Packers: Full list of exclusive rights free agents in 2021
The Green Bay Packers have five exclusive rights free agents this offseason.
If the Packers decide to offer an ERFA tender, which is a one-year deal, to the player, they are unable to negotiate a long-term contract with any other team. That’s how it differs from restricted free agents, who can still sign an offer sheet with other NFL teams.
Whereas the Packers have some tough decisions to make in free agency, it should be fairly straight forward with their exclusive rights free agents.
Full list of Packers 2021 exclusive rights free agents
- Kabion Ento, CB
- Allen Lazard, WR
- Yosh Nijman, T
- Randy Ramsey, OLB
- Malik Taylor, WR
The easiest decision here is with Allen Lazard.
Lazard has been one of the Packers’ most consistent wide receivers over the past two seasons, putting up 928 receiving yards and six touchdowns since 2019. He has stepped up at key moments during that time, making a number of huge catches including a game-sealing 58-yard touchdown in the divisional round victory over the Los Angeles Rams in January.
Regardless of what Green Bay decides to do at wide receiver this offseason, Lazard will again be an important part of the offensive plans in 2021. He’s become a reliable pass-catcher who Aaron Rodgers trusts and is happy to lean on at crucial moments.
Don’t be surprised if Kabion Ento also returns. Ento has impressed at training camp but didn’t get a chance to play this season after suffering a broken foot in the summer. We all know how big of a need cornerback is this offseason, so perhaps Ento can compete for a spot on the roster and provide some depth.
With depth also a concern at tackle, the Packers could decide to bring back Yosh Nijman.
It’ll also be interesting to see whether Malik Taylor returns. Taylor played almost half of the Packers’ special teams snaps in 2020. On offense, he caught five passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.