The Green Bay Packers re-signed four unrestricted free agents, tendered five exclusive rights free agents, added three outside free agents and lost seven other free agents during the first big wave of free agency.
Here’s a breakdown of the current roster:
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, Tim Boyle, Manny Wilkins
Additions: None
Subtractions: None
Notes: The Packers probably won’t add a veteran here. A developmental option capable of legitimately competing with Boyle and Wilkins for the No. 2 job is required.
Running back
Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, Tyler Ervin, Dexter Williams, Damarea Crockett
Additions: None
Subtractions: None
Notes: With Jones, Williams and Ervin all having expiring deals after 2020, the Packers might need to add another mid-round draft pick to the mix. Financially speaking, recycling through mid-round picks could be the way to go at running back.
Fullback
Elijah Wellman
Additions: None
Subtractions: Danny Vitale
Notes: Either the Packers will eliminate the traditional fullback from the offense or they’ll search through the scrap heap for someone versatile like Vitale.
Receiver
Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jake Kumerow, Darrius Shepherd, Equanimeous St. Brown, Malik Taylor, Reggie Begelton, Devin Funchess
Additions: Devin Funchess, Reggie Begelton
Subtractions: Geronimo Allison, Ryan Grant?
Notes: The Packers shopped around at receiver and eventually landed on Funchess, who will be expected to crack the top four. He’ll almost certainly be joined by a top pick. At the moment, this position looks like a true No. 1 (Adams) and a bunch of No. 3 and No. 4 receivers.
Tight end
Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan, Jace Sternberger, Evan Baylis, James Looney
Additions: None
Subtractions: Jimmy Graham
Notes: Sternberger could easily elevate to the No. 1 spot by Week 1. It’s possible he could be an upgrade on Graham in 2020. Adding a draft pick here makes sense.
Offensive tackle
David Bakhtiari, Rick Wagner, Alex Light, Yosh Nijman, John Leglue, Cody Conway
Additions: Rick Wagner
Subtractions: Bryan Bulaga, Jared Veldheer? Jason Spriggs?
Notes: Depth here is a major issue. Might Veldheer want to return? Expect a high draft pick. This is a big need.
Offensive guard
Billy Turner, Elgton Jenkins, Lucas Patrick, Lane Taylor, Cole Madison
Additions: None
Subtractions: None
Notes: The Packers still have Taylor on the roster. Might he compete for a starting job in 2020? Turner wasn’t good enough in 2019.
Center
Corey Linsley, Lucas Patrick
Additions: None
Subtractions: None
Notes: Linsley’s deal is up after the 2020 season. Is Patrick the long-term replacement?
Defensive line
Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster, Montravius Adams, Kingsley Keke
Additions: None
Subtractions: None
Notes: This group still needs a lot of help. The Packers haven’t signed any veteran help, but sorting through what’s left and acquiring one (Timmy Jernigan?) might be the right play.
Edge rushers
Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Tim Williams, Greg Roberts, Randy Ramsey
Additions: None
Subtractions: Kyler Fackrell
Notes: Fackrell’s departure opens up opportunities. More snaps are there for Gary, and there’s no clear favorite for the No. 4 spot. A draft pick could be added.
Inside linebacker
Oren Burks, Christian Kirksey, Ty Summers, Curtis Bolton
Additions: Christian Kirksey
Subtractions: Blake Martinez, B.J. Goodson
Notes: This is still one of the NFL’s worst inside linebacker groups. A high draft pick could change that in a hurry.
Cornerback
Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Chandon Sullivan, Josh Jackson, Ka’dar Hollman, Kabion Ento, DaShaun Amos
Additions: DaShaun Amos
Subtractions: Tramon Williams?
Notes: Will the Packers bring Williams back? Or are they comfortable with the group as is? Depth suddenly looks like an issue. So does future stability.
Safety
Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Raven Greene, Will Redmond
Additions: None
Subtractions: Ibraheim Campbell?
Notes: The Packers could go into next year with just these four. Adding another versatile player makes sense. Mike Pettine loves putting safeties on the field.
Special teams
Kicker: Mason Crosby
Punter: JK Scott
Long snapper: Hunter Bradley
Additions: None
Subtractions: None
Notes: Barring injury, these will be the Packers’ three specialists in 2020.