Packers: Jarran Reed helps fix need along defensive line

The Packers have strengthened the defensive line by signing free-agent Jarran Reed.

Getting Kenny Clark some help on the defensive line was up there as one of the Green Bay Packers‘ top offseason needs.

They have taken a step to address this in free agency.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Packers are signing defensive tackle Jarran Reed.

A second-round pick in 2016, Reed spent five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and played for the Kansas City Chiefs last year. He has played 89 games with 80 starts in his NFL career.

At his best, Reed can help add plenty of interior pass rush to the Packers’ defense.

In 2018, Reed had a career-best 10.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits. In 2020, he made 6.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits. According to Pro Football Reference, Reed had 19 or more pressures in three of the past four seasons.

This is a solid move for Green Bay.

In Reed, Joe Barry’s unit is getting a talented and experienced defensive lineman who can help against both the run and pass. It’s exactly what they needed up front. Kenny Clark gets some help.

With Clark, Reed, Dean Lowry, and TJ Slaton, the Packers now have a solid foundation to build around along the defensive line. It doesn’t mean they won’t continue to add defensive line talent via the draft, but there’s now less pressure in the early rounds.

One benefit of the Davante Adams trade is that it created $20 million in cap space. This helped the Packers re-sign cornerback Rasul Douglas, and it will also allow them to make moves in free agency like this one.

Green Bay continues to work on strengthening the defense, a unit that has improved in recent years. Reed will help one of the biggest needs on defense, which is the defensive line. A good signing for the Packers.