3 free agents the Packers must sign ahead of Week 3

The Green Bay Packers got their 2024 season off to a rough start with a loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, and injury added to the insult of losing, as Jordan Love went down during that game. But Matt LaFleur had his guys ready to roll in Week 2 with Malik Willis starting, and the Packers got in the win column in one of the more impressive wins early on this season.

As with any team, the Packers are dealing with injuries, and there is an opportunity to supplement by adding some talent still available in free agency. With the flexibility of the practice squad rules right now, anyone in NFL free agency is fair game for Green Bay to sign on a trial basis.

Which players could fit with the team having needs at running back and linebacker?

Packers should consider signing these free agents before Week 3

1. Kwon Alexander, linebacker

Quay Walker has struggled through the first couple of games this season, and while there is undoubtedly a long season ahead and the Packers will expect him to get his act together, there's nothing wrong with adding a veteran to raise the floor of this position group.

Kwon Alexander has been the definition of a journeyman at the linebacker position in his NFL career, but he's found a way to be productive at pretty much every stop. When Alexander is healthy, he can make significant contributions to a defense with his speed, range, and blitzing ability.

2. Shaq Leonard, linebacker

In the spirit of looking at available veteran linebackers, Shaq Leonard has to be one of the biggest-name players still available in free agency. Leonard is a three-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection as a linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, and he played extensively last year for both the Colts and Eagles.

But Leonard was less effective last season than we've come to expect from him, perhaps due to the fact that he was coming off of a bad injury in 2022. Even if he's not 100 percent of what he once was with the Colts, Leonard is still someone worth looking into on a "flyer" basis.

3. Latavius Murray, running back

Even though Latavius Murray is probably not going to go off for 150 yards rushing or anything like that, the Packers wouldn't really need him to do that.

At 34 years of age, Murray has still proven himself to be quite an effective three-down back over the last couple of years as a member of the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. He contributed 419 yards from scrimmage and four rushing touchdowns last year for the Bills and might be a worthwhile addition for the Packers with AJ Dillon and now rookie MarShawn Lloyd on IR.

Nobody is going to take issue with Josh Jacobs getting the lion's share of the carries, but having a guy like Murray on the practice squad for some insurance would be great for the Packers.

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