Over the course of the first week of free agency, the Green Bay Packers haven't done much by way of making a splash. Rather, they've taken a more methodical approach.
Bringing in Zaire Franklin via trade and signing Javon Hargrave, Benjamin St-Juste, among a couple of others, Green Bay is taking its time.
With about $28 million in cap space, still, the Packers may need to be even more skillful from now until the 2026 NFL Draft. Fortunately, the bargain bin should be hopping during Wave 2. Teams have spent a lot of money. Therefore, some of the remaining free agents should cost even less.
When looking at the state of the Packers' roster, there are three spots Brian Gutekunst might be able to find a future starter by signing a relatively cheap free agent, believe it or not.
The Green Bay Packers can potentially bring in 3 starting-caliber players without spending a lot during free agency Wave 2
Marshon Lattimore, CB
Washington Commanders fans are laughing while shouting at the Packers to steer clear, if they were smart.
I get it. Lattimore is a massive, massive risk. But, you know what's also a massive risk? Throwing Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine out there as the Packers' starting cornerback duo in 2026.
It's for that reason why the Packers brought in Benjamin St-Juste as one of their free-agent signings during Wave 1. But, they can still use additional help.
Lattimore has obviously taken a step back and isn't what he once was. However, on a team like the Packers, with the potential to have a top-5 defense in terms of sacks, he could benefit greatly. With a pass rush that gets to the quarterback on a more regular basis, Lattimore has the chance to be a lot better while having the luxury to operate on shorter downs.
His market value is currently at $8.4 million annually, per Spotrac, and that seems more than fair to pay for a guy who could end up starting.
Cameron Jordan, DE
For the first time ever, Cameron Jordan may not be a member of the New Orleans Saints. The 36-year-old veteran is coming off a season that saw him tally 10.5 sacks, so he's still got it.
And, there is a path for him to start in Green Bay -- at least for a little while. If Micah Parsons ends up missing the first four games of the 2026 season after rehabbing from a torn ACL, then Jordan is a lock to start opposite Lukas Van Ness.
Now, even with Parsons healthy, Jordan might end up taking over for Van Ness. But that's a different argument altogether.
The Packers are a team with a Super Bowl mentality. This is the type of move you make.
Oh, and Jordan's market value is just $6 million. That's a complete no-brainer.
Jonnu Smith, TE
Before you get all up in arms, this isn't about Tucker Kraft. However, in 12 personnel, Luke Musgrave is technically a starter.
With so many offenses having success in 12 personnel, the Packers need to admit failure here. Musgrave just doesn't have it. But, in a system like Matt LaFleur's, there is so much more potential for tight ends to be used in a variety of ways.
Jonnu Smith has plenty of experience being used in that sense. He is a tight end you can move around pre-snap and cause lots of defensive confusion; not because Smith is an elite tight end, but because he can line up virtually anywhere, except all the way outside. You can slide him in-line, into the backfield as the full back type, or even get him in motion while the snap is taking place. He's done it all.
Being able to use Smith in ways that Musgrave just can't cut it should make him an obvious option. And, at $7 million (his current market value), that seems like a cheap price to pay for someone who could help LaFleur's offense function even better.