5 unexpected free agent signings Packers could still make happen
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst finds himself and his team in a very interesting position heading into the 2023 season. From the outside, many people may not expect anything out of the Packers this year. But given the fact that the Vikings were, quite frankly, one of the luckiest teams in NFL history last season (winning an astounding 11 regular season games decided by one score), it feels safe to say the NFC North is there for the taking.
Most analysts and pundits are high on the Vikings or Lions this year. Some look at the Bears and see a team that made substantial moves all throughout the offseason, and they think Justin Fields will emerge in his third NFL season. But not many people are picking the Green Bay Packers to come back and win the NFC North in 2023.
It's understandable. The Packers are breaking in Jordan Love, and people aren't taking their prediction reputations to an unproven quarterback. But the Packers don't have to sit on their hands leading up to the season. They can continue to make impact acquisitions for this roster.
Which players should be on the radar? Could some unexpected moves be on the way?
5 unexpected moves the Green Bay Packers could still make
1. Reunion with CB Casey Hayward?
One unexpected move would certainly be a reunion between the Green Bay Packers and cornerback Casey Hayward. Hayward had an incredible rookie season for the Packers back in 2012, picking off six passes and being credited with 20 total passes defended. Although he missed all but three games of his second NFL season, Hayward would go on to play four years total for the Packers before moving on to the Chargers.
From 2016-17, Hayward was dominant for the Chargers, making two Pro Bowls and being named second-team All-Pro in each season. He's had a tremendous career overall which has taken him from the Chargers to the Raiders and, as of last year, the Falcons. He only played six games for the Falcons last season due to a shoulder injury.
Hayward is a savvy veteran at this point, he can play inside the nickel or outside at corner, and he could give the Packers some additional depth in the defensive backfield.