Green Bay Packers: Full list of 2018 restricted free agents
The Green Bay Packers have already re-signed Davante Adams and Corey Linsley, but they also face decisions on their restricted free agents.
Unrestricted free agency takes the spotlight this time of year, but Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst must also decide which of the team’s restricted and exclusive rights free agents he wants to bring back.
Unlike unrestricted free agents, the Packers have much more control over their restricted free agents.
If the Packers decide to issue a RFA tender, the player can still join another team, but only if Green Bay declines to match the offer sheet.
The ERFA tender is even more simple. If the Packers want to keep one of these players and issue a tender, no other team can sign them.
Here’s the Packers’ full list of restricted and exclusive rights free agents, according to Spotrac.
Packers restricted free agents
Ulrick John, LT
Jake Schum, P
Joe Thomas, ILB
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ulrick John and Joe Thomas come back, but Jake Schum could be on his way out. Punter Justin Vogel put together a solid rookie season and will likely keep the job in 2018.
Packers exclusive-rights free agents
Geronimo Allison, WR
Donatello Brown, CB
Emanuel Byrd, TE
Joe Callahan, QB
Michael Clark, WR
Jerod Evans, QB
Reggie Gilbert, DE
Joe Kerridge, FB
Adam Pankey, T
Taybor Pepper, LS
Herb Waters, WR
Expect to see a number of these players come back. Geronimo Allison is the biggest name of this group. Allison caught 23 passes for 253 yards this season, and is a valuable depth piece at wide receiver.
Guards Justin McCray and Lucas Patrick could compete for the right guard spot if Jahri Evans isn’t re-signed.
Michael Clark played in the final two regular season games. The 6-foot-6 wide receiver caught four passes for 41 yards. Will he have a bigger role to play in 2018?
Will Joe Callahan come back? Mike McCarthy was reluctant to play Callahan even during some of Brett Hundley‘s worst moments. That possibly says it all.
The 24-year-old did eventually get his chance in the season finale at Detroit, but he only had time to complete five passes for 11 yards.
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Which of the Packers’ restricted or exclusive rights free agents are you most excited about in 2018?