Packers: Four free agents who won’t be back in 2021

1. Corey Linsley

If the Packers keep Jones and Bakhtiari, it will be incredibly difficult to also re-sign Corey Linsley. Given the way Linsley is playing this season, he’s going to draw a lot of interest around the league.

Linsley has been a rock-solid starting center for the Packers since 2014 and is playing at an All-Pro level this season. Linsley ranks third in ESPN’s pass block win rate metric among centers and is second in run block win rate. He’s taken his game to another level and is a major reason why the Packers’ offensive line has been dominant this season.

Here’s the issue when it comes to re-signing him: Linsley will be 30 next season but is set to land a big-money contract. We’ve already discussed the problem the Packers could have with a potentially reduced salary cap and so many talented players hitting free agency. It’s probable another team will be willing to pay more than the Packers can afford.

Then there is the depth the Packers already have along the offensive line. One of Elgton Jenkins, Lucas Patrick, or Jon Runyan Jr. could possibly be next year’s starter at center.

Linsley is a star and a key part of the Packers’ offensive line but if Jones and Bakhtiari get new deals, it won’t be easy to re-sign Linsley too.