The Packers came into 2022 strapped for cash. The resigning of key players like Aaron Rodgers, De’Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas left the Packers with very cash to spend. This was not problem for Packers GM Brian Gutekunst. He found value in free agency to help fill in gaps in the roster and it has worked out perfectly. Brian Gutekunst is showing to be a master of free agency.
Brian Gutekunst In Free Agency
Keisean Nixon got less than $1 million on a one-year completely non-guaranteed deal.
Gute had no money to spend and somehow still found:
Keisean Nixon
Jarran Reed
Pat O'Donnell
Rudy Ford
Dallin Leavitt
Sammy WatkinsAll have had impacts in the Packers' first two wins.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) September 26, 2022
This season, Gutekunst signed the following free agents: Keisean Nixon, Jarran Reed, Pat O’Donnell, Rudy Ford, Dallin Leavitt, and Sammy Watkins. All of these players have played significant roles on the team. In the first three games, you can look to all of these names and point to one or two plays that made a huge impact on the game. The signing that a lot of people groaned at was Sammy Watkins because of his injury history. Lo and behold he has ended up on the injured reserve. However, it looks less bad when you realize how little they are paying him. Last week Watkins helped the Packers beat the Bears. If that is all he does this season, the signing was worth it. These free agent signings have been huge for special teams.
Special Teams Have Been Way Better This Season
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Two players from Sunday’s game really stood out. Pat O’Donnell has been amazing this season. His five punts inside the 20 tied the franchise record for the Packers. It also helped flipped the field to keep Tampa Bay pinned deep in their own territory. The importance of a great punter, especially with a great defense, cannot be overstated. Another player to highlight from Sunday is Keisean Nixon. Jaire Alexander went down with a groin injury early in the game and Nixon stepped in. He played very well considering the circumstances. However, it is this play on special teams that stood out to me.
Gunner appreciation post 🤝 @keiseannixon pic.twitter.com/zATANwI6xu
— Pat O'Donnell (@PatODonnell_16) September 26, 2022
Nixon gets down the field on the punt, corrals the ball and stops on a dime to pin Tampa Bay at the one. This play won’t be on Sportscenter or make the hype video next week but it is hugely important. Making the Bucs go 99 yards instead of 80 yards makes a massive difference in the game. For a player that is making less than $1 million this season, his impact is felt all over the field.
Each of these free agents has made an impact on the field this season. Brian Gutekunst found some gems in free agency this year. He found gems last year as well in De’Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas. He is proving that he can find value and with proper coaching, turn them into impact players.
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