Packers mock draft and free agency: Predicting the 2020 offseason

Free agents signed

After re-signing Bulaga, the Packers would likely only have room to make one big free-agent signing. They would then need to search for a couple of bargains.

Austin Hooper, TE

Five years, $49.92 million ($9.9 million per year)

After releasing Jimmy Graham and not re-signing Marcedes Lewis, tight end becomes a major need once again. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported on Friday that the Packers plan to make an offer for tight end Austin Hooper in free agency.

Lombardi Ave’s Christian Borman made a strong case for signing Hooper. He could be a difference-maker in LaFleur’s offense, giving the Packers an excellent starting tight end to go with second-year Jace Sternberger and Tonyan.

How much would a potential deal cost? Spotrac estimates that Hooper will make $9.9 million per year on average with a five-year contract. That’s a big commitment for the Packers but saving $8 million after releasing Graham makes this move easier.

Andrew Billings, DT

One year, $3.5 million

There won’t be enough cap room to make too many more big moves in free agency, but the Packers can still address a couple of needs. Andrew Billings isn’t a three-down defensive lineman but he’s strong against the run. That also means he likely won’t land a big deal, and a one-year contract would be ideal for the Packers. Billings would help strengthen the No. 23-ranked run defense.

Patrick Onwuasor, LB

One year, $3.1 million

Similarly, the Packers can address a position of need without spending big money. Onwuasor started six games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. After a strong season in 2018, he didn’t match the same production this past year. But with an opportunity to potentially play more snaps on defense in Green Bay, Onwuasor could sign a one-year “prove it” contract.