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Packers: 5 free agent safeties to target this offseason

By Paul Bretl

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 21: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates an interception by teammate Kam Chancellor (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Field on September 21, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 26-20. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 21: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates an interception by teammate Kam Chancellor (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Field on September 21, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 26-20. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

These are five upcoming free agents that the Green Bay Packers should consider to fill their need at safety for the 2019 season.

During the course of the 2018 calendar year, the Green Bay Packers added a lot of talent to their secondary at the cornerback position. However due to injuries, trading Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, cutting Jermaine Whitehead and inconsistent play from Josh Jones, safety was a rather weak spot on this roster.

Entering his second offseason as Green Bay Packers GM, Brian Gutekunst will have roughly $41 million in cap space available, according to OverTheCap.com, and putting some of that towards a free agent safety would not be a bad option.

Some of the players listed below may end up receiving a franchise tag or re-signing with their current team, but until then, all of them need to be on Gutekunst’s radar this offseason.

Earl Thomas

It is well-known that Earl Thomas wanted out of Seattle this past season before his injury took place. So it is very likely he will find a new team in 2019.

Although he will be coming off of a broken leg, at just 29-years-old there are no signs on the field that Thomas is slowing down. In just four games in 2018, Thomas recorded 22 total tackles, had three interceptions and five pass deflections.

Appearing in 14 games in 2017, Thomas had 88 total tackles, 11th most in the NFL amongst all defensive backs. He also added two interceptions, a forced fumble and seven pass deflections.

The Packers would be getting a player with good ball skills, an excellent tackler and someone to patrol the center and deep portion of the field that won’t give up a big play. In a young Packers’ secondary, Thomas would provide a great veteran presence.

This past season, Thomas finished up the final year of his four-year, $40 million deal with Seattle. Given his recent injury and the safety position not carrying the same value it once did, the Packers may be able to sign Thomas on a cheaper per-year deal than what he had previously been receiving.

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