The Green Bay Packers had trouble putting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers away in Week 4 but ultimately won 17-14. Sure, it wasn't always pretty, but a win is a win, and the Packers find themselves at .500. That said, not everything is sunshine and flowers.
Green Bay lost Edgerrin Cooper to a season-ending Achilles injury. There's no doubt that Cooper was a pivotal piece on defense, and losing him for the year will be a huge blow. Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged as much in the aftermath of the win.
However, there's still plenty of time left in the season, so the Packers need to fill the void left by Cooper's injury. While Isaiah McDuffie is the next man up, general manager Brian Gutekunst should strongly consider bringing in reinforcements. Former All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner remains unsigned after becoming a free agent in March and may be the best external option.
Why the Packers may want to sign Bobby Wagner to replace Edgerrin Cooper
Cooper has started all four games this season, registering two sacks and 21 total tackles before Week 4. Against Tampa Bay, he had a huge interception, nine more tackles, and another sack before leaving the game.
After signing a one-year, $8.8 million extension in the offseason, McDuffie appears to be the logical choice to replace him, but if the Packers were comfortable rolling with him as the starter, why did they trade for Zaire Franklin in the offseason?
Make no mistake, McDuffie is a fine player. He appeared in 17 games with 12 starts last year, amassing 92 tackles and one sack. However, the former Boston College Eagle isn't on Cooper's level.
Another in-house option is 2024 third-round pick Ty'Ron Hopper, but he's not done enough over the past two years to make you think that he can hold the fort. Heck, he's only logged one defensive snap this season.
The truth is that neither Hopper nor McDuffie inspires confidence, which is why signing Bobby Wagner may be the best course of action.
What would the Packers be getting on Bobby Wagner?
Let's get it out of the way: There's a reason Bobby Wagner has yet to find a new home after suiting up for the Washington Commanders for the past two seasons. Although he was one of the most fearsome linebackers in the 2010s and the early 2020s, his best days are behind him.
That said, the former All-Pro nod may still have a bit of gas left in the tank. Last year, the Utah State product had 162 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in 17 games. The Packers would love to have that kind of production.
Like Cooper, Wagner is a stud against the run even at this point in his career. On the other hand, he's never particularly great in coverage, but defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon could mask that area of his game and build a game plan around his strengths.
Now, signing Wagner may not come cheap but won't be cost-prohibitive either. He signed a one-year deal with the Commanders in 2025 that was worth $9 million. Given that he's waited to find a new home, he may be willing to take less money. Perhaps the Packers can offer him an incentive-laden deal that rewards him if he plays at a high level.
The truth is that replacing Cooper will be a tough task, but Wagner could help the Packers overcome his absence.
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