Green Bay Packers: Would Sam Shields help the secondary?

The Green Bay Packers have some talent in their secondary. They’re also inexperienced though. With Kevin King’s blessing, would Sam Shields provide help?

Sam Shields hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since 2016. Even then, it was just one game. Injuries have been the main reason for his absence from the game, but he appears ready to return. It looks as if he has an advocate on the Green Bay Packers in the form of rookie cornerback Kevin King, who said on Twitter that he wished he could’ve played with Shields. King is set to be the future of the secondary in Green Bay, and a strong mentor is never a bad idea.

In his prime, Shields was a menace for the Packers. He had major playmaking ability, but could lockdown a receiver at the same time. Both of those are something Green Bay was missing in 2017.

Now 30 years old (and with a major layoff between play time), it’s safe to assume Shields might not be the same exact player. There are three things to consider here though.

1. Shields brings experience. This is a secondary that had zero defensive backs age 30 or older last season. Most of them were getting their first major playing time and almost all of them experienced growing pains.
2. The secondary wasn’t spectacular last year. Bringing in Shields to fight for playing time can’t hurt. It’s not like the Packers were rolling out Hall of Famers last year.
3. He’s going to be cheap. Sure, in his prime Shields could’ve commanded a big payday. Now though, he’s probably going to be getting a “prove-it” deal. What’s the harm in bringing in a known contributor for very little?

It’s no secret that the Packers will be looking to upgrade their secondary this year. Some of the problems they experienced could be blamed on poor pass rush, but that still doesn’t completely mask the inexperience and overall bad play at times.

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One of the bright spots in the future should be Kevin King. If he’s advocating for Sam Shields, it might be smart to consider him. Besides, Shields has provided the Packers faithful with plenty of great moments, why not give him a chance to add to the collection?