Packers roster needs entering 2023 free agency
The Green Bay Packers have roster holes to address entering the start of the new league year. The legal tampering period begins Monday, providing free agents (of which the Packers have 17) a chance to negotiate and agree to terms with other teams. The start of free agency and the new league year arrives Wednesday.
How will the next few days (and weeks) shape the look of Brian Gutekunst’s roster?
Here’s a quick look at the team’s roster needs entering free agency:
Tight end: Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan, who combined to play 1,042 snaps at tight end last year, are both free agents. The only player under contract at this position who was on the 53-man roster last year is Josiah Deguara, an H-back type lacking experience as an inline tight end.
Safety: Adrian Amos, Rudy Ford and Dallin Leavitt are free agents and Darnell Savage is likely headed to the slot, meaning this position could be in for a complete overhaul. Adding a veteran here is probably a top priority entering free agency.
Defensive line: Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed are both free agents. Devonte Wyatt, last year’s first-round pick, is in line for a bigger role, but the Packers likely want more experienced depth here. It’s possible Reed returns.
Wide receiver: Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs provide a strong developing base, but Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb are both free agents, leaving a veteran void.
Edge rusher: Preston Smith is back, Rashan Gary (ACL) should be available at some point early in the 2023 regular season and Kingsley Enagbare impressed at times over the second half of the season, but good teams need quality depth on the edge always. Re-signing Justin Hollins is an option.
Quarterback: If Aaron Rodgers retires or is traded, the Packers will need a veteran backup for Jordan Love. The only other quarterback on the roster is Danny Etling.
