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Green Bay Packers: Five free agent targets in 2019

By Paul Bretl

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a sack against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter of the game at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans won 23-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a sack against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter of the game at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans won 23-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 15: Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans hits quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 15, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 15: Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans hits quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 15, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

2. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge Rusher

The lack of pressure from Green Bay’s edge rushers this season was an absolute killer. Rarely were opposing quarterbacks under any sort of pressure which made the job’s for the Packers secondary even more difficult.

Finding a productive edge rusher is up near the top of the Packers’ to-do list for 2019, and in free agency, Jadeveon Clowney is going to draw a ton of interest.

Clowney is explosive off the line which creates a lot of pressure in both the passing game and running game. His knack for getting into the backfield, as well as the attention he draws from opposing offenses, helps to create production for his teammates.

This season Clowney has recorded nine sacks, 21 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries, which led to him being ranked one of the top edge rushers by Pro Football Focus (PFF). Just the kind of production that Green Bay needs at this position.

Early in his career, durability was a concern for Clowney, but since 2016 he has missed just four games.

If the Green Bay Packers intend to bring in Clowney it is not going to be cheap. In 2018 he was paid $12.3 million and will have his eyes set on a big multi-year deal.

3. Golden Tate, Wide Receiver

We saw this season that there is a lot of talent at the receiver position for the Packers, but as a unit they are still young and learning. With Randall Cobb most likely gone, the Packers should look into bringing in another veteran option for Aaron Rodgers.

Golden Tate would be a great option to take over as the slot receiver and give Rodgers another option that he can trust. Tate is a solid route runner, with reliable hands that is known for breaking tackles and adding yards after the catch.

With a Packers offense that appeared stale in 2018, Tate will be able to provide some fire and excitement on the field with his big personality.

In 15 games between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, Tate has hauled in 74 catches, totaling 795 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Tate is finishing up his five-year, $31 million contract that he signed with the Lions. At 31-years-old, Tate is still very productive and will provide a good value for whichever team he ends up with.

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