Packers: 5 biggest needs after first wave of free agency

5. Safety

Morgan Burnett’s departure won’t have caught the Packers off guard. That was clear when they selected Josh Jones in the second round of last year’s draft. But with Burnett’s exit confirmed by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Green Bay is now weaker at the position.

Burnett is signing a three-year deal worth around $14.5 million, according to Rapoport. That’s affordable. One has to assume the Packers were ready to part ways with the 29-year-old. Now the team’s young safeties have to step up.

Currently, the Packers have four safeties on the roster: Jones, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Marwin Evans and Kentrell Brice. Gutekunst clearly feels confident in this group, and for good reason. But each of these players must step up to fill the void left by Burnett, who added experience and versatility to the secondary.

Maybe Gutekunst will turn to free agency. Kenny Vaccaro is still available, and considering the relatively low contracts given to Burnett and Tyrann Mathieu, it likely wouldn’t break the bank to sign him. Vaccaro would be an interesting option to consider given his versatility.

It’s more likely the Packers will add a rookie in next month’s draft. It could be a defensive back-heavy class this year. Urgency: Moderate