The Green Bay Packers are coming off a disappointing end to the 2022 season, falling short of their Super Bowl aspirations and failing to even make the playoffs. As they look ahead, the Packers offseason needs are numerous. The team must address them to begin to get back on track and start to compete for a championship.
One of the biggest needs for the Packers is the safety position. Adrian Amos is a free agent and looks like a player whose best days may be behind him, not in front. Darnell Savage hasn’t developed and has been inconsistent at best, and after that the depth is paper thin. The Packers are going to need to do a complete overhaul at the position between the draft and free agency.
Another area of need for the Packers is on the offensive line. While the unit was solid overall in 2022, injuries and age have begun to take a toll. All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari played nearly a full season for the first time since his season-ending injury in December 2020. Right tackle Yosh Nijman was serviceable at right tackle but is a restricted free agent and it’s unclear if he’s part of the Packers long term plans. As such, they could use some depth and insurance at both tackle positions, as well as some youth and athleticism along the interior of the line.
The Packers could also benefit from adding another playmaker at the wide receiver position. Christian Watson is one of the most exciting young receivers in the league and fellow 2022 rookie Romeo Doubs has shown flashes. However, Allen Lazard is a free agent and will likely price himself out of Green Bay. The Packers could use a reliable veteran option to take some pressure off Watson and provide another dynamic threat to target.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers could use some help in the front seven. Kenny Clark is a dominant force on the defensive line, but beyond him, the unit lacks proven impact players. The Packers will expect 2022 rookie Devonte Wyatt to take a major step forward in year two, but they will need to fill out the room with additional talent. At edge rusher, they will need to add to the room to account for Rashan Gary’s recovery from his ACL injury. He likely will not be 100% at the start of season, so depth is going to be critical. Adding more quality talent through the draft or signing one of the many veteran pass rushers in free agency is essential to rounding out the room.
Finally, the Packers need to explore finding some help in the kicking game. Mason Crosby has been a incredible kicker for the team for over a decade, but he struggled in 2022 with power, missing several key kicks and failing to routinely get the ball to endzone on kickoffs. Beyond that, Crosby is a free agent and it’s not guaranteed that he will return to the team. Even if he does resign. The Packers would benefit from bringing in competition for Crosby or at least identify a reliable backup option to stash on the practice squad in case of injury or continued struggles.
To address these needs, the Packers will have to be creative with their resources. They currently have limited cap space, which could get even tighter if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return to the team. They will need to look for affordable additions and likely won’t be major players in free agency, especially early on. Maximizing return on their draft capital will be the main avenue to address their needs.
Ultimately, the success of the Packers in the 2023 season will depend on their ability to address these needs and improve in key areas. Clarity will come soon with Rodgers, and the team must be aggressive in their pursuit of a championship and make the most of their remaining window of opportunity.
Jordan is a lifelong Packer fan who grew up in Idaho and now lives in Seattle, Washington. You can follow him on twitter at @jordantwolf.
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