As the new NFL season kicked off last month, the Green Bay Packers were once again somewhat active with regard to shaping its roster for the coming year.
While it is always more fun to look at the new players who are brought in, Green Bay’s free agency really revolved around who was heading out. In total, Green Bay said farewell to seven players who regularly saw time as rotation pieces.
The first of those departures was running back AJ Dillon. After failing to meet expectations in Green Bay due to injuries and inconsistent play, Dillon signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles to help spell Saquon Barkley as the Eagles look to make it back to the Super Bowl.
Given the improved play of both Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks, as well as the workhorse ability of Josh Jacobs, losing Dillon does not seem like it will be a major hit to the Packers’ offense.
After Dillon’s departure was Eric Stokes, who signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Stokes, much like Dillon, suffered the fate of not living up to expectations during his time in Green Bay. Drafted as the team’s first-round pick in 2021, Stokes only started 32 games for the Packers, shifting to a rotational role in 2024.
Filling the running back position in Dillon’s place is probably not a major priority for the Packers, as Wilson and Brooks have both shown ability to fill in Jacobs’ shoes when he is taken out. Even though the Packers have a solid trio in the backfield, spending a later draft pick on a running back may be in the cards, to build some competition.
As for the cornerback position in replacing Stokes, that must be a point Green Bay addresses quickly, as the NFC North features three of the better passing offenses in the NFL.
With Keisean Nixon taking on a larger role on the defensive side of the ball, as well as the signing of Nate Hobbs, it seems that the Packers have started a plan, but looking at a defensive back early in the NFL draft seems likely. Either way, replacing the cornerback position really seems like it comes down to whether Jaire Alexander is on the team next year or not.
“There could be a possibility, absolutely,” said general manager Brian Gutekunst, on if Alexander will play for the Packers next season. “We are kind of in the middle of that right now.”
What does not help support the depth at the defensive back position right now is two more Packers corners signing elsewhere in free agency. Robert Rochell, who primarily spent his time on special teams, recently signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, and Corey Ballentine, who saw extended time on defense last season due to injuries, signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Continuing on the defensive side of the ball, Green Bay also lost on defensive tackle T.J. Slaton in free agency. Slaton, who showed his prowess as a solid rotational piece, playing in every game since he was drafted in 2021, signed a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.
This loss probably hurts more than a lot of people think, just due to Slaton’s availability, as well as his production – 133 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and seven quarterback hits and four batted passes.
While defensive tackle is another position that is probably not at the highest priority, making up for 133 total tackles over four seasons is not an easy thing to do. This is probably another position that Green Bay can use a mid- to late draft pick on, similar to what it did with Slaton in 2021.
Either way, Kenny Clark is only getting older, and Devonte Wyatt has some injury concerns. If these two are healthy though, Green Bay has enough personnel to kick-the-can down the road at defensive tackle for a year or two yet.
Other than Dillon and Stokes, the most notable departure for the Packers in free agency this season was Josh Myers.
Since he was drafted in 2021, Myers missed just one game playing at the center spot. The Packers have already started to rectify Myers’ departure as it signed Aaron Banks to the offensive line from the San Francisco 49ers. Signing Banks allows Elgton Jenkins to slide into the center spot, where Jenkins had most of his success in college.
“We have had plenty of conversations with Elgton leading up to it, and obviously he played center in college, and we feel he has a chance to be an all-pro center,” said Gutekunst. “We have talked a lot about how versatility plays into our offensive line and having guys that can move to different spots. Elgton is one of those guys that can play all five spots. He is a luxury, but I am excited to see what he can do at center.”
Finally, the last Packers player who will be wearing a new uniform next season is Eric Wilson.
Wilson, who started 12 games at the linebacker position, due to injuries to Quay Walker last season, signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason. While playing for Green Bay, Wilson totaled 87 total tackles, three sacks and one interception.
Losing Wilson takes more than a hit to the defense though, as he became one of Green Bay’s better special teams players. Over the past three seasons, he recorded 33 tackles, leading the team. He now returns to Vikings where he played his first four seasons in the NFL.
Replacing a leading tackler on special teams is not going to be an easy thing, but given Green Bay’s roster, it has to be addressed sooner than later. Signing a veteran to a cheap deal may be in the cards, but again looking to the draft might be the Packers’ best option for long-term success at both special teams and on defense.
Categories
