The Green Bay Packers aren't typically the most active team in NFL free agency, but that doesn't mean they're going to sit on their hands in 2024.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has built a very talented young roster, but if this team is going to be a legitimate contender in 2024, he might have to make some bold moves in free agency. And with the way the Packers played in the playoffs, this roster deserves the aggressiveness from its GM.
But what kinds of players should the Packers be targeting? Although they've been selective about free-agent involvement in the past, some of their best acquisitions have contributed to some of the top Packers rosters in history. Guys like Charles Woodson were game-changers for the Packers, but great free-agent signings come in all shapes and sizes.
Looking at some of the team's top areas of need, let's project forward with some of the top potential free-agent targets for the Green Bay Packers in 2024 and build on the foundation that has been set.
Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders
Many teams decided to franchise tag their running backs in 2023, which could make for a lot of really interesting situations around the league in 2024. Josh Jacobs racked up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage in 2022, but due to injury, he was only barely able to crack 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2023.
And this is why players hate the franchise tag.
But Jacobs' loss could be the Packers' gain. Green Bay could potentially lose both AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones this offseason, and they would need to supplement those losses in free agency. I think Jacobs would be a tremendous lead back for Jordan Love to lean on.
Tony Pollard, RB, Cowboys
Things haven't worked out great for Tony Pollard as the bell-cow back for the Dallas Cowboys, but I still think he's an intriguing potential addition in free agency.
The Green Bay Packers want that two-headed approach at the position, and even if they end up keeping one of Aaron Jones or AJ Dillon this offseason (maybe even especially if they do that), I think Pollard and his unique skill set would be a worthwhile addition. He's got explosive playmaking ability as a runner and receiver, and you never know when you might be able to unlock his skills in the kick return game again.
Derrick Henry, RB, Titans
Before he got hired by the Green Bay Packers, head coach Matt LaFleur was in Tennessee with the Titans, where he had a younger Derrick Henry. When you talk about free agency fits every year, one thing that can't be overlooked is familiarity and the three degrees of separation.
A lot of times, free agency is just as much about who you know as anything else.
Although Derrick Henry is not getting any younger at this point, he's still capable of carrying the load at the running back position and grinding out carries, punching the ball in the end zone, and contributing in the passing game.
Henry still had over 1,000 rushing yards in 2023, albeit quietly.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
I'm sure the New York Giants will want to have Saquon Barkley back after this season, but how bad is Barkley going to want to return? After being franchise-tagged and playing on a five-year rookie deal as a former first-round pick, Barkley is missing out on more and more money by the minute.
He needs to get to free agency and get a big-money deal as quickly as he possibly can, and hopefully the Giants afford him that opportunity in 2023 if they're not going to pay him themselves. Just like Josh Jacobs, Barkley didn't put up nearly as good numbers this season after being franchise-tagged, but you still see that playmaking ability consistently on display with eight total touchdowns and over 1,100 scrimmage yards in 2023.
I think adding Barkley to this Packers offense would be a home-run type of signing.
Antonio Gibson, RB, Commanders
You can't just have a free-agent list of all big names, right? Antonio Gibson's career got off to a great start in Washington when he had nearly 2,400 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns in his first two seasons. The Commanders were getting him properly involved in the offense, but his success did come with a bit of an asterisk.
And by asterisk, I mean fumbling issue.
And that fumbling issue could ultimately bring Gibson's free-agency value down quite a bit. He might need to sign a one-year prove-it deal with some team, and why not the Packers? He's got such a unique skill set and can be used as a runner, receiver, and return man. He'll only be 26 this coming season.
Saahdiq Charles, OL, Commanders
One of the areas that will be interesting to see what direction the Green Bay Packers go in 2024 is on the offensive line. Are they going to overhaul that position group a bit? Do they feel like they can move forward with Rasheed Walker at left tackle?
Who is going to start at right guard beyond this season with Jon Runyan Jr. hitting free agency? Can Sean Rhyan step into that spot or will Green Bay find someone else?
One player hitting free agency (who may also get franchise-tagged) that would be interesting is Commanders tackle/guard Saahdiq Charles, a former fourth-round pick out of LSU. Charles may have settled in at the left guard position but there could be some flexibility there going forward. Assuming he hits the market, he should be one of the most coveted linemen league-wide.
Ezra Cleveland, OL, Jaguars
Ezra Cleveland was traded by the Minnesota Vikings at this season's deadline, and he's gotten a nice opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars, given some of their injuries and issues up front.
Things definitely didn't go well for Cleveland with the Vikings overall, but he had moments, and, frankly, might have been playing out of position. Although he's played guard in the NFL, I evaluated Cleveland as a pretty good-looking option at the left tackle position.
