Packers: Pending free agents to bring back in 2019
By Paul Bretl
Reggie Gilbert, ERFA
2018 base salary: $480,000
After watching Reggie Gilbert wreak havoc during the preseason, I thought he was poised to make an impact this season. However, the exact opposite ended up being true.
Gilbert has shown great upside potential but when it comes to producing against the opponent’s starters, he hasn’t been able to do so consistently. Playing in nearly 46 percent of defensive snaps, Gilbert had just 37 tackles, eight quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks.
With all that said, you can’t just let Gilbert walk when considering the low-cost to bring him back, coupled with his potential. Green Bay should give him one more year.
Fadol Brown, ERFA
2018 base salary: $112,940
The Green Bay Packers picked up Fadol Brown late in the season after being released by the Oakland Raiders, and he had some impressive moments this year, considering little was expected of him.
Brown uses his length and upper body strength to control the offensive lineman and is able to fight his way into the backfield. Appearing in 12 games, Brown tallied 21 total tackles, four quarterback hits and a pass deflection in 2018.
Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark are a great combo at defensive tackle, but the Packers need role players as well. The discoveries of Fadol Brown and Tyler Lancaster could be just what Green Bay needs.
Justin McCray, ERFA
2018 base salary: $555,000
It was an up and down season for Justin McCray, who missed some time due to injuries and also had his own struggles at guard.
From 2017 to 2018 we saw some nice growth from McCray on the field and he gives Green Bay versatility by being able to play just about any position on the offensive line, which can come in handy if there are a number of injuries. This sadly seems to happen far too often.
Whether through the draft, free agency or both, the Packers need to bring in a new guard or two for the 2019 season, but McCray will give them depth with experience and he will be a cheap option.
A commonality amongst these players is that many have upside potential, they’ll add roster depth and they won’t break the bank.
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This will allow the Green Bay Packers to be aggressive in free agency and accelerate this mini-rebuild that we find ourselves in.