The Green Bay Packers are in the midst of a pivotal 2024 off-season. If all goes well, the Packers could legitimately be competing for a Super Bowl just two seasons removed from trading away four time MVP Aaron Rodgers.
That in of itself is impressive. However, there will be tough decisions made on both sides of the ball when it comes to personnel. That is not different with a current 26-year-old starter.
Reports Continue To Surface Regarding A Starter For The Green Bay Packers
Freddie Boston of FanSided highlighted the continuing reports that surface regarding starting offensive guard Royce Newman:
Royce Newman was a liability when the Packers needed him last season. Newman started two games following an injury to Elgton Jenkins, but head coach Matt LaFleur quickly learned he couldn’t trust him in the lineup. Per PFF, Newman allowed one sack, nine pressures, and seven hurries in those games.
Sean Rhyan became the top backup at guard ahead of Newman after those two performances.
It was a similar story in 2022. The Packers’ offense couldn’t get going against the New York Jets, scoring only 10 points. Aaron Rodgers was under pressure all afternoon long. Newman allowed one sack, five pressures, three hurries, and one QB hit.
Newman has one season remaining on his rookie contract, but with the Packers likely upgrading the offensive line via the draft, they could move on from their former fourth-round pick after the event. Per Over The Cap, Green Bay would create $3.12 million in cap space by releasing Newman. That’s a significant saving for a backup who likely won’t play many snaps in 2024.
The Packers often target college tackles who can move inside to guard. They love versatility along the line. Two dream first-round targets are Washington’s Troy Fautanu and Duke’s Graham Barton. They earned elite Relative Athletic Scores and can play all five positions, including left tackle, where they both played in college.
This report comes on the heels of multiple other reports:
- 3 Packers Who Could Be Traded During NFL Draft
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The Packers Will Likely Address The Offensive Line In The 2024 NFL Draft
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Death, taxes, and the Packers taking offensive lineman in the NFL Draft.
Tackle is the most glaring need (as far as the offensive line goes) for the Packers heading into the draft, but don’t be surprised when the Packers use one (or multiple) mid round picks on interior offensive lineman. They continuously promote competition at that position and want to see “the best man win” the starting job.
As a result of Jon Runyan’s free agent move to the New York Giants, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line dynamics are set to change for the 2024 season. As a result of Runyan’s departure, there is a gap in the offensive line department, especially on the interior. There are only four interior offensive linemen under contract for the Packers heading into next season.
The team may choose to keep Newman on the roster based on pure necessity, however, they will certainly bring in competition one way or another. The veteran offensive lineman has appeared in 51 games for Green Bay, starting 24 of them.
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