Green Bay Packers: 3 free agents who could help the team compete in 2024

In several aspects, the Green Bay Packers in 2023 performed better than predicted. After a 3-6 start, the squad went on a 6-2 run to end with a 9-8 record. The group stunned the NFC East-winning Dallas Cowboys to become the youngest team to qualify for the playoffs.

The Packers seem to be struggling financially this offseason. The Packers are estimated to have -$2.8 million in cap space per Over The Cap. But, by making some bold structural changes and parting ways with players like Royce Newman, David Bakhtiari, and De’Vondre Campbell, the team may free up as much as $50 million in salary space.

Having all that, the Packers ought to be able to make a couple significant acquisitions. It is reasonable to infer that the team’s top priorities are safety and linebacker. The squad might benefit from adding more depth to the running back room and offensive line.

Today, let’s identify three realistic free agent targets for the Packers in 2024.

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson runs out of the tunnel for player introductions before kickoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC divisional round playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S

The Packers are going to need a safety. Jonathan Owens, Rudy Ford, and Darnell Savage are all headed for free agency and none of the trio perfomed all that well in the first place.

Gardner-Johnson had an injury-plagued 2023 season with the Detroit Lions. The defensive back played in just 3 games but still racked up 17 tackles and an interception. Gardner-Johnson now heads back to free agency after inking a 1-year, $8M deal last offseason.

The DB may not land as big of a deal as he hopes this offseason due to his injury-marred 2023 campaign. However, Gardner-Johnson is a versatile defender who can play in the slot or as a box safety. Gardner-Johnson has at least 1 interception in each of his 5 NFL seasons and had a career-best 6 in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles.

According to one estimate, Gardner-Johnson will sign a contract for about $8.5 million a year. For a DB that chases balls down, this might be a wise buy and not too expensive for the Packers.

Donovan Smith, T

Donovan Smith has been a starting-caliber tackle in the NFL for a long time now. The tackle entered the NFL in 2015 and has started 133 games over that span. Smith spent 2023 as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs and was a key part in getting the team it’s second consecutive Super Bowl victory.

In 2023, Smith finished with a 55.4 PFF grade. While not the highest mark of his career, Smith only allowed 2 sacks all season and held up well in pass protection.

The Packers could use a veteran body like Smith on the line. David Bakhtiari and Royce Newman are likely cap cuts, while Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan are entering free agency. You could do much worse than having Smith as a stopgap option at left tackle.

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) crosses the goal line for a 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Hicks, LB

To wrap things up, how about another division rival? Hicks collected over 100 tackles for the fifth season in a row in 2023. The veteran is steady force in the middle of the field and would add much-needed experience to the Packers’ LB unit.

As mentioned above, De’Vondre Campbell is a likely cap casualty. This means the team could use a veteran force in the middle and Hicks fits the bill. Hicks had a stellar 74.5 PFF grade in 2023 and finished with 107 tackles, 1 INT, and 1 sack. Not only would signing Hicks help the Packers, it would be a huge loss for the rival Vikings.

Hicks is coming off of a deal that had a $5M average salary, and he is 32 years old, so likely wouldn’t break the bank.