Moments after the Green Bay Packers made their first big splash in free agency by signing guard Aaron Banks, they have lost a valuable defensive starter.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Cincinnati Bengals are signing defensive tackle T.J. Slaton to a two-year deal worth $15.1 million.
It's a tough loss for the Packers, as Slaton was an unsung hero as the nose tackle in Jeff Hafley's defense. He has started all 34 games over the past two seasons but has found a new team on the opening day of free agency.
The Packers already needed to prioritize the defensive line this offseason, but they now require greater urgency to get interior help.
Defensive line becomes an even bigger priority for Packers after losing T.J. Slaton
The Packers prioritized the offensive line earlier in the day, adding another interior lineman to help avoid a repeat of January's playoff disaster once injuries hit.
They will need to find reinforcements along the defensive line, too. The pass rush needs attention this offseason, but Slaton's departure opens another need. While Kenny Clark could take over Slaton's nose tackle duties, he is far more effective when he is able to make plays. The Packers likely need to add multiple interior defensive linemen and edge defenders between now and Week 1.
Slaton's play often went unnoticed, but he was a steady presence in the middle of the Packers' offensive line. He deserves a strong payday.
It won't be surprising if the Packers prioritize defensive linemen early in the draft. Various mock drafts have them landing Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 23 overall. He is the perfect partner for Clark.
Losing Slaton hurts, but the Packers' work isn't finished.
It heightens the need for defensive line help, but the team will have plenty of opportunities to find the missing pieces they need.