At some point over the next month, it might make sense for the Green Bay Packers to bring back one or more former players, including cornerback Tramon Williams, defensive lineman Mike Daniels or even linebacker Clay Matthews, but GM Brian Gutekunst should really first consider re-signing veteran offensive tackle Jared Veldheer.
The Packers’ depth chart at offensive tackle is lacking talent and experience behind David Bakhtiari and Rick Wagner, and Veldheer was a season-saver to end 2019.
Of course, Gutekunst may want to see what he has in the young players currently on the roster. Alex Light, Yosh Nijman, John Leglue, Cody Conway and Travis Bruffy might all get an opportunity to win the job as the swing tackle during training camp. The Packers also drafted Jon Runyan, who is currently listed as an interior lineman but has two years of starting experience at left tackle at Michigan. And Billy Turner, the veteran right guard, can probably play either tackle spot in a pinch.
But look at all those moving parts. Light struggled mightily as the swing tackle in 2019, helping facilitate the addition of Veldheer, while Nijman, Leglue, Conway and Bruffy are all undrafted free agents with zero regular-season game experience. Runyan sure looks like an ideal guard prospect, and Turner’s struggles in pass protection at guard last season certainly don’t bode well for any future move out to the edge.
So bring back Veldheer, and solve the issue at offensive tackle before it becomes a big problem.
The Packers know that Veldheer can still play.
Claimed by Gutekunst late last season, Veldheer played a vital role down the stretch, replacing Bryan Bulaga at right tackle in games against the Detroit Lions in the season finale and the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round. He wasn’t perfect but played well enough in each game, both wins. At the very least, he turned what could have been a tricky situation – losing a starter at offensive tackle – into a manageable one for the offense.
Veldheer has played in 120 career games and five playoff games. His experience would be crucial as the third tackle, especially considering Wagner’s recent injury history and the likelihood that either Wagner or Bakhtiari will suffer some kind of injury or come into contact with the coronavirus during the 2020 season.
Any kind of prolonged absence from either player could be devastating for the offensive line. Oh, and the Packers have a quarterback nearing the age of 37 to keep upright for a little while longer. The line is already downgrading by going from Bulaga to Wagner. Why create additional risk by not having a legit No. 3 tackle?
Veldheer may want to hold out and wait for a potential starting job to open up around the NFL, or he might be content drifting away into retirement, far away from the risks involved with playing football this year. But if there’s any remaining interest in returning to Green Bay, Gutekunst and the Packers should be all over it.
This team is a contender, but no contender should go into a season with a player like Alex Light as the favorite to be the swing tackle. Bringing back Veldheer might cost a little more than Gutekunst is willing to spend, but the security of having three capable, veteran offensive tackles on the roster would be well worth it.
[vertical-gallery id=48306]