breaking news;Picking a pair of realistic free agents for Packers to sign
The Green Bay Packers’ and general manager Brian Gutekunst’s free agency is drawing near. Finally, a team that intends to contend for the Super Bowl in 2024 can begin bolstering a youthful, developing squad with senior talent, most likely in places of clear need. Furthermore, it’s obvious Gutekunst wants to shop. He can generate more, he has cap space, and there are a couple areas that require assistance.
So, when the Packers and Gutekunst meet next week, who would be some reasonable targets?
We each selected two reasonable candidates for the Packers to sign, simulating the exercise conducted by the team at Packers Wire. These are the outcomes:
Zachary Kruse
Selections: S Jerome Baker, LB, and Jordan Fuller
S Jordan Fuller: Familiarity fulfills roster necessity. Fuller, a 26-year-old who played at Ohio State under Jeff Hafley, is an excellent tackler with a 9.3 percent miss rate and a wealth of free safety experience. In his career as a coverage player, he has intercepted seven passes more than he has allowed touchdown passes (six). He has also been a solid run defender in each of his four NFL seasons. Fuller shouldn’t break the bank in an oversaturated safety market. A significant portion of the rebuilding puzzle would be at safety with Fuller’s signing.
LB Jerome Baker: Familiarity meets roster necessity once more. At just 27 years old, Baker was coached by Anthony Campanile, the current linebackers coach of the Packers, while he was a player with the Dolphins. Although Baker is a little undersized, he tested like an elite athlete out of Ohio State in 2018 (RAS of 9.26), and in the Packer’s new 4-3 base defense, he would be a fantastic run-and-hit linebacker next to Quay Walker. It’s possible that the Packers will sign Baker only if they release De’Vondre Campbell, but that’s not a given. Reuniting with Campanile, who has been instrumental in Baker’s development over the past three seasons, makes a lot of sense for Baker in Green Bay.
Selections: S Curl Kamren, LB Drue Tranquill
S. Kameron Curl: Kamren Curl would bring a steady, dependable presence to the slot, in the box, and at free safety. Brian Gutekunst stated at the NFL Combine that he wants the two safety spots and the niche to be “interchangeable.” Curl does the small things right, doesn’t give up big plays, and has a very well-rounded skill set. PFF likened Curl’s influence in Green Bay to that of Adrian Amos. Curl has proven to be a reliable tackler and a strong run defender. Towards theobligations as well, providing stability—which is much needed—and the adaptability Gutekunst wants.LB Drue Tranquill: Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 defensive scheme would be perfect for Tranquill, who would be a great addition to the Packers’ linebacker corps. Tranquill excels as a blitzer and when playing in space as a coverage defender, which are the weak-side backer’s key duties. Tranquill was a reliable tackler, finished eighth in linebacker pressures last season, and gave up less than line of scrimmage, he performs best, but he can also handle post9.0 yds for each successful catch. Hafley would have more freedom to move Quay Walker around with his presence, especially to the versatile middle linebacker position. Additionally, Tranquill has a deal that PFF projects to be reasonable at $6.75 million over two seasons. Although it won’t be a showy addition, it will have a significant effect.
UPDATE: As of Thursday night, Tranquill is set to sign a contract to rejoin the Chiefs.
