Broncos: 3 Packers players Nathaniel Hackett could poach
By John Buhler
Look for a few Green Bay Packers to make their way to the Denver Broncos to play for new head coach Nathaniel Hackett this offseason.
With Nathaniel Hackett becoming the new head coach of the Denver Broncos, look for him to try to add a few Green Bay Packers to his roster this offseason, either through free agency or a trade.
Hackett most recently was the Packers offensive coordinator. During his time in Green Bay, the Packers have had one of the most explosive and versatile offenses in the NFL. Denver has had a sound defense for years, but a lack of firepower offensively is a big reason why they have not made the AFC playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 six years ago. They needed an upgrade.
With over $39 million in cap space, here are a few Packers who could join Hackett in Denver.
Denver Broncos: 3 players Nathaniel Hackett can land from Green Bay Packers
Allen Lazard is one of the better Packers wide receivers hitting free agency
There are several free-agent wide receivers on the market who last played for the Packers. While some may return to Green Bay, maybe one or two of them will find their way and go to Denver to play for Hackett? One player who is ready to make some money in his free agency is Allen Lazard. The former undrafted wide receiver out of Iowa State could be looking for his pay day in Denver.
Lazard has shown in his four-year run with the Packers that he can be an effective No. 2 to No. 3 wide receiver in a great offense. Though he has never had anything close to 1,000 receiving yards in a season, he did hit pay dirt eight times last year. This game is all about score points and Lazard has had no issues finding the end zone in his NFL career out of Iowa State up to this point in time.
His production has improved since Matt LaFleur took over the team in his second year in the league. Hackett was definitely a part of his climb to relevancy in the Green Bay offense. While Denver has other talented wide receivers, it may serve the Broncos to bring in a guy or two that knows exactly what Hackett wants to do offensively. Lazard can get paid and be a big contributor.
Though he may not be the biggest name, Lazard is one Packer who may follow Hackett to Denver.