The Green Bay Packers could be better than people expect in the first year without Aaron Rodgers, but these three free agents could help ensure that further.
Even with Jordan Love taking over from Aaron Rodgers at quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, the fact of the matter is that the offense shouldn't miss much of a beat. The pass-catching group has been notably improved, the offensive line is a top-end unit in the league, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are an elite running back duo, and Matt LaFleur is an accomplished offensive mind.
That alone should keep the Packers more competitive than some expect in the post-Rodgers era. The defense, which was an issue last season, leaves something to be desired, though.
Make no mistake, Green Bay has talent on the defensive side of the ball. However, the depth (and, as any fan will tell you, the coaching) are problems that could hurt the Pack in the regular season and in a potential push toward the playoffs. Luckily for Brian Gutekunst and Co., though, they have an avenue to improve that side of the ball with some of the free agents still available.
Looking at the biggest needs for depth on the Green Bay roster, these free agents could still be signed by the Packers (and probably should be too).
Packers free agent to still sign No. 3: Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE
It's difficult to argue with what Yannick Ngakoue has done in his career, racking up 65.0 sacks since coming into the league in 2016. Over the past few years since leaving Jacksonville after the 2019 season, however, he's been bouncing around the league with one-year stops at four different teams, most recently spending time with the Indianapolis Colts.
Admittedly, the underlying numbers for Ngakoue aren't great from last season, even though he did end the year with 9.5 sacks. He graded out poorly according to PFF (subscription required) as one of the worst qualified edge players in the league. But that year is also an outlier in his career as he's been solid to very good in each season from 2017-21, particularly as a rusher.
For the Packers, you have to like what the edge group has up top with Rashan Gary (once he returns off the PUP list), Preston Smith, and 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness. There is also enticing potential beyond them with Justin Hollins, Kingsley Enagbare and UDFA gem Brenton Cox Jr. The issue with the depth group, though, is a lack of proven performance.
Though there is optimism that Gary could be ready by Week 1, it's not a guarantee. And even whe he returns, Green Bay could use some more depth to ensure that the pass-rush doesn't drop off should any injuries occur during the season.
After last season, Ngakoue should come quite cheap but with a track record of production. With that and his ability to just pin his ears back in this defense, this could be a sneaky great pickup that the Packers could make for training camp in free agency.
Other EDGE free agents the Packers could sign: Jadeveon Clowney, Melvin Ingram, Robert Quinn
Packers free agent to still sign No. 2: Matt Ioannidis, IDL
For what the Packers should be looking for on the defensive line, a guy like Matt Ioannidis, who spent several years in Washington and was with the Panthers last season, is absolutely perfect in terms of fit and price.
By all accounts, Green Bay feels pretty confident in the starters up front on the defensive line with Devonte Wyatt, Kenny Clark and T.J. Slaton. The guys behind them are, however, where the questions start to arise.
The primary three backups on the defensive front are 2022 seventh-round pick Jonathan Ford and a pair of Day 3 rookies from this year's draft class in Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks. Particularly with the newcomers, there are a lot of things to like about their potential. But if they're asked to contribute meaningfully right away, that could be a bit of an issue.
Ioannidis, meanwhile, has been a solid player in the middle of the defensive line wherever he's been. At no point has he ever been a superstar, to be sure, but a guy who can hold his own in both the pass rush and the run game is extremely valuable to have as a rotational piece. And it's frankly a piece that the Packers don't have right now.
Given that he's not truly a household name, Ioannidis could come to Green Bay cheap if they're interested. And with the state of the depth chart right now, they should very much be interested in adding him to the mix in training camp and the preseason.
Other DL free agents the Packers could sign: Akiem Hicks, Chris Wormley
Packers free agent to still sign No. 1: Duron Harmon, S
While there are needs that could undoubtedly be addressed in the front seven, the biggest worry for Packers fans when looking at the depth chart is the safety room.
Darnell Savage is the only proven commodity in the group, but even he was benched at one point last season. He needs to bounce back, but around him, guys like Rudy Ford, Tarvarius Moore, Jonathan Owens and seventh-round rookie Anthony Johnson Jr. don't inspire a ton of confidence.
For years, Green Bay has enjoyed having veteran Adrian Amos patrolling with Savage on the back end of the secondary, but Amos saw his performance dip in the 2022 season and the Pack were content to let him walk in free agency. However, they now sit in a situation where they could still use that experienced veteran presence at safety.
Duron Harmon undeniably fits the bill better than most. Though he'll be 32 years old this season, the longtime Patriots safety has still proven to be a quality player in coverage, which is where Green Bay is currently lacking with the group they have as currently constructed. He graded out as a high-end coverage safety in 2022, even in his age-31 season, according to PFF (subscription required).
Admittedly, there's no guarantee that Harmon replicates that level of play at his age. But given that the Packers appear to already be rolling the dice a bit with the safety group they currently have, adding another veteran to the mix with more proven experience and play at the NFL level couldn't hurt. More importantly, there are many ways it could help and, rest assured, this group likely needs plenty of that.
Other Safety free agents the Packers could still sign: John Johnson III, Logan Ryan, P.J. Williams
