The Green Bay Packers have eight in-house free agents without contracts for the 2020 season. GM Brian Gutekunst has already re-signed kicker Mason Crosby, tight end Marcedes Lewis and defensive back Will Redmond and brought back receivers Allen Lazard and Jake Kumerow, tight end Robert Tonyan, defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster and cornerback Chandon Sullivan with exclusive rights tenders.
Here’s a breakdown of the Packers’ remaining free agents:
WR Geronimo Allison
The Packers gave Allison over 600 total snaps on offense in 2019, mostly in the slot and as a run blocker. He can block, but his inability to separate or create plays after the catch in the passing game really contributed to some of the offense’s inconsistencies. He averaged 8.4 yards per catch and 5.2 yards per target, both staggeringly low numbers for the position. The Packers haven’t made a move at receiver in free agency, but they must upgrade on Allison. Bringing him back really only makes sense if the offense is (really) desperate for help as the season approaches. Bring back? No
CB Tramon Williams
Williams just turned 36, but he can still play at a high level, and he’s both versatile on the field and great for his teammates off of it. Chandon Sullivan looks like a player ready for a bigger opportunity, and the Packers want to get Josh Jackson action in the slot (for better or worse), but retaining Williams still looks like the smart play. His physical regression has been slow, and he still plays fast due to his advance football IQ. Also, depth at cornerback is always valuable. Bring back? Yes
OT Jared Veldheer
The Packers signed Rick Wagner to provide the team with a stop-gap starter at right tackle. It’s possible Veldheer, who came off the retirement list and gave the Packers quality snaps late in the season, could be the team’s swing tackle once again. But at what price? And does he want a chance to start? Maybe the Packers can hold a competition between Wagner and Veldheer. More than likely, the Packers will pass and use a (high?) draft pick to find the backup right tackle. Bring back? Maybe
RB Tyler Ervin
Ervin came to Green Bay off of waivers in December and unlocked the Packers’ return game, sparking the special teams on both punt and kick return. He also provided some value as the third running back and as a gadget player on misdirection plays. By all accounts, Matt LaFleur and the Packers really liked him as a player. Unless Gutekunst believes he can find an upgrade at running back and returner, bringing back Ervin should be an easy decision. Bring back? Yes
DB Ibraheim Campbell
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is comfortable using Campbell as the hybrid linebacker/safety, a valuable role in his defense. While not an elite athlete, he’s tough and smart and reliable playing in the box. The Packers might prioritize finding a versatile defensive back in the draft, but if they don’t, Campbell provides a nice insurance plan. Remember, Raven Greene will be back in 2020. Bring back? Maybe after draft
OT Jason Spriggs
The Packers are running a new scheme that should better fit Spriggs and his skill set, but he missed the entire 2019 season and a fresh start might be right for both sides. The former second-round pick has talent but it never fully realized in Green Bay. Bring back? No
WR Ryan Grant
The Packers signed Grant as an emergency receiver option midway through the 2019 season but never played him. He’ll depart. Bring back? No
FB Malcolm Johnson (restricted)
Danny Vitale left Green Bay to sign with the Patriots, opening up an opportunity at fullback. Johnson missed the entire 2019 season but flashed some blocking ability at training camp. It might make sense for the Packers to bring him back and see what he has to offer again this summer. Bring back? Maybe