NFL free agency grades: How did each team do?

Green Bay Packers

Last offseason, the Green Bay Packers went against their usual M.O. in free agency, signing some of the biggest names available in order to finally give Aaron Rodgers some real help. The result was an immediate turnaround under Matt LaFleur as head coach, but it had nothing to do with LaFleur. Green Bay improved thanks to an excellent young secondary and an all-new pass rush, formed in free agency.

This year, the Packers were quiet again in the first wave of free agency. They did, however, land a great coverage linebacker in Christian Kirksey. He has his weaknesses, including physically as a run defender, but he’s a solid, cheap signing. Kirksey is also significantly cheaper than the departing Blake Martinez and much, much better in coverage.

However, the Packers are still failing to help Rodgers, because they haven’t signed anyone to help him out on offense. Green Bay’s supporting cast is among the worst in the league, and it’s hard to get excited about any of their pass-catchers besides the wonderful Davante Adams.

Missing out on Emmanuel Sanders hurts, but the Packers can rectify things with a strong draft. The caveat there, of course, is that it’s often difficult to predict when – or if – a young receiver will click with the mercurial Rodgers.

Grade: C-