. Richardson is not as good, but neither is as expensive.
TE Mo Alie-Cox, Indianapolis Colts
Contract Projection: Three years, $21 million ($7M per year), $10 million total guaranteed
The Packers have a major hole at tight end, considering Robert Tonyan is a free agent and tore his ACL during last season. Josiah Deguara is promising, but has a specific skill set. Alie-Cox is a physical receiving weapon, and he could sign a deal that would project him in Green Bay for longer.
TE OJ Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Contract Projection: One year, $4.125 million, $3.25 million total guaranteed
If the Packers want a one-year deal to fit into their all-in plans, they may go after Howard, a well-regarded tight end who lost volume in Tampa Bay because they had some many of them. In this case, it would be necessary to use void years, but that’s not news for Russ Ball anymore.
OT Bobby Massie, Denver Broncos
Contract Projection: One year, $2.25 million, $1.5 million total guaranteed
Green Bay signed different swing tackles in the last three seasons: Jared Veldheer, Rick Wagner, and Dennis Kelly. Bobby Massie could be the next one, as an experienced and inexpensive tackle who might even start if Billy Turner ends up being a cap casualty and Elgton Jenkins doesn’t recover from his knee injury in time for week 1.
QB Tyrod Taylor, Houston Texans
Contract Projection:One year, $5 million fully guaranteed
The Packers don’t need a Drew Lock-type if they move Aaron Rodgers. But if they trade one of the quarterbacks, Rodgers or Jordan Love, they’ll need a backup plan. Taylor is an ideal option, with significant starting experience and viewed as a good locker room guy.
S Anthony Harris, Philadelphia Eagles
Contract Projection: One year, $3.5 million fully guaranteed
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry needed to use Henry Black and even Kevin King as the third safety option during 2021. This is not great. In a system that values flexibility to use three safeties at once, it’s essential to have three good players at the position. Harris had good days as a Vikings safety, and could be a solid depth option for the Packers.
S Jaquiski Tartt, San Francisco 49ers
Contract Projection: Two years, $5 million ($2.5M per year), $3.25 million total guaranteed
If the Harris deal doesn’t materialize, another safety option is Jaquiski Tartt. The dropped interception in the NFCCG doesn’t help his market value, but he’s been a decent player for the 49ers.
EDGE Jerry Hughes, Buffalo Bills
Contract Projection: One year, $6.5 million fully guaranteed
If Za’Darius Smith is a cap casualty, as he probably will be, the Packers need edge depth. And Jerry Hughes is a solid, veteran presence who might be used while a hypothetical draft pick develops.
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Wendell Ferreira covers the Green Bay Packers for Zone Coverage and Cheesehead TV. He is a Brazilian journalist with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, soccer, NBA, and MMA. Follow him on twitter at @wendellfp