As the 2023 NFL offseason gets ready to get underway, the Green Bay Packers are already one of the most talked about teams in the league. Most of that has to do with the questions of whether or not Aaron Rodgers will be traded, but they have a lot of decisions to make past that one. No matter who they start under center, Green Bay does not have a good enough all-around roster to compete right now.
The 2022 NFL season was brutal for the Packers. While they were able to fight back and give themselves a chance to win and get into the playoffs in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, fans have not seen this bad of a season in a long time. Ending it with a loss to the Lions at Lambeau Field to get knocked out of the playoffs put the cherry on top of the horrible year.
Green Bay had too many issues on both sides of the football. Defensively, Joe Barry’s scheme gave up too many big plays and easy yards. Offensively, the Packers could not punch the football into the end zone and drives stalled at an alarming pace.
All of that being said, one position that the Packers will need to focus on this offseason is at safety. Adrian Amos is a free agent and Darnell Savage Jr. has done nothing to prove he can be an NFL starter.
Let’s dive in and take a look at three safeties the Packers should pursue in NFL free agency this offseason.
3 Free Agency Targets For The Packers At Safety
Adrian Amos, Green Bay Packers
While the 2022 season was a roller-coaster ride for Amos, the Packers should still try to bring him back. He has been an excellent leader in his tenure with Green Bay and has put together some great years. The down season this year was something that many players on the roster dealt with, but that does not mean the team should let him walk.
Amos finished the season with 102 total tackles to go along with a sack, an interception, and five defended passes.
Those numbers may not be amazing, but they aren’t bad either. The fact that we’re calling that a down season shows just how good Amos has been. Bringing him back would be a wise choice for the Packers.
READ MORE: 1 Intriguing Wide Receiver The Packers Should Target In NFL Draft
Jordan Poyer, Buffalo Bills
Next up, we’ll look at a free safety option that Green Bay could pursue. Darnell Savage Jr. has not developed well and has become a major weak link from a tackling perspective. Adding a piece like Poyer would help fix those issues, although he is already almost 32 years old.
Poyer ended up playing in 12 games for the Bills this season. In those appearances, he recorded 63 tackles, a forced fumble, four interceptions, and eight defended passes.
Needless to say, Poyer is a playmaker in the secondary, which is something the Packers need. Savage has shown the ability to make plays on the football, but has not been consistent. If the franchise were to go out and sign Poyer, they would be getting a major upgrade over Savage.
Jessie Bates III, Cincinnati Bengals
Over the last couple of years, it has been reported that the Bengals could trade safety Jessie Bates III. A trade has not materialized, but now he is set to hit free agency. It will be interesting to see what Cincinnati chooses to do with him.
In 2022, Bates racked up 71 tackles, a forced fumble, four interceptions, and eight defended passes. At 25 years of age, Bates could be a great replacement for Amos if the Packers let him walk.
He is a sure tackler, a playmaker in the defensive backfield, and is still young. This could be an ideal move for the Packers if they are willing to spend the money to get him. Green Bay would be wise to at least check in on Bates if they can create the necessary cap room.
