Packers free agency predictions 2023: Who re-signs, who is gone?
Free agency officially begins on Wednesday, but with the two-day negotiation period opening on Monday, it effectively starts then. Which Green Bay Packers free agents will be back, and who will play elsewhere in 2023?
The Packers are yet to re-sign any of their free agents. If it stays that way, each of them will be able to negotiate with new teams in less than 24 hours.
With free agency set to begin, here are my predictions for the Packers:
Adrian Amos: Gone
The Packers could move Rasul Douglas to safety. They may sign a free agent or draft a safety. But it seems unlikely Amos will be back in Green Bay in 2023.
Mason Crosby: Returns
This could go either way, but I think Crosby will be back. This is based on nothing more than Brian Gutekunst’s comments at the NFL Combine, where he said he expects Crosby to be better next season as he will be a full year removed from knee surgery.
Brian Gutekunst on Mason Crosby: "I think you'll see a stronger leg and a different power in his leg on kickoffs this coming year just because he won't be coming off that surgery."
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) February 28, 2023
Crosby is scheduled to be a UFA. Has never missed a game in the regular season or playoffs.
Marcedes Lewis: Gone
Lewis turns 39 in May. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he signed with the New York Jets, should Aaron Rodgers get traded there.
Randall Cobb: Gone
Similarly, Cobb may sign wherever Rodgers goes.
Allen Lazard: Gone
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that Lazard could be “one of the higher-paid receivers in a thin WR free agent market.” He noted that the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs are teams to watch.
Not a great sign for the Packers.
Keisean Nixon: Returns
The Packers need to re-sign Keisean Nixon, a first-team All-Pro in 2022.
Robert Tonyan: Gone
This one is tough to predict as I could see him returning on an affordable one-year deal. But my guess is the Packers start over at tight end.
Jarran Reed: Gone
Reed had a solid but not great season in Green Bay. It won’t be a surprise if the team moves forward with Devonte Wyatt and T.J. Slaton in the starting lineup.
Dean Lowry: Gone
After a disappointing season, it’s time for the Packers to move on from Lowry.
Dallin Leavitt: Returns
An important special teams player this past season, Green Bay should bring back Leavitt.
Rudy Ford: Returns
With Amos hitting free agency, the Packers need to re-sign Ford. He impressed in a backup role.
Eric Wilson: Returns
After impressing on special teams, re-signing Wilson makes a lot of sense.
Justin Hollins: Gone
Hollins would provide some pass-rush depth, but with a strong draft class this April, the Packers may draft multiple edge rushers.
Corey Ballentine: Gone
This could go either way, but I predict Ballentine won’t be back.