One of the biggest question marks on defense for the Packers is at both safety positions.
Let’s start with Adrian Amos, who is slated to be a free agent this year.
Amos has been a reliable starter at safety for the Packers. He has not missed a game since being signed as a free agent in 2019.
In four years with the Packers, Amos has seven interceptions along with four sacks and a fumble recovery.
Amos did not have the best season in 2022. He only had one interception all season. In the past three years, he had at least two each season. He did have 102 tackles last year, the most he has had as a Packer.
Darnell Savage is the other question mark at Safety for the Packers. Savage was inconsistent throughout the season; the lowest point was when he was benched for Rudy Ford midway through the season. He did play some slot corner when Eric Stokes had a season ending injury but he also struggled, at times at that position as well.
Savage is signed through the 2023 season but has to prove himself this year.
Coming into the 2023 season the Packers have only 3 safeties under contract. Darnell Savage, Tariq Carpenter and James Wiggins.
The Packers do have the option to bring back Amos on a one-year or a multiple year deal but with Amos turning 30, he might not be the long-term answer at strong safety for the Packers.
The Packers can also bring back Rudy Ford, who was on a one-year deal with the Packers last year. Ford could provide some depth and experience at the safety position.
There are some options at safety if the Packers are looking for an upgrade in the free agent market. Some of the big names on the list include Jesse Bates III, Jordan Poyer and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. But the Packers, who are known for not spending too much in free agency, probably won’t go this route as they would have to spend big money if they want an upgrade.
If the Packers aren’t willing to spend big money on a safety, another option would be through the draft. According to Pro Football Focus the top prospect in the draft is Alabama safety Brian Branch. Branch is projected to go in the top 10 in this years draft. The Packers pick at 15, so there’s a chance they might be able to grab him at their current slot.
Texas A&M’s Antonio Johnson is also projected by Pro Football Focus to go in the first round as well. But remember the Packers have other needs as well and might not be willing to spend a first-round pick on defense.
Some of the other names the Packers could draft at safety include Jammie Robinson, J.L Skinner and Sydney Brown.
Safety was a weak point for the Packers defense in 2022. But with a few new pieces, the Packers secondary can be dominant in 2023.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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