The Packers didn’t make any big splashes in the offseason and chose not to sign big name free agents like many expected. After a spending spree on defense before the 2019 season, the team couldn’t afford to do the same again this year.
However, they did sign some under the radar free agents like Christian Kirksey and Devin Funchess. Training camp is set to start on July 28th, and there are still some players available who could prove helpful in a title run.
Damon Harrison
The Packers’ biggest issue in 2019 was arguably defending the run. Ultimately, San Francisco ran for 285 yards against the Packers in the NFC Championship, thus ending their season.
In 2018, his first season with the Lions, Damon Harrison was given the award for best run defender by Pro Football Focus (PFF). In 2019, he was yet again a stout run defender. The Lions had the fifth ranked run defense behind Harrison. Over the past five seasons, Harrison has led all defensive tackles in run stop percentage.
The Packers cannot go into next season hoping the defensive line will make the leap to an elite run defense. Pairing Harrison with Kenny Clark would greatly help the run defense.
Taylor Gabriel
The Packers didn’t draft a single wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft. They seem content with the crew they have going into the season with the only addition being Devin Funchess. They do get Equanimeous St. Brown back from injury.
A speedy player like Taylor Gabriel could be the missing piece in the Packers’ offense. Gabriel’s time in Atlanta did overlap with current Packers head coach Matt LaFleur’s time there. He could be a cheap signing who could make an impact in the pass game, as well as serve as a gadget player for Matt Lafleur.
Tramon Williams
Tramon Williams will be 39 next season, but still has a little left in the tank. He has expressed his desire to play longer and is still an asset. Last season, Williams had two interceptions, eight passes defended, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He played in all 16 games and started in seven.
Williams can still play and would be cheap signing – not to mention what it would do in the locker room. Williams is a great leader and the Packers have one of the youngest secondaries in the league. The Packers are probably expecting more out of Chandon Sullivan and Josh Jackson, which could make this signing unlikely, but veteran depth never hurts. The Packers would become a lot more stable at a position that stays fluid due to injuries.
As Always
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