Packers free agency: 3 dream targets for Green Bay in 2022

1. T.J. Watt, EDGE

The Packers made a draft-day mistake by not selecting T.J. Watt four years ago, but they can put that right by signing him in free agency next spring. There’s every chance the Pittsburgh Steelers will either work out a new contract with Watt or use the franchise tag to ensure he doesn’t leave, but if he hits free agency, every team in the NFL should be interested.

For the Packers, it would make a ton of sense.

Green Bay already has a good pass rush with Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary. But there is uncertainty with Preston Smith’s future beyond 2021 after he struggled last season. Watt, meanwhile, is one of the best edge rushers in the league.

With 49.5 sacks, 111 QB hits, 17 forced fumbles, and four interceptions in his first four seasons, Watt could be the difference between the Packers winning another championship or falling short. He’s a two-time All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler, and led the league in sacks last season. Watt also ranked first in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric among edge defenders in 2020.

It’s unlikely Watt will even hit free agency, and even if he does, there’s probably less than one percent chance he ends up signing with the Packers. But we can dream. Watt would be a difference-maker in the Packers’ defense.