Packers: Free agent Timmy Jernigan should be an option

The Packers defensive line could use some playmakers. Could Timmy Jernigan be a solution to their problem?

It’s no secret that the Green Bay Packers could use some help on the defensive line. Due to a tight cap, they weren’t too active in free agency this year. They were able to sign linebacker Christian Kirksey and receiver Devin Funchess, leaving almost nothing for a defensive lineman, let alone a difference-maker like Ndamukong Suh or Jadeveon Clowney.

The Packers couldn’t afford to get into a bidding war. They settled for signing a pair of defensive linemen who haven’t really caught on anywhere. Not necessarily anyone who will likely make a difference.

So maybe they would address the need in the draft. There were reports that the Packers were meeting with multiple Day 2 defensive linemen at the NFL Combine. It was a common belief that the Packers would add some depth then. Nothing in the draft.

So now, it feels like if they are going to add someone, it will be a veteran who will sign for the minimum.

Free agent Timmy Jernigan an option for Packers

A lot of fans have been pining for Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison or bringing back longtime Packer Mike Daniels. Maybe the pandemic is slowing everything down, but it feels like if the Packers were going to sign either of these guys, it would have happened by now.

Now, former Philadelphia Eagle, Timmy Jernigan had a deal set up to join the Houston Texans. The deal has since fallen apart and he is now a free agent again. It sounds like it fell apart due in part to his injury history and that they have more depth at the position now. He originally agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.25 million.

At only 27 years old, he has some gas left in the tank, but his injury history is concerning. In the past two seasons, he has played in just 13 games. But in his previous years with the Ravens, when he played and stayed healthy, he was a factor.

The Packers may be content with what they have going into the season. That may be in part to having Kenny Clark and David Bakhtiari both becoming free agents and need every dollar they can to keep them.

If the Packers want to take a chance, Jernigan might be the guy.