Packers: 3 free agents to consider signing ahead of Week 3

1. DT Damon Harrison

Two weeks into the season, run defense still looks to be a major problem for the Packers. After giving up 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the opener against the Minnesota Vikings, the defense picked up where it left off early in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions.

Fortunately in both games, Green Bay got out to a big lead which forced its opponents to abandon the run somewhat. On Sunday while the game was close, the Lions were running the ball with ease. Due to the lopsided score late in the game, Detroit only had 21 rushing attempts in the game compared to 33 passes, but it averaged 4.2 yards per carry. Adrian Peterson averaged 5.9 yards per attempt.

Stopping the run was a concern even when Kenny Clark was healthy. Without him, it’s an even bigger issue.

Signing a player like Damon Harrison could help. The former first-team All-Pro wouldn’t need to play on every down. Throughout his career, Harrison has been a dominant run defender. Getting him on the field on early downs, especially when Clark returns from injury, would help the Packers shut down opposing rushing attacks and force them into third-and-longs, which plays into the defense’s strengths.

Signing Harrison would be a smart move.