Recently, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report put together a list of potential under the radar NFL free agents for 2019. The list of free agents is very intriguing, especially for the Green Bay Packers. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has stated that the Packers “will be very aggressive in free agent conversations“. If his statement turns out to be a reality, some of these lesser-known free agents might be turn up on the Packers radar.
Lesser Known Free Agent Targets for the Green Bay Packers
Gutekunst has a lot of holes to fill on the Packers roster this season. While he has stated that the NFL draft will be the way they build their roster, it appears that he will bring in free agents to help strengthen positions that need strengthening.
From Davenport’s list, there are four free agents that might grab Gutekunst’s attention. Two on the offensive side of the ball and two from the defensive side. These four free agents make the most sense for the Packers this off-season.
Offensive Free Agents
Demetrius Harris, Tight End
Harris isn’t a stranger to Wisconsin sports fans. Harris played college basketball for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He didn’t play college football, UW-Milwaukee doesn’t field a football team, but his athletic ability grabbed the attention of NFL scouts.
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Harris as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2015 season. It has taken Harris some time to get accustomed to playing football again but he has progressed. He worked his way up to being the top backup for Chiefs standout tight end Travis Kelce this past season.
With Kelce being firmly entrenched as the Chiefs go to tight end, Harris might be looking for a spot where he can contribute more. While Harris doesn’t have eye-popping stats, he does have the speed and athletic ability to stretch a defense. That ability might draw the Packers attention.
Quinton Spain, Offensive Guard
Last season, the Packers had three different starters at right guard. Byron Bell, Justin McCray, and Lucas Patrick all were given a chance to start and all three fell short of expectations. The Packers will need to find a starter this off-season either through the draft or by signing a free agent.
If they choose to go the free agent route, Quinton Spain should get a long look. With being only 27 years old, Spain is still young and it appears that he has some good years left in him. Although he is young, he does bring with him starting experience. In his four years with the Tennessee Titans, Spain started 48 games.
There is also a link between Spain and Packers new head coach Matt LaFleur. Last season, LaFleur served as the Titans offensive coordinator. His starting left guard was Spain. If the Packers were to sign Spain they would be bringing in a player that has experience in LaFleur’s offense.
Possible Free Agents on the Defensive Side
Shaquil Barrett, Outside Linebacker
Outside linebacker is one of the top needs for the Packers this off-season. It is highly likely that the Packers will spend a high round draft choice on the position. However, if the Packers allow veteran Clay Matthews to leave as a free agent and Nick Perry is a cap casualty, the Packers will need some experience at the position.
There are several outside linebackers who are free agents this off-season that the Packers might look at. One possibility is Shaquil Barrett.
In his five seasons with the Denver Broncos, he started 15 games. Playing behind Von Miller and last season’s top pick Bradley Chubb, Barrett registered three sacks in 2018. In his career, he has registered 14 sacks.
Even if the Packers bring back Matthews and draft an outside linebacker in the first round of this year’s draft, Barrett could be a solid part in the Packers outside linebackers rotation.
Adrian Phillps, Safety
While Tramon Williams was a team player by stepping into one of the starting safety positions last season for the Packers, he isn’t a long term answer. Former second-round draft choice Josh Jones hasn’t developed as quickly as the Packers have hoped he would. One player that could help bolster the Packers safety play is Adrian Phillips.
Phillips was a major contributor for the Los Angeles Chargers defense this past season. He started seven games for the Chargers in 2018. He started at safety and also saw time at linebacker for the Chargers.
With Jones only entering his third season, it is hard to see the Packers giving up on him yet. Phillips could be the type of player who could step in while Jones develops and also help the Packers secondary until Jones is ready to step in.
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