Green Bay Packers: 5 Free agents still available before training camp
By Joe Kipp
The Green Bay Packers could target these five free agents to help bolster their roster before the beginning of training camp.
There’s been plenty to talk about regarding the Green Bay Packers during the past few months, thanks to the ongoing Aaron Rodgers saga and the NFL Draft this past April.
One thing we haven’t talked about much is the Packers’ latest free-agent additions. That’s because there haven’t been many. Green Bay signed linebacker De’Vondre Campbell this past week, but other than him there hasn’t been much excitement in free agency for the Pack this offseason.
Perhaps general manager Brian Gutekunst is waiting to see what happens with Rodgers when training camp starts the last week of July. Whether Rodgers shows up could determine whether Gutekunst wants to go all-in on a few more free agents. Or maybe the team is waiting for roster cutdowns to see if any marquee veterans are released between now and the start of the 2021 season.
Only time will tell, but let’s say the Packers do decide to sign one or two more free agents before the start of training camp. Here are five players Green Bay should target in free agency.
5. Geno Atkins, DL
The Bengals released Geno Atkins earlier this offseason after 11 seasons with the team. Atkins was a stalwart in the middle of Cincy’s defensive line since being drafted in the fourth round back in 2010. During that span, he accumulated eight Pro Bowl appearances, was named an All-Pro three times, and even made the 2010s All-Decade team.
Needless to say, Atkins is a talented player. But at 33 years old, he’s dealt with injuries recently. Atkins appeared in only eight games last season and underwent shoulder surgery in December.
Still, assuming he’s healthy now, the Packers could use another rotational interior lineman, especially since new defensive coordinator Joe Barry likes to employ several different looks up front. Atkins has a rare ability to rush the passer for a man his size, even in his old age.