Green Bay Packers: 5 Realistic midseason free agent signings to make
By Joe Kipp
2. T.J. McDonald, LB/S
Even though the Packers recently activated Ibraheim Campbell from the PUP list to the active roster earlier this week, the need for an in-box safety looms large, especially with Campbell coming off a torn ACL from last season and Adrian Amos (hamstring) questionable for Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Free-agent safety T.J. McDonald could be the safety/linebacker hybrid that defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has been missing since Raven Greene was placed on Injured Reserve in Week 3. Standing at 6-2 and 215 pounds, McDonald has both the size and speed to hold up in run defense, while also providing a reliable option in pass coverage.
Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2013, McDonald signed four-year, $24 million contract with the Miami Dolphins in 2017. He was released by the Dolphins during roster cut-downs this past August. McDonald tallied 129 tackles (93 solo), four interceptions, eight pass breakups and one fumble recovery in 22 starts over his two seasons in Miami, and earned a 74.8 run defense grade from PFF (subscription required) last season.
The Packers could use an enforcer in the middle like McDonald, especially because of the struggling play from Blake Martinez in recent weeks. McDonald is still just 28 years old and would provide serviceable depth while Amos recovers.