Green Bay Packers: 5 Realistic midseason free agent signings to make
By Joe Kipp
The Green Bay Packers still have a few glaring holes on their roster. Here are five potential free agents who could still contribute in 2019.
Currently standing at a very respectable 7-2 record through nine games, the Green Bay Packers still have some work to do, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. A midseason free-agent acquisition might just be what the team needs to get over the hump and contend for a Super Bowl.
With the trade deadline past us, adding players via free agency becomes the only way to truly bolster the roster. Of course, the Packers can always sign players from the practice squad, but all of those players are young and inexperienced. Besides, signing free agents at this time of the year, after the trade deadline, means teams won’t have to give up a compensatory draft pick.
The Packers filled a minor need by recently activating safety Ibraheim Campbell from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, demoting outside linebacker Tim Williams to the practice squad in the process.
Campbell will play a major role as a sub-package hybrid-linebacker in the coming weeks. Since safety Raven Greene was placed on Injured Reserved after Week 2, the Packers’ run defense hasn’t been the same. Greene played the same role that Campbell figures to fill in as. The Packers lack speed at the linebacker position and Campbell could be the perfect remedy.
Aside from an in-box safety, the Packers could use some help along the defensive line. Green Bay is currently allowing 4.7 yards per carry (25th), which is a big testament to the lack of production from the linebackers. But aside from Kenny Clark, the Packers don’t have a true run stuffer who can eat up blocks. Additionally, aside from Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith, Green Bay lacks a pass rusher that can consistently affect opposing quarterbacks.
If general manager Brian Gutekunst wants to take this team over the top, he’ll make a midseason free-agent acquisition. Here are five free agents the Packers could realistically sign.