Within 24 hours, Green Bay Packers fans went from being full out irate to doing backflips. That is what NFL free agency can do to an NFL fan. Especially Packers fans who had to deal with Ted Thompson‘s lack of free agent moves. But on Tuesday, top personnel man Brian Gutekunst, to the delight of thousands of Packers fans, came to a contract agreement with four free agent players. The Packers are banking on the signings to bolster their roster and help the Packers get back to the playoffs. But the Packers free agent signings will also give Gutekunst some options in this year’s NFL draft as well.
Green Bay Packers Free Agent Signings Open Up Options in the NFL Draft
It appeared that the Packers were going to need to use at least one of their two first round picks on an outside linebacker this year in the draft. However, the expected Packers free agent signings might possibly change the plan.
Although they can’t sign until Wednesday, it appears outside linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith will be joining the Packers. The free agent signings of the Smiths not only provide depth but also upgrade a position that struggled last season. With Nick Perry released on Monday and Clay Matthews, a free agent that looks like won’t be returning, it appears that both Smiths will be starters next season.
These two free agent signings don’t mean Gutekunst won’t still spend a high draft choice on an edge pass rusher. But with both players being young (26 years old), the urgency to draft an edge pass rusher isn’t as urgent.
Safety Help on the Way
Outside linebacker/edge rusher wasn’t the only position marked to be addressed in the first round. Safety was another position that was tabbed as urgent going into this year’s draft. It was also another position that was helped out by the expected free agent signings.
It was reported that former Chicago Bears safety Adrian Amos will be signing with the Packers on Wednesday. Not only does the signing weaken a division foe, but it also helps upgrade a very weak position for the Packers.
Amos should be an instant starter for the Packers next season. He will be either starting next to converted cornerback Tramon Williams or possibly a rookie if they move Wiliams back to cornerback. With the addition of Amos and Williams having a year of safety experience, safety isn’t as urgent as it once was.
Drafting the Best Available Player
The Packers are also expected to sign offensive lineman Billy Turner. Turner will compete for the starting right guard position and also will possibly backup Bryan Bulaga at right tackle. While this free agent signing won’t discourage the Packers from drafting an offensive lineman high, it will bolster the depth.
Since becoming the Packers top personnel decision maker, Gutekunst has stated the draft will be the way the Packers build a roster. He has also said that they will utilize free agency to help strengthen their roster. It looks like that is exactly what the Packers are doing.
With these projected free agent signings, Gutekunst has set himself up to take the best available players with their first two picks. The Packers very well might still draft an outside linebacker, safety, or offensive lineman in the first round. But with the projected free agent signings they have, they won’t be forced to do so.
