Why the Packers need to re-sign free-agent Dennis Kelly
The offensive line is always a necessity for the Green Bay Packers.
It will be all the more important this upcoming season. All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari is coming off of a season in which he was trying to come back from his 2020 ACL tear. He only played in one game.
Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins, who can play all five positions on the O-line, is coming off of his own ACL tear last November. Center Josh Myers is coming off an injury-riddled rookie season.
The Packers also released right tackle Billy Turner and let center/guard Lucas Patrick sign with the Chicago Bears. Not only is Green Bay in need of more depth, but it is in need of another tackle.
Although it appears the Packers have one of the most versatile offensive lines in the game, they will need help on the island. Yes, Bakhtiari should be fully healthy for the start of the 2022 season. Yes, Jenkins should be back to full-speed at some point next fall.
Yes, Yosh Nijman showed that he is ready to be a full-time starting tackle in Green Bay. He showed it in each of his eight starts last season. However, you can never have too much help.
The Packers still have an opportunity to get another veteran back to help them out. Tackle Dennis Kelly played his 10th career season in 2021. He played in 10 games while giving head coach Matt LaFleur, who he was with in Tennessee in 2018, a reliable backup who understands how to block on an island at a high level.
Familiarity with the offensive system is key. Size is too. Kelly stands at 6-foot-8, weighing 320 pounds. It doesn’t hurt at all to have someone that big around, especially on an O-line protecting Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers have roughly $15 million in cap space. Salary cap extraordinaire Russ Ball deserves a standing ovation for repeatedly putting this franchise in a great situation to both add and keep impactful players.
Getting Kelly back on a one-year deal would be a great thing. Not only would Green Bay get back an important, stable backup who is capable of playing at a high level while in a starting position, but the team would get back someone who has played in the NFL for over a decade.
That experience cannot be overlooked. Bringing back Kelly would be smart, safe move that would help keep Rodgers upright instead of on the ground.