The Green Bay Packers have gotten under the salary cap thanks to Aaron Jones’ pay cut and contract restructures for Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander. Additionally, reports indicate that the team will also restructure David Bakhtiari’s contract to free up even more money. Further money could be freed up with a trade of Aaron Rodgers, but as that is not a guaranteed transaction as of right now, that will not figure into this scenario. The purpose of all of these financial moves served two purposes. First, it got the team under the salary cap. Second, they now have available space with which they can sign free agents.
One of the positions that the Packers need to address on the free agent market is wide receiver. As it stands, the Packers’ wide receiver core for 2023 consists of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure, Bo Melton, and Jeff Cotton. That’s it. While they will, undoubtedly, explore drafting a wide receiver or two in the 2023 NFL Draft, they will also look to the free agent market to add some veteran presence. Bleacher Report recently named Green Bay among the best landing spots for two of the premier wide receivers on the market.
The Green Bay Packers Are Named the Best Fit for Allen Lazard
Allen Lazard was the Green Bay Packers’ leading wide receiver in 2022. He had career highs with 60 receptions and 788 yards to go along with six touchdowns. When evaluating the best landing spots for Lazard, Bleacher Report stated:
“Does your team prefer to run the ball? If so, it should be keeping an eye on Allen Lazard.
“While he’s a decent pass-catcher, the Iowa State product is also a standout blocker. That has helped him play 73-plus percent of snaps for the Green Bay Packers in each of the last three seasons.
“Lazard might prefer to stay in Green Bay this offseason regardless of what veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides to do.”
In addition to the Packers, the article names the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens as good fits for Lazard. However, it is hard to imagine the Packers’ offense working as well as it does with him. Yes, yes, I know: he is not a number one wide receiver and should/will not be paid like one. However, if you think that the blocking he provides Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon downfield will not be missed or is easily replaced, well, I am not sure what to tell you.
The Green Bay Packers Are Considered a Great Landing Spot for Darius Slayton
Packers fans may recall Darius Slayton catching six passes for 79 yards against Green Bay in London. Now a free agent, Slayton is looking for a new team. Bleacher Report said of his potential partnering with the Packers:
“Green Bay is a wild card, especially since the futures of both Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard are uncertain. No matter those outcomes, the Packers could use a low-cost, big-play option other than Christian Watson. Slayton averaged 10.2 yards per target last season, which was tied for third in the NFL among all qualifying players.”
The New York Giants and Cleveland Browns were also named as potential landing spots for Slayton in the article. The four-year veteran had 42 receptions for 742 yards and two touchdowns in 2022. He could be a good second-option for the Packers’ offense.
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