The start of the new league year is approaching fast. By next Wednesday, all players with expiring contracts will be free to sign deals with new teams. The Green Bay Packers already got a head start, re-signing kicker Mason Crosby to a three-year deal.
Here’s a prediction of the fate of every unrestricted free agent for the Packers:
LB Blake Martinez
The Packers got terrific value out of the 2016 fourth-round pick, but Martinez – a capable player with limitations – will have a nice market in free agency, especially after three-straight seasons with 140 or more tackles. The defense needs to begin the rebuild at inside linebacker. Prediction: Signs elsewhere
RT Bryan Bulaga
Offensive tackle is a premium position, and Bulaga is one of the best in the business at right tackle, but the Packers rarely give out third contracts, and Bulaga’s injury history could easily prevent the Packers from going high enough money-wise to meet the demand for Bulaga on the open market. A lack of communication between the two sides suggests he’ll get to the open market, where he’ll likely find more money elsewhere. Prediction: Signs elsewhere
WR Geronimo Allison
The Packers bet on Allison to produce from the slot in 2019 and lost. He has Aaron Rodgers’ trust but the Packers need to force themselves to get better and faster at receiver in 2020. Allison was one of the least efficient receivers in the NFL last season. Prediction: Signs elsewhere
CB Tramon Williams
Williams turns 37 this month, but he showed no signs of regression in 2019 and the Packers treasure his versatility and dependability in the secondary. They have little to lose by bringing him back on a one-year deal. Depth at corner is always important. Prediction: Re-signs
TE Marcedes Lewis
Lewis arrived at training camp in terrific shape and gave the Packers quality snaps as the inline blocking tight end for several of the offense’s favored formations. He’ll be 36 in May, but there’d be no harm in a low-guarantee deal that gives him another shot to make the team this summer. Prediction: Re-signs
OLB Kyler Fackrell
Fackrell broke out with 10.5 sacks in 2018 and embraced a versatile role in 2019, but he’ll want to explore better opportunities on the open market. More playing time and more money will be available. The Packers need his snaps to go to 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary. Prediction: Signs elsewhere
DB Will Redmond
Redmond might have struggled at times as a backup safety, but his disruptive ability on special teams proved valuable. He led the team in special teams tackles. Getting him back on a cheap deal should be easy. Prediction: Re-signs
ILB B.J. Goodson
The Packers could view Goodson as a stop-gap option as a two-down thumper, especially if Blake Martinez leaves, but Goodson can’t cover and is only average against the run. Again, this position needs a reset. The Packers can and should do better. Prediction: Signs elsewhere
FB Danny Vitale
Vitale isn’t much of a lead blocker, but he flashed legitimate playmaking skills as a receiver out of the backfield, catching three passes over 20 yards. He’s a good fit in the scheme and on special teams and should be cheap to bring back. Prediction: Re-signs
OT Jared Veldheer
If Bulaga is allowed to depart, retaining Veldheer – who came out of retirement to finish the 2019 season – becomes a much bigger priority. He could be the veteran bridge to a high pick at offensive tackle. The guess here is he wants to be back in Green Bay in 2020. Prediction: Re-signs
RB/KR Tyler Ervin
Ervin revived the return game and gave the Packers offense several quality snaps as a gadget player to end the 2019 season. He’s a shifty little runner with some receiving ability. His value in the return game makes him a good bet to return. Prediction: Re-signs
WR Ryan Grant
Grant couldn’t get on the field (or the active gameday roster) despite the Packers’ year-long struggles at receiver. He was the emergency option the Packers never wanted to use, so they didn’t. He’ll be gone. Prediction: Signs elsewhere
OT Jason Spriggs
Spriggs could return for one last chance, especially if offensive line coaches Adam Stenavich and Luke Butkus like his fit in the new offense, but a fresh start might be best for both sides. Failed pick. Prediction: Signs elsewhere