The Green Bay Packers have a number of players that are hitting free agency this month. Some, like Yosh Nijman, are restricted free agents and will likely be retained. Still others will be unrestricted free agents and will hit the open market, leaving their future with the Packers in question. Among these is All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon who set several franchise records despite returning kicks for only half of the season. Despite his accolades as a returner, Nixon was not named one of the top 101 free agents by NFL.com. Two other Packers players were, though.
#72. Allen Lazard
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Here is what NFL.com had to say about Allen Lazard:
“I get why Aaron Rodgers gassed up Lazard all last offseason as his No. 1 receiver. It seems like Lazard can do it all, but in reality, he looked overstretched when asked to be anything more than a quality role player.”
Lazard had career highs in catches (60) and receiving yards (788) while also catching six touchdown passes. In 15 games, he also played a career-high 863 offensive snaps.
Look, I know there are a lot of fans out there that are okay with, if not are rooting for, the Packers letting Lazard walk in free agency. I am not sure that is the best thing for the organization, though.
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are great young wide receivers, but without Lazard and fellow veteran Randall Cobb on the roster, they are IT as far as experience wide receivers go. Lazard may not be a wide receiver one, but he is an important part of the offense, even on plays where he is not the one catching the football. His blocking downfield and in the run game will be sorely missed if he is not retained.
#90. Robert Tonyan
On Robert Tonyan NFL.com said:
“Tonyan was not as explosive in his first season back from a torn ACL, although he set a career high with 52 catches. It’s realistic to expect him to play better in 2023.”
Tonyan also had the second-most receiving yards in his career with 470. Months after tearing his ACL, he also played in all 17 of Green Bay’s games. As noted, it is probable that 2023 is a much better year for him.
The Packers would do well to bring him back, too. As with the wide receiver position, there is not much there in terms of veterans or depth on the roster. Right now, Josiah Deguara is the lone tight end with any NFL experience on the Packers’ roster for 2023, and he is more of an H-back.
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FAQs
Will the Green Bay Packers Make the 2023 NFL Playoffs?
According to sportsbooks, the Green Bay Packers are currently ninth overall (+3000) to win the 2024 Super Bowl. This is the highest among 2022 non-playoff teams, signaling they’ll be playoff-bound.
Who Do the Green Bay Packers Play in 2023?
Aside from their divisional opponents (Vikings, Lions, and Bears), whom they place twice, the Packers play the Saints, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Chargers, and Rams at home in 2023. They’ll travel on the road to face the Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Raiders, Giants, and Steelers.
Who Owns the Green Bay Packers?
The team is owned by Green Bay Packers, Inc., a publicly owned and traded non-profit. There are currently over 360,000 stockholders. Mark Murphy currently holds the role of Packers president and CEO, with plans to retire in 2025.
How Many Super Bowls Have the Packers Won?
The Packers have won four Super Bowls. These victories include Super Bowl 1 and Super Bowl 2 after the 1966 and 1967 seasons. Their next title came in Super Bowl 31, following the 1996 season. Their most recent championship was Super Bowl 45, crowning them the winners of the 2010 season.