There are always going to be offensive line-needy teams out there, but the Packers should call on Cleveland and see if he'd be willing to give them a look at both tackle and guard. Perhaps he could be their top swingman off the sideline.
Trent Brown, OT, Patriots
Off-field issues could prevent the Packers from looking his direction completely, but if Green Bay does want to look to free agency for a potential starter at the left tackle position, I think Trent Brown is one of the best available.
This may not be a player the Packers want to accommodate, however. Brown's on-field ability makes his off-field stuff all the more frustrating. You've got to really evaluate the person here, and it might require the Packers getting desperate to sign this guy.
But still, an intriguing option nonetheless.
Jonah Williams, OT, Bengals
Another offensive line target who could play a variety of roles going forward is former first-round pick Jonah Williams, who might finally be getting out of Cincinnati this offseason. However, maybe he should be careful what he wishes for.
Williams was a left tackle at Alabama but didn't exactly thrive in that role for the Bengals. He has been playing the right tackle spot and potentially increasing his value a bit on that side of the line, and the Bengals have been pretty publicly complimentary of him.
Again, I would view this as a situation where the Packers would need to be in the market for a starter to consider it, but you never know.
Dalton Risner, OG, Vikings
Dalton Risner has turned out to be a pretty solid signing for the Minnesota Vikings, and if he doesn't get re-signed by them, I think he's going to have rehabbed his value enough to get a decent contract offer in 2024 from someone else.
And why not the Packers?
Although Dalton Risner has primarily played the left guard position, he can line up at every position on the line, dating back to his days at Kansas State. Versatility is the name of the game in today's NFL, and the Packers might view Risner as a potential starter at guard going forward. The former second-round pick has been on a bit of a comeback trail and hasn't given up a sack for the Vikings since he got into the starting lineup.
L'Jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs will be a fascinating team to monitor in the 2024 offseason, with both L'Jarius Sneed and Chris Jones projected as free agents.
If the Chiefs have made a contingency anywhere, it's in the secondary, and I think they are confident in their belief that they don't need to overpay to have a great group back there. As good of a player as L'Jarius Sneed has been, the Chiefs might determine they can live without him.
And teams will be lined up to sign him if that's the case. You talk about a guy who can play from multiple alignments and shut things down, a guy who can blitz and cause havoc as a pass rusher or run defender. L'Jarius Sneed is him. This would cost a lot of money, but sometimes you've got to swing big.
Kenny Moore, CB, Colts
The Green Bay Packers need help all over the secondary, and I think the presence of Kenny Moore is going to take any defense to the next level in 2024.
Now, the Indianapolis Colts are going to have something to say about him hitting the market, but if he does become available, Moore's ability to play in the slot would be a welcomed addition to this Green Bay roster.
I think we're going to have to be in wait-and-see mode on how the Packers' defensive coordinator situation shakes out over the next handful of weeks, but no matter who is calling the shots defensively, I think he'd love to have a playmaker like Kenny Moore in the secondary. He's a model of toughness out there, he's got great ball skills, and he has a knack for creating turnovers in clutch moments.
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Bears
On the off chance the Chicago Bears just up and let Jaylon Johnson walk in free agency, the Green Bay Packers should absolutely be interested in signing him. The former second-round pick out of Utah had four interceptions this year, a breakout season with the Bears.
There were rumors around the NFL trade deadline that Johnson could get moved, but ultimately, the Bears seemingly balked at any offers they were given.
Does that mean they're going to sign Johnson to a long-term deal? No. Does it mean they're going to tag him? No, but those might be likelier options than him hitting the market. But again, if he does hit the market, he'd immediately jump near the top of the Packers' priority list with his combination of age, upside, and talent.
Jeff Okudah, CB, Falcons
Another one for my personal brand in NFL free agency is reclamation projects. I think there's a time and a place to sign guys who are close to, at, or over the age of 30, but typically, the best free-agent signings are going to be guys who can still earn a second contract with your team.
I think Jeff Okudah on a one-year deal is one of the most intriguing options for any team in free agency in 2024, but especially a team that needs cornerback help like Green Bay.
Okudah was once the second pick in the NFL Draft. He's obviously got talent but hasn't been able to stay healthy. He's only going to be 25 years old in February, and has put together two straight seasons where he's played 12-plus games.
Perhaps the arrow is pointing up here.
CJ Henderson, CB, Panthers
Another former first-round cornerback who has had some issues consistently staying on the field is CJ Henderson, a first-round pick of the Jaguars in 2020. The former Florida Gators star was traded to the Panthers back in 2021, somewhat of a shocking deal made by Urban Meyer.
Fun times in Jacksonville.
Henderson hasn't exactly rehabilitated his value with the Panthers, but that organization has been in shambles for a couple of years. You take risks on corners with Henderson's combination of size, athleticism, speed, and ball skills. He doesn't turn 26 until September and might take a one-year deal to prove himself for 2025 free agency.
