Green Bay Packers: 5 Top targets in 2020 NFL free agency
By Joe Kipp
4. Michael Pierce, DT
The Packers defense was extremely vulnerable against the run in 2019. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark was the team’s only reliable run stuffer, which meant teams were apt to run the ball when he wasn’t on the field. Adding another run stuffing specialist like Michael Pierce should be of utmost importance to general manager Brian Gutekunst and the rest of the front office this offseason.
Pierce, 27, stands at 6-0, 340 pounds. Undrafted in 2016, Pierce signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he’s played all four of his NFL seasons. The nose tackle has made a name for himself when it comes to stopping the run. Pierce has 150 total tackles in his career, but Pro Football Focus (subscription required) credits him with 97 defensive stops, which are tackles that constitute as a failure for the offense.
Because he plays nose tackle, it’s unlikely that Pierce will command large money in free agency. A limited two-down player like Pierce doesn’t offer much versatility. That said, he should be at the top of the Packers’ offseason acquisitions list based on what they need.
Last offseason, the Ravens placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on Pierce. But now that he’s an unrestricted free agent, he could be on his way out in Baltimore. Pierce should be one of the Packers’ top targets in 2020 NFL free agency based on both need and value.