Packers: Three affordable free agent signings to consider

1. Nick Kwiatkoski, LB

At the top of the Packers’ list of needs is inside linebacker. It would be risky to bank on a rookie starting from Day 1 and making a difference right away. The Packers should, and likely will, consider all of their options in free agency.

They might be able to sign Cory Littleton, a player Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated reported is their top priority at linebacker. But Littleton will command a big salary. As the best inside linebacker on the market, the Packers might not be able to win a bidding war against teams with cap room to burn.

Should they miss out on Littleton, a player to consider is Nick Kwiatkoski. Not only would signing Kwiatkoski strengthen the Packers defense at a position of need, but it would also weaken a division rival. Kwiatkoski has spent the past four seasons with the Chicago Bears and he made a big impact in 2019, starting eight games and finishing with 76 tackles, three sacks, three quarterback hits, four pass defenses and an interception.

Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV reported that “the Packers plan to be in the mix” for Kwiatkoski in free agency. He could make a difference immediately in Pettine’s defense and would be a more affordable option than some of the other top linebackers available.