Green Bay Packers: 5 Free agents still available before training camp
By Joe Kipp
3. Rick Wagner, OT
The Packers elected to release offensive tackle Rick Wagner this past February after he signed a two-year deal in March of 2020. Wagner was a salary cap casualty but actually performed admirably when called upon last season. He played 610 offensive snaps last season and received a 77.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
The fact of the matter is the Packers needed cap space to help re-sign other players like running back Aaron Jones. But as time wanes on, and the longer Wagner goes without being signed by another team, could a reunion with Green Bay be in the cards before the start of training camp?
The Packers don’t have much depth at offensive tackle, especially when considering left tackle David Bakhtiari is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered late last season. If Bakhtiari isn’t able to start in Week 1, the Packers could be forced to start Billy Turner or Elgton Jenkins at left tackle. That leaves the question of who will start at right tackle?
If Wagner is willing to take a hometown discount (he’s from Wisconsin and always wanted to play for the Packers), then maybe a reunion would make sense. As of now, it looks like teams aren’t too interested in his services. If Wagner isn’t signed by mid-July, Green Bay should check in on his status.