Biggest swing Packers may take in free agency would be a huge mistake

The Green Bay Packers enter the offseason in an excellent position.

Their roster was already talented enough to reach the NFC's divisional round in January. They have their quarterback and a strong receiving corps around him. With five top-100 draft picks and enough cap space to address needs in free agency, the Packers have everything they need to level up in the months ahead.

Safety, linebacker, and even cornerback could be on the Packers' free agency shopping list.

This is the offseason to need help at safety—the free agency class is loaded at the position. Green Bay could double down, with Xavier McKinney, Jordan Fuller, Justin Simmons, and Kamren Curl among the players who will be available.

However, a great opportunity doesn't necessarily mean things will go to plan. The Packers must avoid making a huge mistake in free agency.

Packers must avoid spending big at running back in free agency

We broke down why the Packers could have interest in Saquon Barkley, but that doesn't mean they should.

Green Bay reportedly held talks about a trade for Jonathan Taylor last summer. If the Packers had interest in trading for a top running back, why wouldn't they do the same in free agency?

It's concerning.

Barkley is an outstanding player and could undoubtedly help Green Bay's offense—however, ESPN's Bill Barnwell projects he will make $12 million per year. The Packers should avoid paying big money at the position.

While Green Bay likely won't find a running back as talented as Barkley in April's draft, it will have opportunities to improve the backfield on Day 2. Florida State's Trey Benson, Michigan's Blake Corum, and Texas' Jonathon Brooks are among the top candidates.

The Packers should use their free agency resources to address other positions of need, like safety and linebacker, where they could add multiple players at affordable prices, taking pressure off on draft night.

What if Green Bay enters the draft without needing a safety? It would give them the freedom to add players at premium positions.

Time will tell how Gutekunst approaches free agency, but recent history indicates he could have interest in the running back market. That's fine if the Packers opt for a low-risk, affordable move, like signing backup Zack Moss.

But going after a top free-agent running back like Barkley would be a huge mistake.

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