Offensive guard Jahri Evans is set to sign with the Green Bay Packers, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Details of his new deal aren’t available at the present time. An 11-year veteran of the NFL, Evans spent the entirety of his career to this point with the New Orleans Saints.
After losing TJ Lang, looking at the possibility of having to fill a need in the draft, #Packers sign veteran G Jahri Evans. Pre-draft fun
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2017
Jahri Evans Signs With Green Bay Packers
Evans started all 16 games last season and proved that he was still valuable to the New Orleans Saints offensive line. In Week Eight, he assisted running backs Tim Hightower and Mark Ingram in racking up 245 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The 11-year pro was integral again in Week 11 when the two running backs rushed for 197 yards and one rushing touchdown. He also played a vital blocking role in Week 11 on a 21-yard screen pass to Ingram which resulted in a touchdown.
Although he has battled both knee and ankle injuries, it was age which became a factor for the 33-year-old guard playing on a team that has been moving towards a much younger offense. Since his arrival in 2006, Evans had remained the last of the veteran holdovers other than Drew Brees. He started 114 games before missing one because of an injury. Over his 11 seasons with the Saints, he has started a total of 169 of 176 games and is tied for 14th place on the team’s all-time games played list.
Evans is an exceptional pass protector and run blocker. He is experienced in transitioning between power run and zone blocking schemes and is an asset for a young offensive line. He is one of the best guards in the NFL and arguably one of the greatest players in Saints franchise history. Over the past 11 seasons, the fourth-round draft pick out of Bloomsburg has played a major role on the Saints offense. He’s made the Pro Bowl six times and was a key player in the Saints Super Bowl XLIV title. He also has four first team All Pros.
In 2016, the Saints released Evans but re-signed him to a one-year deal for $1 million dollars when their plans for his replacement fell through. Prior to this, Evans signed a deal in 2010 for $56.7 million which made him the highest paid guard in NFL history.
