5 targets for Packers in 2023 free agency

1. Michael Thomas

If the Packers are going to retain Aaron Rodgers they need to give him a true No. 1 wide receiver to work with. Thomas’ recent injury history makes him a massive risk for any team that signs him, but his upside makes him worth the gamble for the Packers.

The ugly side to Thomas is that he’s only managed to play three regular-season games in the last two seasons. There’s no guarantee that will improve as he enters his age-30 season. The upside is that he did perform well in his three contests for New Orleans in 2022.

Clearly, the medicals here are going to be massively important. If they check out, Thomas becomes one of the highest potential plays in this year’s free agency class. It’s not an exaggeration to say he could return to All-Pro form in Green Bay if his body holds up.

The Packers should pursue Thomas with a strong offer that gives him an opportunity to make big money if he hits certain incentives. Limiting the risk should be the team’s priority when dealing with any player with such a lengthy injury history. Packers fans should hope to see their team strongly linked with Thomas early in the free agency process.