The NFC’s top playoff seed from a year ago has quite the talented roster. But the Green Bay Packers could add some depth via these three veterans.
The talk in “Titletown” this offseason has been more about who is not there and may not be there. But the Green Bay Packers still have a 2021 season to get ready for and the club has come up one victory short of the Super Bowl two consecutive years.
The franchise is not known for opening its checkbook as of late and their 2019 free-agent haul already seems like a distant memory. But general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur are certainly aware of the team’s few shortcomings. Could the following three players be worthwhile additions?
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3. T James Hurst
You can never have enough depth in this league and both Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes found that out in the 2020 playoffs as both quarterbacks were missing their left tackles in each of their team’s biggest contest of the year. David Bakhtiari and Eric Fisher were not around for the NFC title game and Super Bow LV, respectively. And both signal-callers took a bit of a beating in losses to the eventual Super Bowl champion Buccaneers.
It’s hard to replace a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro and that’s what faced Matt LaFleur this past season. Right tackle Billy Turner spent some time on the left side – including both postseason contests – but that meant another adjustment. Seven-year pro James Hurst is another versatile player who could help out at various spots.
2. ILB Avery Williamson
Last time the franchise was in the Super Bowl was back in 2010. The Green Bay Packers used the wild card route to get to Arlington and eventually face the Steelers. While Dom Capers’ defensive unit gave up its share of yards that year it was also very opportunistic – especially when it came to the playoffs.
In victories at Atlanta, at Chicago and vs. Pittsburgh, Packers’ defenders ran back interceptions for scores in each victory. Over the past 10 seasons, there have been more questions than answers when it comes to this side of the ball.
In 2019, general manager Brian Gutekunst added free agents such as Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith to bolster the pass rush. He also signed safety Adrian Amos to bring a playmaker to the secondary. All have been solid additions.
But one area that has not progressed to the point of being a positive is the run defense. In 2019, the Pack was ranked 23rd league in this area and to their credit was tied for 13th this past year.
The past three years, this unit was under the command of Mike Pettine. But the issues remained and the new coordinator is Joe Barry. Perhaps the addition of inside linebacker Avery Williamson could make an immediate difference. Which brings us to…
1. DT Geno Atkins
But it’s been awhile since this club won with its defense. The Packers have had their share of playmakers at linebacker and in the secondary. And there have been some solid players on the line in recent years in Mike Daniels – who spent seven seasons with the franchise – and 2020 Pro Bowl nose tackle Kenny Clark.
But under Mike McCarthy and now with head coach Matt LaFleur at the controls, this is a club that revolves around its offense. And the 2020 Packers, who led the NFL with 509 points, were quite the balanced team with NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers leading the attack.
With a solid offensive line and weapons such wide receiver Davante Adams, running back Aaron Jones and emerging tight end Robert Tonyan, it worked to near perfection this past season. It’s worth noting that the Packers turned over the ball a league-low 11 times.
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For what it’s worth, LaFleur’s team allowed at least 28 points in each of its four setbacks this past year – including the 31-26 loss to the Buccaneers in the NFC title game. Eight-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins remains on the open market after an injury-shortened 2020. If healthy, he could add a different dimension to Barry’s defense.