Myles Bryant, CB, Patriots
You always have to be wary of former Patriots players in free agency, but Myles Bryant is an intriguing defensive back, with consecutive seasons of over 70 tackles. He also managed to add seven tackles for loss and seven passes broken up in 2023 for the Patriots' defense, which could be dismantled in 2024 following Bill Belichick's departure.
Bryant's ability to play in the slot could help Green Bay tremendously, and he can be an asset both in coverage and against the run. Although you're always wary of Patriots castoffs, you know Myles Bryant is going to be well-coached coming over from that program.
Who knows? The Packers could have a Patriots disciple calling the defensive shots in 2024.
Budda Baker, S, Cardinals
In seven NFL seasons, Budda Baker has managed to make six Pro Bowls. He was even selected in 2023 despite playing in just 11 games for the Cardinals, in which he racked up 77 total tackles and five tackles for loss.
At his best, Baker is a versatile chess piece for a defense. He can make plays all over the field and has proven that with seven interceptions from 2020-22 as well as six career forced fumbles and 15 career quarterback hits.
The Packers would have to give Baker a pretty substantial multi-year deal, but players like this can end up being the heart and soul of a great defense.
CJ Gardner-Johnson, DB, Lions
CJ Gardner-Johnson was such a key piece to the Philadelphia Eagles' incredible run last year, and everyone was excited to see what he could do for the Detroit Lions in 2023. Well, maybe not in Green Bay. But when the Lions added CJGJ, the NFL world was pretty intrigued.
After racking up nine interceptions from 2021-22 – including six in his lone year with the Eagles – "Ceedy Duce" undoubtedly established himself as one of the better all-around defensive backs in football and a player who can work great in today's "positionless" defense. He can play deep, he can play in the slot, he can come up and thump – you name it.
Being limited to just three regular-season games this year, it's uncertain what his value will look like in free agency, but it might be a worthwhile risk for the Packers if he gets out of Detroit.
Jordan Whitehead, S, Jets
Perhaps the Green Bay Packers could steal someone from the New York Jets for a change, eh?
The Jets have some notable free agents this offseason, including some pieces of their vaunted secondary. Jordan Whitehead might be one of the most underrated at his position in the league and proved that in 2023 with a very quiet 97 tackles and four interceptions for Robert Saleh's defense.
Will the Jets be able to fit Whitehead in their budget again this year with so many other fish to fry? It's going to be interesting to see if he gets out of New York, and if he does, the Packers should absolutely come calling. He could be a game-changer for Green Bay's defense.
Jordan Fuller, S, Rams
Jordan Fuller is hitting free agency at just the right time. The former Ohio State star has proven over the course of his NFL career that he's got the chops to play in the NFL, even as a former sixth-round pick. Fuller actually missed all but four games last season and needed a major bounce-back in 2023, and that's exactly what he's had.
Fuller picked off three passes this season for the Rams while also adding 93 tackles and three forced fumbles.
He's one of a number of safeties hitting the market who are either 25 or 26 years old, which could potentially create a team-friendly market.
Ashtyn Davis, S, Jets
Ashtyn Davis is a former third-round pick with big-time speed and athleticism who has barely played 200 snaps over the last two years, and yet he has found a way to make a number of big plays for the New York Jets' defense.
He's got five career interceptions, three forced fumbles, and has gotten a lot better with the opportunities he's been given in coverage, this year, in particular. The quarterback rating when throwing into Davis's coverage in 2023 was just 45.1.
Although he's got a limited sample over the last two years, Davis is a player I think some smart GM will take a chance on, and he could thrive with increased opportunity again.
Julian Blackmon, S, Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have brought in some really underrated players over the last handful of years, and they have a pretty substantial group of impending free agents in 2024. We've already discussed Kenny Moore (the slot corner) but the Colts also have to deal with the future of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason.
What's going to happen with safety Julian Blackmon, a steal for the Colts back in the 2020 NFL Draft? Like many others on this list, Blackmon has increased his value at exactly the right time, picking off a career-high four passes this season and adding a career-high 88 tackles.
He's a playmaker on the back end.
Mike Hoecht, DL, Rams
Michael Hoecht has quietly been a really nice developmental player for the LA Rams over the last couple of seasons.
He's got 9.5 sacks, 19 QB hits, and 10 tackles for loss over the last two seasons, and listed at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, this is a big dude with bad intentions. The Packers don't necessarily need to dip into the free-agent market on the defensive line for higher-priced guys, but if you can find a budget-friendly player (which Hoecht may not end up being), these types of players are always worthwhile.
He's shown versatility to play on the defensive line, off the edge, and the Rams have even put him in coverage, though I'm not sure that's really where you want him.
