Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has difficult decisions upcoming on several veterans in free agency, but he’ll have it easy when it comes to his team’s exclusive rights free agent pool.
An exclusive rights free agent is any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expiring contract.
The Packers have five such free agents in 2020, and all five should return on one-year deals at the league minimum. Once tendered by the Packers, they’ll have no opportunity to negotiate with other teams.
Here are the five:
WR Allen Lazard (24 years old, 1 accrued season): Broke out as a contributor in the passing game despite not making the initial 53-man roster. Caught 35 passes and finished second on the team with 477 receiving yards. Confident and big-bodied receiver who quickly gained Aaron Rodgers’ trust. Impressive run blocker.
DL Tyler Lancaster (25 years old, 2 accrued seasons): Run-stuffing down lineman who had to play more defensive end in 2019. Best suited as a backup nose tackle. Produced 30 tackles and 1.5 sacks over 16 games.
CB Chandon Sullivan (23 years old, 1 accrued season): Emerged as a quality fourth cornerback for Mike Pettine. Played in the slot and even some at safety. Stingy in coverage and comfortable playing the run. Broke up six passes and intercepted another over 16 games. Could compete for a starting job in 2020.
WR Jake Kumerow (27 years old, 2 accrued seasons): Late bloomer who finally found a home in Green Bay. Caught 12 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown in 2019. A favorite of Aaron Rodgers. Embraced blocking role and special teams jobs as a backup receiver.
TE Robert Tonyan (25 years old, 2 accrued seasons): Converted college receiver who brings speed and good hands to tight end position. Lost five games to a hip injury and never carved out a real role. Has improved significantly over two years in Green Bay and should be part of the puzzle at tight end in 2020.
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