Should the Packers sign free-agent DT Geno Atkins?

One area the Green Bay Packers should look at strengthening before training camp is at defensive tackle.

Adding more depth and getting some help for Kenny Clark along the defensive line is still something the Packers need to do. Bringing in a free agent this summer could help.

FanSided’s Russell S. Baxter named one free agent each NFL team should sign this summer. For the Packers, he went with former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins.

Baxter notes in the article that the Packers’ run defense is still a concern, which is absolutely true, and signing a player like Atkins could definitely help.

Atkins turned 33 years old this offseason and he’s coming towards the end of his career, but he’s still a talented player who can help the Packers’ defense. Atkins is an eight-time Pro Bowler, and was voted to the Pro Bowl as recently as 2019. He’s also a three-time All-Pro.

Atkins might not have too long to wait to find his new team.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier this month that Atkins is “expected to be cleared from a torn rotator cuff by July 1”. That’s only a few days away. When Atkins is cleared, it’s hard to imagine there won’t be multiple teams interested in signing him.

General manager Brian Gutekunst should ensure the Packers are one of them. Even if Atkins doesn’t put together a Pro Bowl season after returning from injury, there’s no doubt he could help the defensive line improve.

Adding a free-agent defensive lineman is one of the three moves I wrote that the Packers need to make before the start of the 2021 season. And I agree with Baxter that Atkins would be a great choice.

As ever, and especially this offseason, the contract will be a key factor for the Packers. But if the team can make it work, there’s no doubt that Atkins can help the defensive line improve this season.