Re-sign or let walk: Packers free agency predictions

Jahri Evans, Guard

Jahri Evans was a rare Ted Thompson free agent signing. After T.J. Lang left for Detroit, the Green Bay Packers had a huge hole to fill on the right side of the offensive line.

Evans signed a one-year deal to come play for the green and gold. This was a very safe move (makes sense why Thompson pulled the trigger).

He was an All-Pro with the New Orleans Saints before he came to Green Bay. He went from protecting one great quarterback to another.

Evans didn’t have a bad year, but he definitely could have done better for the struggling offensive line. He will turn 35 before the 2018 season starts so it will be interesting if the Packers decide to pursue the aging veteran.

He would be a nice veteran presence to have in the locker room. Obviously, you can’t expect the seasons Evans had during his prime, but he is still capable of being a nice depth piece on the offensive line.

Verdict: Re-sign

Ulrick John, Right Tackle

Right tackle was a position that was always in question for the Packers. Week in and week out, it was always a guessing game to see who would start at this position.

Ulrick John was signed off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad to help add depth to a depleted offensive line. Bryan Bulaga, Justin McCray and Jason Spriggs all started games at right tackle for the Packers in 2017.

While he never started a game in 2017, he saw a considerable amount of playing time throughout the year.

There have been rumors Bulaga may not even return for the Packers in 2018. He has faced injuries every year of his career, many of which were season-ending.

Even if Bulaga doesn’t return, Spriggs, McCray and another offensive tackle, Kyle Murphy are all expected to return.

Verdict: Let him walk (possible practice squad signing) 

Brett Goode, Long Snapper

Brett Goode has been with the Green Bay Packers since 2008. Up until 2015, he was a very consistent part of the organization.

Since 2015, it has been a roller coaster ride for the duties of Packers’ long snapper.

After the 2015 season, Goode was let go after he suffered an ACL tear late in the season. He was then re-signed before the 2016 season began. In 2017, the Packers signed long snappers Derek Hart and Taybor Pepper.

After struggling in training camp Hart was released, which gave the opening day job to Brett Goode.

However, Goode was injured after the Packers’ win in week three versus Cincinnati. That allowed for Pepper to become the long snapper. However, an injured Pepper and a struggling Hart saw the Packers bring back Goode in mid-November.

Goode would finish the 2017 season as the Packers long snapper. If the Packers are smart, it would be best to re-sign him. He has been reliable for the most part.

Verdict: Re-sign