Three moves Packers need to make following 2021 NFL Draft

3. Sign a free-agent inside linebacker

Inside linebacker has been a position of need for a while. Despite that, it wasn’t an area the Packers addressed early in the draft. They did select Isaiah McDuffie in the sixth round, but this is an inexperienced group. Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin only have one year of NFL experience.

Between now and training camp, Green Bay should look to add a veteran inside linebacker.

“I think we’re going to have to take a look at that as we move forward,” GM Brian Gutekunst said following the draft. “Inside backer is one of those things we were hoping to address early in the draft but it didn’t happen to fall that way for us.”

Gutekunst added that he’s happy with the young talent already on the roster and the selection of Isaiah McDuffie on Day 3. But he’s been quite open about the need at the position so it sure seems like the team will consider signing a free agent.

Last year, the Packers brought in Christian Kirksey but he missed some time to injury and eventually lost snaps to rookie Krys Barnes. Kirksey was released earlier this offseason, so there’s room for a veteran to come in.

There are a number of free-agent inside linebackers still available. Former Pro Bowler K.J. Wright is still available and could be a great addition to Joe Barry’s defense.