Packers free agency primer 2023: Free agents, key dates, areas of need

Green Bay Packers, Allen Lazard (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers, Allen Lazard (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The excitement of free agency is only a month away. Which Green Bay Packers players are free agents this offseason, and which areas should they look to strengthen in free agency?

Before free agency begins, the Packers need to know who their QB1 will be in 2023.

Aaron Rodgers will soon make a decision on his future, and it’s up to him and the team to determine whether a return to Green Bay makes sense.

Rodgers’ future could be a huge factor in the Packers’ free-agency plans.

When does free agency start in 2023?

Free agency begins at the start of the new league year on March 15 at 3 p.m. CT.

There is a two-day window before that, from March 13-15, where teams can negotiate contracts with free agents.

During this time, you’ll see reports of many free agents agreeing deals with new teams, although none can become official until the new league year gets underway on March 15.

How much cap space do the Packers have in 2023?

If you were hoping for Green Bay to be big spenders in free agency, there is some bad news.

According to Over The Cap, the team is currently $16.48 million over the 2023 salary cap. The Packers have until the beginning of the new league year to get under the cap, which they will.

Which Packers players are hitting free agency in 2023?

Packers unrestricted free agents 2023

  • Adrian Amos, S
  • Corey Ballentine, CB
  • Randall Cobb, WR
  • Mason Crosby, K
  • Justin Hollins, EDGE
  • Rudy Ford, S
  • Allen Lazard, WR
  • Dallin Leavitt, S
  • Marcedes Lewis, TE
  • Dean Lowry, DL
  • Keisean Nixon, CB
  • Jarran Reed, DL
  • Robert Tonyan, TE
  • Eric Wilson, LB

Packers restricted free agents in 2023

  • Krys Barnes, LB
  • Tyler Davis, TE
  • Yosh Nijman, T

What are the Packers’ top positions of need?

Tight end

Green Bay’s top two tight ends are free agents. If they both sign elsewhere, tight end will be the team’s biggest need.

Safety

Adrian Amos has started every game over the past four seasons but is now a free agent. He will be difficult to replace.

Edge rusher

Green Bay has two quality starting edge rushers in Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but more depth is required, especially as Gary is recovering from a season-ending injury.