Packers could lose starting offensive lineman in free agency
One of the unsung heroes for the Green Bay Packers last season was Lucas Patrick.
Despite the Packers losing offensive line starters David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, and Josh Myers at various points over the past year, Patrick stepped up and helped ensure the play of the front five remained strong.
Patrick filled in at center in place on Myers and then when the rookie returned from injury, Patrick shifted over to guard for the playoffs.
In total, Patrick started 13 games for the Packers in 2021. He tied for second in run block win rate among centers, per ESPN.
But there’s a real possibility that Green Bay could lose Patrick this offseason. The veteran interior lineman will become a free agent when the new league year begins and it could be difficult for the Packers to compete with other teams in the market, especially with their limited cap resources.
According to FanSided’s Matt Lombardo, there could be plenty of interest in Patrick when free agency begins two weeks from now.
“A handful of teams have already shown interest in Patrick, who could be on the cusp of cashing in, according to league sources,” wrote Lombardo.
Patrick proved in 2021 that he should be a starter, and he can play at three of the five positions along the offensive line. Teams in need of a starting guard or center should have interest in Patrick, who has 34 career starts to his name and is in the prime of his career at 28 years old.
While there’s little doubt Green Bay would love to have him back, there are a couple of reasons why it could be tough to make happen.
The first is the obvious one. The Packers are still well over the salary cap, and their priority will likely be trying to re-sign Davante Adams, among others.
There’s also no guarantee Patrick would start in Green Bay next season.
Myers is the starting center. Jon Runyan Jr. is a starter at guard and Royce Newman will also be in the mix. Presumably, once Bakhtiari and Jenkins are fully healthy, it will be Jenkins and Runyan starting at guard.
Patrick would likely be a top backup in Green Bay, but he could potentially land a starting job on a bigger deal elsewhere.