Green Bay Packers: 5 Early 2020 free agent targets
By Joe Kipp
The Green Bay Packers have plenty to look forward to the rest of the season. It’s never too early to look ahead, though. Here are five free agent targets to look forward to in the 2020 offseason.
This past offseason, the Green Bay Packers changed the entire complexion of their defense by signing three marquee free agents in the form of Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith and Adrian Amos.
The Smiths were both signed back in March in an attempt to shore up the Packers’ lack of a pass-rush from the previous season. Though the moves were criticized by some at the time, general manager Brian Gutekunst now looks like a genius nearly 10 months later, as the Smith Bros have combined for 21.5 sacks and 129 quarterback pressures through the first 14 games of 2019 (per PFF, subscription required).
Meanwhile, Amos has proven to be a stable force on the back end of the Packers’ secondary at safety, forcing two interceptions, 74 tackles (59 solo) and three tackles for losses. Additionally, Amos has allowed a passer rating of just 81.7 on targets thrown into his coverage.
The greater point is that free agency can be a useful tool when used wisely. Green Bay may have paid market value for their most recent free-agent signees, but there’s no questions about the impact Amos and the Smiths have provided in Year 1 of their current deals.
The Packers never used to be a team eager to utilize free agency. But with the recent hiring of Gutekunst in January of 2018, Green Bay has shown more willingness to bolster the roster in whatever way possible.
The Packers have some key positions that need re-tooling after the 2019 season. Free agency could provide an excellent avenue, especially since the team is expected to have roughly $28 million in cap space this offseason, according to Over the Cap. With that said, here’s a way-too-early look at five free agents the Packers should consider in 2020.