Packers mailbag: Who are the realistic free agent targets?
It's officially offseason time for the Green Bay Packers, so we are going to start a weekly mailbag on Fridays. To ask questions, go on X (former Twitter) and feel free to do so. Let's get started. First of all, I'm not sure they will cut David Bakhtiari. I wouldn't if he agreed to a […]
It's officially offseason time for the Green Bay Packers, so we are going to start a weekly mailbag on Fridays. To ask questions, go on X (former Twitter) and feel free to do so.
Let's get started.
First of all, I'm not sure they will cut David Bakhtiari. I wouldn't if he agreed to a paycut.
That being said, my number 1 free agent target would be Geno Stone, the Baltimore Ravens safety. I'm a big proponent of adding offensive talent through the draft and defensive fit via mid-level free agent. Stone is playing under a $1.76 million deal — he'll certainly get much more than that after a fantastic season, but the Packers paid Darnell Savage $7.9 million this year.
I also think the Packers could consider a fast running back for depth, like New York Giants' Matt Breida, and another off-ball linebacker in case De'Vondre Campbell is released — wouldn't it be fun if they brought back Oren Burks, who's playing much better for the San Francisco 49ers?
I don't see offensive line as such a big need as a lot of fans do. Right now, the starting lineup would probably be David Bakhtiari – Elgton Jenkins – Josh Myers – Sean Rhyan – Zach Tom. This is pretty good.
Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan leaving in free agency would hurt the depth, but with Bakhtiari coming back, Rasheed Walker would be a high-end swing tackle. They also had Luke Tenuta, who's an interesting developmental prospect who spent the entire season on IR.
I agree that they need more interior options, and Brian Gutekunst might look for it. But it doesn't need to be a first-round pick.
I understand the appeal, it would make a lot of sense for the Packers. But I don't see one reason for Bill Belichick to do it. He's still active only to break Don Shula's record, and being a defensive coordinator doesn't count for that.
Maybe he spends a year as a senior assistant, but I doubt he would do something other than being a head coach in the NFL at this point.
I actually think they were better than expected until the last game, which is why I suggested that defensive backs coach (and former safeties coach) Ryan Downard would be the most interesting option to be the interim defensive coordinator had Joe Barry been fired mid-season.
Darnell Savage had a nightmare game against the San Francisco 49ers, but for the right price I don't think it's impossible he comes back in 2024. Rudy Ford got hurt but is a very useful piece. Anthony Johnson Jr. didn't play great, but he was a seventh-round rookie, so let's temper our expectations.
The player I don't see much sense bringing back is Jonathan Owens. And they need a better safety for Savage not to be so exposed if he's back. But for the most part, it's a position where good coaches and a good scheme can make a lot of difference.
I would suggest paying the most expensive special teams coordinator in football, but they are already doing that. Well, Bill Belichick has a long track record as a special teams genius.
Seriously, though, I think they hired Rich Bisaccia for the wrong reasons. He did a good job as a head coach in Las Vegas, but as a special teams coordinator, he usually led middle-of-the-pack units.
In 2019, the Packers shouldn't have low-balled Darren Rizzi, but they did and he ended up with the New Orleans Saints. Now, Ryan Ficken might become available with Jim Harbaugh going to the Los Angeles Chargers, and he led the second special teams unit by DVOA in 2023.
However, I expect the Packers to keep Bisaccia, and I don't blame them. He's a good leader, he was promoted to assistant head coach a year ago, and the unit was better in 2022. The first step to correct that is finding a better kicker, as Anders Carlson was the main problem this year.
Packers 2024 offseason guide: free agents, draft, big decisions
Young team is set for a new window
