Packers should consider signing Adrian Clayborn
Rashan Gary was impressive against the Lions, making two quarterback hits. According to Pro Football Focus, he won on 19.2 percent of his pass-rush reps, leading the team in pressures.
With Gary and Preston Smith, the Packers have a solid starting pair at outside linebacker while Za’Darius Smith is on injured reserve. However, what’s clear after two weeks is that depth is a major concern.
With an injury to either Gary or Smith, the Packers will be forced to start with either Jonathan Garvin or Chauncey Rivers.
That’s where bringing in a veteran could help. Adrian Clayborn is 33 years old with his best football likely behind him, but he could be an affordable free-agent addition and a good rotational player behind Gary and Smith. As a backup for the Cleveland Browns last season, he contributed with 3.5 sacks, seven QB hits, and 15 pressures, according to Pro Football Reference.
Only a couple of seasons ago, Clayborn had the ninth-best disruption rate in the league (14.5 percent), according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He has been an underrated player throughout his career.
Clayborn wouldn’t need to be a starter in Joe Barry’s defense, but he could provide some experience and much-needed depth while Za’Darius Smith is out.