NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Green Bay Packers: 5 Bargains to target in 2019 NFL free agency

By Joe Kipp

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes for a first down as linebacker Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos chases in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes for a first down as linebacker Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos chases in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes for a first down as linebacker Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos chases in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes for a first down as linebacker Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos chases in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

OLB Shaquil Barrett

Maybe the most intriguing name on this list is former Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett. A former undrafted free agent and special teams standout in his first year in the league, Barrett has made a name for himself over the past four seasons as a situational pass rusher.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Despite only logging 14 sacks in five seasons, Barrett still offers value as an edge defender. He’s only started in 15 games over his career since he’s been in the shadows of Von Miller, Demarcus Ware, Shane Ray and Bradley Chubb, which could explain the limited usage.

Still, when he’s been on the field, Barrett has produced. Besides that, he’s been exceptional in run defense. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Barrett was the No. 17 rated edge defender in run defense this past season. At only 26 years old, he offers tremendous versatility for the Packers.

The Packers currently have one of the weakest outside linebacker groups in the entire NFL, comprised of Nick Perry, Kyler Fackrell, Reggie Gilbert and Kendall Donnerson. Green Bay’s all-time sack leader, Clay Matthews, is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason. It looks unlikely the Packers will re-sign him.

According to Spotrac, Barrett is set to earn somewhere in the ball park of $7.4 million annually. In summary, he’d add stability at edge rusher, wouldn’t be a liability in the running game, and wouldn’t command a large contract, which makes this potential signing extremely intriguing.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.

Home/Green Bay Packers