Packers: Three new signings combine for low 2020 cap hit

So far this offseason, the Green Bay Packers have taken a cautious strategy to free agency, signing a few veterans to low-risk deals.

Limited cap room entering the offseason is to blame, which is largely due to last season’s spending spree in free agency.

GM Brian Gutekunst had to adjust his approach this year and he’s made three low-risk, potentially high-reward signings, bringing in tackle Rick Wagner, wide receiver Devin Funchess and inside linebacker Christian Kirksey.

Together, the three new additions have a low cap hit. According to Spotrac, they have a combined cap hit of $11.2 million next season. At least two of them — Wagner and Kirksey — will likely be starters for the Packers in 2020.

Gutekunst has found good value by making these moves.

Kirksey needs to stay healthy but he was a quality starter prior to two injury-hit seasons. Wagner is a solid right tackle who can help the Packers‘ offensive line after losing Bryan Bulaga. Funchess adds depth to the receiver position and has higher upside than Geronimo Allison, who hasn’t been re-signed.

The Packers can get out of all three contracts relatively easily, too, which helps.

Now, here’s a question we’ll have to wait for an answer to. Would Gutekunst have been better off taking this approach, addressing needs with cheap deals, or instead gone after one big-name free agent?

Cory Littleton, for example, has a cap hit of $11.75 million this year, according to Spotrac. That number stays the same for the following two years of the contract with an out after the 2021 season.

Would the Packers have been better off signing Littleton instead of the three additions they’ve made? They would have addressed fewer needs but could’ve brought in a difference-maker at one position of need.

It’s a tough question to answer and one we won’t know the answer to for a while.