Packers didn’t have much hope of re-signing Lucas Patrick

An unsung hero of the Green Bay Packers‘ offensive line last season, Lucas Patrick deserved the chance to start for another team.

After reportedly signing with the division-rival Chicago Bears in free agency, he now gets that opportunity.

For the cash-strapped Packers, re-signing Patrick was likely never a realistic possibility, especially after drafting interior linemen Jon Runyan Jr. and Royce Newman over the past couple of years.

According to FanSided’s Matt Lombardo, between five and seven teams had shown interest in Patrick during the NFL Scouting Combine. He added that the Packers were “always on the periphery”.

Again, it’s not surprising. The Packers are limited in what they can do in free agency, especially after slapping the franchise tag on All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams and re-signing All-Pro inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.

That said, the Bears got a steal. According to Lombardo, it’s a two-year deal worth $8 million.

Patrick will help solidify the Bears’ offensive line whether he’s asked to play at center or guard.

Green Bay will likely move forward with the young starting combination of Runyan and Newman. This duo started most of the regular season together in 2021 while Patrick covered for an injured Josh Myers at center.

With the Packers releasing right tackle Billy Turner, Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins may make a permanent move to tackle once he’s back from his ACL injury.

Without Patrick, Green Bay’s depth at the interior spots is thin. Expect the Packers to draft at least one lineman again this year. GM Brian Gutekunst has made a habit of adding to the offensive line, which is never a bad idea, and that’s helped allow the team to move on from players like Patrick in free agency.

Still, it’s tough to see a division rival add a good player from the Packers on an affordable deal.