The Green Bay Packers have been one of the quietest franchises when it comes to free agents. However, this is about to change drastically since they are in a dire need for changes at the cornerback position. Luckily, and there are options available in free agency from veterans to young players.
In the past eight seasons the Packers have reached the playoffs each time. Along with the New England Patriots they have the longest-active streak in the NFL at the moment. The only difference between the two sides is that the Patriots have won two titles and have been to three Super Bowls over that stretch.
The Packers on the other hand haven’t been back to the Super Bowl since they won it all in 2010. However, in the last three years the team was one victory away twice from getting a shot at the Super Bowl. This was all thanks to Aaron Rodger’s big seasons, but it was not enough. Do you think they got what it takes for the next season? You can bet the NFL on Bovada and make money out of it.
Poor Play Caused by Poor Health
The last season McCarthy and his team had a hot run and ran the table after opening 4-6. The biggest problem for the Green Bay Packers in the 2016 were their defensive woes and injuries at the cornerback position. Each of their performers like Quinten Rollins, Damarious Randal and Sam Shields missed their share of time.
As the players got healthier things got somewhat better. But, throughout the season and into the playoffs the players simply couldn’t stay healthy. In 16 games the Packer’s defenders allowed 32 scores through the air, and 8 more touchdown passes in 3 playoff games. The only team that gave up more passes during the regular season were the New Orleans Saints.
Free Agency
The Green Bay Packers are not a team that delves much into free agency. But, now may be the time to look for some value there. Some of the options available are Alterraun Verner, a talented player who was cut loose by the Buccaneers, veteran Tramon Williams, one-time Packer, and Darrelle Revis, veteran with some off-the-field issues.
But, the hottest name out there is Houston Texans’ A.J. Bouye, who had a really big year. Two other hot names that could command big money are Dre Kirkpatrick of the Cincinnati Bengals and Stephon Gilmore of the Buffalo Bills.
A couple of potential bargains are in combination too. Don’t be surprised if the Packers bring potential free agents like Prince Amukamara of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Darius Butler of the Indianapolis Colts, Nolan Carroll of the Philadelphia Eagles. Although for the general manager Ted Thompson and the team this would be a departure of philosophy, a nice combination of youth and experience wouldn’t hurt the Green Bay Packers. It can prove vital for the cornerback position.