Packers: Fullback Danny Vitale signing with Patriots

Danny Vitale is signing with the New England Patriots.

Another Green Bay Packers free agent is signing elsewhere.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, fullback Danny Vitale has agreed a deal with the New England Patriots.

The Packers have allowed a number of their own free agents to walk so far in free agency. Linebackers Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell (New York Giants), tackle Bryan Bulaga (Los Angeles Chargers), and linebacker B.J. Goodson (Cleveland Browns) have all signed elsewhere.

Vitale had an important role for the Packers. He played 16 percent of the snaps on offense, but he was a regular on special teams, playing 53 percent of the snaps.

It was somewhat surprising Vitale didn’t play more often on offense, especially given his ability as a receiver. He caught seven passes for 97 yards last season.

Clearly, the Patriots believe he can play a role in their offense, one that no longer includes future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady.

We’ll have to wait to find out the full contract details, but it’s hard to imagine the Packers couldn’t have brought him back had they wanted to.

Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst have a decision to make. Is fullback now on the list of needs for the Packers this offseason, or are they willing to enter the 2020 season without a player at the position? That question might depend on the situation at tight end. Marcedes Lewis is an excellent blocker and he has been re-signed to a one-year deal.

Perhaps the decision not to re-sign Vitale suggests they don’t plan to keep a fullback on the roster next season. We’ll soon find out.

The Packers still have to decide whether they want to re-sign their other unsigned free agents including cornerback Tramon Williams, tackle Jared Veldheer, running back and returner Tyler Ervin, wide receiver Geronimo Allison and safety Ibraheim Campbell.