Green Bay Packers: 3 veteran free agents to target better than J.J. Watt

3 veterans Green Bay Packers can target after missing on JJ Watt

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens signals during the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 13: Carl Lawson #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

2. Carl Lawson

Lawson isn’t the most well-rounded defensive end in this year’s free agent class, but he would give Green Bay a big upgrade in terms of their perimeter pass-rusher. He only tallied six sacks for the Bengals last year, but his final season PFF grade of 76.3 accurately illustrates how effective he was in 2020.

At just 25 years of age, Lawson still has room to grow as a player. The Packers should look to offer him a multi-year deal that has the potential to turn into a value during the last several seasons.

He’s never going to turn into anything more than an adequate run defender, but the Packers can give him plenty of opportunities to rush the passer from the edge without becoming overly concerned with anything else. Simplifying the game for Lawson could turn him into a perennial double-digit sack artist over the life of his next contract.

Some teams might shy away from Lawson due to his lack of size, but he’s got enough juice and power to overcome that weakness. The former Auburn star arguably represents the best attainable edge rusher for Green Bay in free agency.

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