Sebastian Joseph-Day, DL, 49ers
The Los Angeles Chargers signed Sebastian Joseph-Day in 2022, thanks to his connection with head coach Brandon Staley from their time together with the Rams. When Staley was let go by the Chargers, the organization also decided to let Joseph-Day hit the road and sign with a contending team.
Which he did. Joseph-Day signed on with the San Francisco 49ers and their absurdly talented and loaded defensive front. He gave the Chargers 11 QB hits and 3.0 sacks this season and has proven to be a good player against the run in the past. He had nine tackles for loss in 2022.
I think if the price is right, this could be a great pickup for the Packers in free agency.
Javon Kinlaw, DL, 49ers
Once again on the reclamation projects, I don't know if there are many more worthwhile endeavors in NFL free agency, especially with how much risk is inherently involved anyway. When you're looking for fits in free agency, it's almost more valuable to find guys who might contribute at a high level for you for a year or two, increase their own value, and be on their way, as opposed to guys who come in, take a bunch of cash, and never live up to the hype.
Javon Kinlaw is a former first-round pick of the 49ers who only has 5.0 career sacks, including a career-best 3.5 sacks this season. He's going to be 27 next October, but I think signing him to a one-to-two-year deal to see if he can live up to his first-round billing is worthwhile, especially with the way we've seen the Packers develop defensive linemen.
Jordan Elliott, DL, Browns
The Cleveland Browns aren't going to be able to keep everyone on their talented, dominant defense from the 2023 season. If Jordan Elliott hits free agency, this could be a really solid pickup for the Green Bay Packers in 2024.
Elliott has been getting much more involved in Cleveland's defense over the last couple of seasons, though he's also proven to be quite effective when only playing 40-45 percent of the defensive snaps. The former third-round pick out of Missouri just turned 26 in November and might have some of his best days ahead of him both as a pass-rusher and run-stuffer.
When teams turn on the tape from Elliott's 2023 season, he might very well price himself out of Green Bay's range. Again, the defensive line isn't an immediate need, but if you can get a guy for below-market value because he didn't play a ton of snaps? That's where you can hit some home runs in free agency.
Packers unrealistic but fun free agent targets
Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals
Oh yeah, this again.
The age-old discussion about Tee Higgins becoming a Green Bay Packer. In case everyone wasn't already sick of it, let's talk about it some more.
I love the way the Packers' wide receiver room has developed overall. There's no question that there are dawgs throughout that unit right now, and Brian Gutekunst along with Matt LaFleur did a great job of identifying fits for the offense. But is there an "alpha"?
Christian Watson is supposed to be that guy, but he hasn't been able to stay on the field. It would cost a large portion of the free agency budget, but you can't shake the idea of how fun it would be to add a player like Tee Higgins to this Green Bay roster, and give Jordan Love a true WR1.
Chris Jones, DL, Chiefs
Another fun potential signing would be Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones.
Year after year, Jones is one of the top game-wreckers on the defensive line in all of football. He is such a force that teams have to account for him on a play-by-play basis, and the tough part is, the Chiefs line him up all over the place, so all five offensive linemen on the other team have to be ready for that matchup at any given time.
Do the Green Bay Packers need to do something like this? No, but sometimes, players like this can be the difference between your roster being good, great, or truly elite. I think if Jones is willing to come and play for Green Bay, they'd have to at least consider it.
More unrealistic but fun Packers targets in free agency
Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers
Once again, the Green Bay Packers lack a consistent WR1 among their current group. I think a player like Mike Evans, who has been a lock for 1,000 yards every year he's been in the NFL, could be a fascinating fit with Jordan Love.
Evans would also serve as a really solid role model and veteran for an offense that really doesn't have much of a veteran presence at all. Evans has that big 6-foot-5 frame, he's played in big games, he's won big games, he's got a Super Bowl to his name, and he's a model of consistency. It doesn't matter if you're talking about needing to move the chains, convert in the red zone, win one-on-one – Evans does it all.
It might be more likely that Evans is a Buccaneer for life, but if he hits the market, the Packers should get in the bidding.
Chase Young, EDGE, 49ers
Another player that I think would be fun in Green Bay but is probably unrealistic is pass rusher Chase Young. The Packers currently have a number of EDGE players making significant contributions, including recently re-signed Rashan Gary, former big-ticket free agent Preston Smith, first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, among a handful of others.
But after this season, the future of Preston Smith could be up in the air and I wouldn't mind seeing the Packers get a little younger off the edge. Chase Young, the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is an absolute stud when healthy. His 15 QB hits in 2023 are a career-best, and if he goes on a playoff run with the 49ers? The price is only going to go up.
I just imagine a unit off the edge for the Packers for the future of Rashan Gary, Chase Young, and Lukas Van Ness – the Big Ten Boys. Those guys would cause such problems for opposing offensive lines with their athleticism and pass-rush repertoire.