Packers would be taking big risk by not re-signing Bryan Bulaga

The Green Bay Packers will be taking a risk if they choose not to re-sign Bryan Bulaga.

Time is ticking. Free agency begins in two weeks, and the Green Bay Packers are yet to reach an agreement with right tackle Bryan Bulaga over a long-term extension.

Maybe they won’t at all. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported there haven’t been talks between the Packers and Bulaga since the end of the season.

That says a lot. That sure doesn’t sound convincing that they are desperate to bring him back. Maybe they’ve already decided they’re ready to move on.

I get it. Bulaga turns 31 later this month. He’s gone through a lot of injuries. Giving him a long-term deal could backfire if he gets hurt again or if his play declines. But by not bringing back your best right tackle, and one of the most talented in the league, I’d argue they’re taking an even bigger gamble.

If Bulaga is gone, who starts at right tackle in Week 1?

Billy Turner? It’s hard to see how the offensive line would improve in such a scenario. Turner was a solid addition at right guard in 2019, but could he match Bulaga’s level of play at tackle? It’s doubtful. And if Turner slides to tackle, who replaces him at right guard?

Jared Veldheer? The possibility certainly can’t be ruled out, but let’s not forget he signed with the New England Patriots last May only to retire a week later. The Packers would need to be sure he’s committed to a full season. And if age is a concern with Bulaga, consider that Veldheer turns 33 this summer.

But Veldheer would be a far cheaper option than Bulaga, so if he’s committed to play another season, it’s perhaps the Packers’ best option.

If the answer isn’t Veldheer or Turner, the starting right tackle for 2020 likely isn’t on the roster currently.

In free agency, Jack Conklin is the best tackle available. But it’s unlikely the Packers will be able to compete with other teams if a bidding war begins. Spotrac estimates Conklin’s market value to be in the region of $15 million per year. That’s almost $5 million a year higher than their estimation for Bulaga.

Would Conklin, while younger than Bulaga but likely far more expensive, be an upgrade at right tackle?

If the answer isn’t found in free agency, the last option would be to use an early-round draft pick at the position. It’s a talented class and a good year to need a tackle, but expecting a rookie to step into a starting role right away and play at a consistently high level is a major gamble.

The best option for the Packers to replace Bulaga would be to convince Veldheer to play another year, with a rookie learning the ropes as a backup in 2020 with the expectation to take the starting job in 2021.

That requires a lot of ifs and buts. The Packers’ Super Bowl window is open, but that might not be the case three years down the line. Brian Gutekunst’s aim is to build a roster capable of winning a championship now.

Not re-signing Bulaga would create a major need at a premium position. Finding a replacement would be no easy task.