Packers still have ways to boost the roster, even if opportunities are narrow this late in the season
General manager Brian Gutekunst can find intriguing pieces to round out the 53-man roster.
The Green Bay Packers are handling their worst moment in a long time. After two consecutive home losses, to the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles, the pressure is mounting. Head coach Matt LaFleur will want to absorb responsibility, and that’s fair.
“I don’t want to put that on the guys,” LaFleur said specifically about the offensive line, but with a statement that would apply to the entire roster. “I think as a staff we’ve got to do a better job of coming up with something to generate momentum. Right now it’s tough. We’ve got to dig ourselves out of this hole and find better solutions.”
However, the issues go well beyond the coaching staff. The roster has limitations in key areas, and injuries have made everything feel worse.
How the Packers can still improve the roster
Defensively, cornerback is clearly the biggest issue. The Packers acknowledged that by bringing in Asante Samuel Jr. on a free agent visit last week, but he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Outside of Samuel, the best free agent option would be Kendall Fuller. Green Bay could also sign Shaquill Griffin off the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad. The other PS option for the defense is more of a developmental one: New England Patriots rookie edge defender Bradyn Swinson.
On offense, the line has been the biggest problem — and depth will be stressed after Elgton Jenkins’ low-leg fracture. The best alternative, even if it doesn’t come without risk, is former Miami Dolphins versatile lineman Isaiah Wynn, who’s a free agent. An intriguing developmental option is tackle Esa Pole, who’s on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad.
In free agency, there could be some useful pieces, like running back Zack Moss and former first-round tight end Hayden Hurst.
The list of players on other teams’ practice squads would also include running backs Jeff Wilson (Miami Dolphins) and Chase Edmonds (Washington Commanders); wide receivers Gabe Davis (Buffalo Bills) and A.T. Perry (Denver Broncos). New York Giants wide receiver and return specialist Ihmir Smith-Marsette would be a great addition to special teams, but the Packers can’t sign him this week ahead of the Giants game.
At this point in the season, after the trade deadline, it’s nearly impossible to materially improve the roster. But beyond players returning from injury, like Lukas Van Ness and Jayden Reed, it’s still possible to find marginal improvement with external help.
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