Green Bay Packers: 5 Budget free agents to target for 2021
By Joe Kipp
The Green Bay Packers could save some serious cash by targeting these five players in 2021 NFL free agency.
Because the Green Bay Packers won’t have a ton of cap space this offseason, they’ll likely have to target some budget free agents in order to bolster the roster. But that doesn’t mean the Packers will have to settle.
We see it every single year. There’s always a bargain to be had. Just look at what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers found in signing Shaq Barrett two seasons ago. Barrett led the league in sacks in 2019 and helped the Bucs win a Super Bowl in 2020, all at a minimal price.
Of course, cases like Barrett are quite rare. But the Packers have a good history of developing players once they’re integrated into their system. Za’Darius Smith comes to mind as an example. So who could be the next budget free agent to show out for Green Bay? Here are five players the Packers should target at a bargain price.
5. DeSean Jackson, WR
The Eagles recently released DeSean Jackson after two injury-riddled seasons. After being drafted by Philadelphia back in 2008, the three-time Pro Bowler departed the team after the 2013 season and returned in 2019. He only played in eight games the last two years.
Because of his recent injury history, Jackson would likely come at a bargain price. Even at 34 years old, Jackson is still one of the NFL’s best deep threats. And everyone knows the Packers could use another deep threat, especially when considering the inconsistency of Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Assuming he wants to continue playing, Jackson would likely be available for a cheaper price. His presence would help take away coverage from Davante Adams while also providing a vertical threat downfield. Could he be the missing piece to Green Bay’s receiving corps?