Predictions for Packers’ 2020 exclusive rights free agents
The Green Bay Packers have seven exclusive rights free agents this offseason. Who will be re-signed in 2020?
General manager Brian Gutekunst has decisions to make ahead of free agency. The focus is primarily on the upcoming unrestricted free agents, but that’s not all he has to worry about.
As well as the unrestricted free agents, Green Bay also has a number of restricted and exclusive rights free agents.
We’ll focus on the latter today.
Exclusive rights free agents have played no more than two accrued seasons. The Packers have far more control here. If the Packers sign an ERFA to a tender, the free agent can’t then negotiate with other teams, which differs from restricted free agents.
This means that the Packers can bring back each of their ERFAs on relatively cheap one-year deals. But that doesn’t mean they should.
Here are my predictions for who will be back and who won’t be re-signed:
Robert Tonyan, TE
This should be an easy one for the Packers. If Marcedes Lewis and Jimmy Graham aren’t back in 2020, they’ll need depth at tight end. Robert Tonyan has shown potential as a pass-catching tight end and can have a role in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
Tonyan had 10 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown this season. Hardly a key contributor in 2019, but he was injured for five games. He has the potential to be a solid backup tight end moving forward.
Prediction: Re-signed
Jake Kumerow, WR
With an overhaul at the wide receiver position potentially on the way in Green Bay, it’s hard to see where Jake Kumerow fits into the team’s plans. Kumerow disappointed in 2019 with just 12 catches. Outside of his impressive touchdown, staying in bounds along the sideline against the Oakland Raiders, Kumerow didn’t make much of an impact.
Prediction: Not re-signed
Chandon Sullivan, CB
Chandon Sullivan was a pleasant surprise on defense this season, playing 350 snaps and making some important contributions. Sullivan finished the year with an interception and six pass defenses.
With Tramon Williams‘ future up in the air, bringing back Sullivan makes a ton of sense. He showed a lot of potential in 2019 and is only 23 years old.
Prediction: Re-signed
Tyler Lancaster, DT
Tyler Lancaster adds depth to the defensive line. While the Packers may look to upgrade the defensive line in the offseason to give Kenny Clark some more help, Lancaster can still play a role as a backup. I could see a situation where the team moves on, but I think they’ll bring him back for another year.
Prediction: Re-signed
Will Redmond, S
The Packers should bring back Ibraheim Campbell, an unrestricted free agent. A depth chart of Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Campbell and Raven Greene is a strong one when they’re all healthy. Will Redmond might miss out as a result.
Prediction: Not re-signed
Allen Lazard, WR
Another easy choice. Allen Lazard was the Packers’ best receiver when Davante Adams was hurt, and he was the only consistent receiver outside of Adams on the roster. After finishing second on the team in receiving, Lazard will have a role in 2020 even if he’s not expected to be the number two.
Prediction: Re-signed
John Leglue, G
The Packers signed John Leglue in December but he didn’t play a game. They may decide to bring him back to provide depth at guard, but my prediction is they’ll move on.
Prediction: Not re-signed