Packers should re-sign free agent Bashaud Breeland

The Green Bay Packers should re-sign Bashaud Breeland this offseason.

A year ago Bashaud Breeland was one of the top cornerbacks set to hit free agency. Despite being reportedly interested in signing him, the Packers missed out and Breeland instead signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.

But after failing a physical, the deal to the Panthers was void. In September the Panthers’ loss became the Packers’ gain as Green Bay signed the talented cornerback to a one-year deal.

And as expected, when healthy Breeland helped improve the Packers’ secondary. Along with rookie Jaire Alexander, Green Bay had a talented starting duo at cornerback, something the team desperately needed after 2017.

But now Breeland is set to become a free agent again, and general manager Brian Gutekunst must ensure he remains in Green Bay.

Durability hasn’t been a concern for Breeland throughout his career. Prior to this season he had only missed a total of four games in four years in Washington. But after an injury caused him to miss all the offseason and training camp last year, it’s no surprise he dealt with a couple of injuries during the season.

If Breeland returns to Green Bay he’ll get a full offseason to prepare for the new year. He’ll also have more experience working in Mike Pettine’s defense.

Playing in seven games for the Packers, Breeland made two interceptions and had four pass defenses, and he also had a pick-six against the Atlanta Falcons.

There’s a reason he signed a big contract with the Panthers last offseason; the Packers were lucky to sign him on the deal they did.

Without Breeland Green Bay is suddenly thin at cornerback. Outside of Alexander, who has the potential to become a star at the position after his rookie season, and Kevin King, there would be a lack of depth.

Josh Jackson has a lot of potential, but he needs to improve in his second season. Tramon Williams could move back to corner, but he turns 36 this offseason. That leaves Alexander, King and Tony Brown, who could see an increased role in 2019.

Of all the Packers’ free agents this offseason, re-signing Breeland should be the top priority. And it’s not really close. By bringing him back and either signing another corner in free agency or selecting a rookie in the draft, the position could go from a weakness in 2017 to a strength in 2019.

The secondary made big improvements this past season, but losing Breeland would be a setback.

The Packers were lucky to be able to sign a player as talented as Breeland in September. Now they must make sure they don’t lose him.