Packers: Pending free agents to bring back in 2019

Heading into 2019 there is a buzz around who the Green Bay Packers will add to their team, but they have plenty of their own pending free agents that need to be brought back.

The Green Bay Packers have 21 players that are up for free agency this offseason and the list is headlined by unrestricted free agents Clay Matthews and Randall Cobb.

Those are two big names that I do not believe will be brought back. Although I do see some value in bringing back Matthews because even with down production he still draws attention from opposing offenses, which helps to free up his teammates. However, I believe he will receive more on the open market than what Green Bay is willing, or should, pay.

Unfortunately for Cobb, injuries have hampered his ability to live up to his contract and bringing him back, unless at a heavily reduced price, is just too much of a gamble. It will also allow the Packers to bring in another veteran out of free agency.

NFL free agents can fall into a few different categories. The first is an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) that has four or more years in the NFL and is free to sign with any franchise that he chooses.

Then we have a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) who has less than three years in the NFL and has received a “qualifying” offer which has been predetermined by the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. The free agent can negotiate with any club up to a certain date and if given an offer, his previous club has the opportunity to match.

Lastly we have an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA). This is a player with two years or less NFL experience and they are unable to negotiate with other teams.

Now, without further ado, here are the Green Bay Packers‘ free agents that should be brought back for the 2019 season.

All base salary numbers according to Spotrac.