The Green Bay Packers exceeded expectations in many ways in 2023. The team started 3-6 before going on a 6-2 run and finishing with a 9-8 record. The team became the youngest team to make the playoffs and even upset the NFC East-winning Dallas Cowboys.
This offseason, the Packers would appear to be hurting for cash to spend. Per Over The Cap, the Packers are projected to have around -$2.8 million in cap space. However, the team could create up to $50 million in cap space with some creative restructures and cutting players like De’Vondre Campbell, David Bakhtiari, and Royce Newman.
With that being said, the Packers should have the availability to make a few notable moves. One has to assume that linebacker and safety among the top of the team’s needs list. The team also could use depth on the offensive line and in the running back room.
Today, let’s identify three realistic free agent targets for the Packers in 2024.
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson runs out of the tunnel for player introductions before kickoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC divisional round playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S
The Packers are going to need a safety. Jonathan Owens, Rudy Ford, and Darnell Savage are all headed for free agency and none of the trio perfomed all that well in the first place.
Gardner-Johnson had an injury-plagued 2023 season with the Detroit Lions. The defensive back played in just 3 games but still racked up 17 tackles and an interception. Gardner-Johnson now heads back to free agency after inking a 1-year, $8M deal last offseason.
The DB may not land as big of a deal as he hopes this offseason due to his injury-marred 2023 campaign. However, Gardner-Johnson is a versatile defender who can play in the slot or as a box safety. Gardner-Johnson has at least 1 interception in each of his 5 NFL seasons and had a career-best 6 in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
One projection has Gardner-Johnson landing a deal with an annual value of around $8.5M. This wouldn’t be too rich for the Packers’ blood and would be a worthwhile investment for a ball-hawking DB.
Donovan Smith, T
Donovan Smith has been a starting-caliber tackle in the NFL for a long time now. The tackle entered the NFL in 2015 and has started 133 games over that span. Smith spent 2023 as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs and was a key part in getting the team it’s second consecutive Super Bowl victory.
In 2023, Smith finished with a 55.4 PFF grade. While not the highest mark of his career, Smith only allowed 2 sacks all season and held up well in pass protection.
The Packers could use a veteran body like Smith on the line. David Bakhtiari and Royce Newman are likely cap cuts, while Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan are entering free agency. You could do much worse than having Smith as a stopgap option at left tackle.
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) crosses the goal line for a 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Hicks, LB
To wrap things up, how about another division rival? Hicks collected over 100 tackles for the fifth season in a row in 2023. The veteran is steady force in the middle of the field and would add much-needed experience to the Packers’ LB unit.
As mentioned above, De’Vondre Campbell is a likely cap casualty. This means the team could use a veteran force in the middle and Hicks fits the bill. Hicks had a stellar 74.5 PFF grade in 2023 and finished with 107 tackles, 1 INT, and 1 sack. Not only would signing Hicks help the Packers, it would be a huge loss for the rival Vikings.
Hicks is coming off of a deal that had a $5M average salary, and he is 32 years old, so likely wouldn’t break the bank.
