Green Bay Packers: 5 Bargain targets in 2020 NFL free agency
By Joe Kipp
2. Patrick Onwuasor, ILB
The Packers have a problem at inside linebacker. While it remains to be seen if free agent linebacker Blake Martinez will be re-signed, the likelihood of the team investing heavy dollars into Martinez is extremely slim. Martinez may have finished second in the NFL in tackles (155), but a closer look reveals that many of his tackles were an empty stat.
According to Sports Info Solutions, Martinez’s average depth of tackle occurred 4.7 yards downfield. Additionally, Martinez was on the field for 596 coverage snaps this season and only had one pass-breakup. With Martinez’s expected price range, the Packers will probably need to look elsewhere for help at inside linebacker.
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Onwuasor is a perfect candidate to sign a bargain deal. Primarily a utility player over his first four seasons, Onwuasor will likely want to prove himself on a one-year deal, looking to cash in next offseason. It’s probably not likely the Ravens will want him back, either, considering Onwuasor and coach John Harbaugh got into an “animated talk” at the end of 2019.
Although it’s pure speculation, Onwuasor could have been frustrated with his playing time this past season. He managed to play only 473 defensive snaps in 2019, finishing with 61 tackles, five tackles for losses, one forced fumble and a pass breakup in 14 games played.
He wasn’t used to the fullest extent, but Onwuasor’s situation could be similar to Za’Darius Smith’s — and we all know how that turned out. Additionally, Packers personnel executive Milt Hendrickson was with the Ravens when the team drafted Onwuasor, so keep an eye on Green Bay as a potential landing spot.