Packers free agency: 3 dream targets for Green Bay in 2023

1. S Derwin James

The Packers enter the 2022 season with one of the best secondaries in the league. However, safety Adrian Amos becomes a free agent in the offseason.

If Derwin James somehow hits free agency, just about every team in the NFL should be interested. He would be a dream addition to the Packers’ defense.

James has one year remaining on his deal. The longer it goes, the tougher it will become for the Los Angeles Chargers to re-sign him without the franchise tag. James is currently “holding in” at training camp for a new deal.

The Chargers should give James whatever deal he wants. He’s that good. But if not and he somehow hits free agency, the Packers should do all they can to sign him.

James is a two-time first-team All-Pro, having made 257 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 19 pass defenses, five interceptions, and three forced fumbles in 36 career games.

Imagine a secondary featuring Derwin James, Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Rasul Douglas, and Darnell Savage. There’s a chance the Packers lose key starter Amos in free agency next offseason. But if they could sign James, the secondary would remain one of the very best in the NFL.

James likely won’t hit free agency. Even if a long-term deal isn’t agreed, the Chargers should use the franchise tag. But if he did hit free agency, the Packers should do whatever it takes to sign him.