Packers: Early look at unrestricted free agents in 2021
Looking ahead to the Green Bay Packers’ upcoming free agents in the 2021 offseason.
The Packers will have an eye on the future, as they know decisions made this offseason will have an impact on the next, and that could be significant.
While the Packers might not have too many headaches when deciding which players to re-sign this year in free agency, next season looks to be very different. A number of core players on the roster have one year left on their current contracts, putting the Packers in a tough spot.
Four-time All-Pro David Bakhtiari, Pro Bowler Kenny Clark, star running back Aaron Jones, as well as starters Kevin King and Corey Linsley, are all free agents in 2021.
It would be risky to let all of those players enter the final year of their current contracts, so don’t be surprised if Brian Gutekunst aims to agree on a couple of extensions this offseason. Again, that will directly impact the salary available to sign free agents this offseason.
Re-signing Bakhtiari tops the priority list. He’s an elite left tackle and players this good at a premium position aren’t easy to find. He’s been an All-Pro four years in a row and a Pro Bowler twice.
But let’s not forget about Linsley, either. Both players are crucial to the success of the offensive line. They both led the NFL at their respective positions in ESPN’s pass block win rate metric in 2019.
Gutekunst has already spoken about the importance of trying to work out a new deal with Clark this offseason. He’s such an important starter along the defensive line and the Packers can’t afford to lose him in free agency.
But re-signing those three players will cost a lot of money. What about Jones? Following a 23-touchdown breakout season, Jones showed why he’s one of the best running backs in the league. The Packers will want to agree on a long-term deal with their star RB, too.
King is a starter at cornerback and led the team in interceptions with five. Without him, cornerback would suddenly become a need again.
How Gutekunst and Russ Ball manage free agency over the next 13 months is going to be particularly interesting and crucial to the success of this team moving forward. I’m just glad I don’t have to make these tough decisions.