Packers: Three veterans who are safe after the draft
By Jesse Fry
The draft is now in the books and with free agency all but over, which veterans have their roster spots solidified for the Green Bay Packers?
Last week’s draft added eight new players to the Green Bay Packers roster, and 11 undrafted free agents have also joined the field. There may be a few more added to that list after this weekend’s rookie minicamp.
The Packers also added four high-priced free agents with Za’Darius and Preston Smith at outside linebacker, Adrian Amos at safety and Billy Turner to help with the offensive line.
With these picks and signings, the major acquisition phase is all but over. There may be another signing or two for depth purposes, but any major new addition shouldn’t be expected.
That being said, there are some veteran players who can sleep slightly easier knowing there weren’t any newsworthy additions to their positions. Every year there are perceived needs that are left untouched for younger or veteran players already on the roster to fill the voids left by free agency and the draft.
This year is no different as the Packers, while being more aggressive in player acquisition than years past, left some positions for veterans to pick up the production.
Inside Lambeau Field, the coaches and front office personnel have a much different take than those outside of certain players. Some guys like Jeff Janis, fans fall in love with and wonder why he never gets his shot, while others like Davante Adams in 2015 leave fans wondering why they’re still on the team and haven’t been replaced.
In the case of Adams, the call played out as the Packers saw it would. He has become a bonafide star and true number one receiver for the Pack while making all those who called for his release, trade or cut after his injury filled 2015, look silly.
The NFL is a cold and unforgiving business. A roster spot for any player is never guaranteed — just see Brett Favre or Peyton Manning. But here are some players who can feel a little better about where they are right now.