The Green Bay Packers are entering a key offseason. After exceeding expectations in 2023 by reaching the divisional round of the playoffs, the Packers are looking for something more in 2024. Jordan Love and the Packers offense regained their groove late in the season, propelling them to the second round of the postseason.
However, the defense frequently fell short. One report has recently surfaced that may help with this.
Green Bay Packers Sign 24-Year-Old From Baltimore Ravens
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report explained how this may happen:
Gutekunst hasn’t made a habit of pursuing obscure players in free agency, so we should expect the Packers to be more active in the second and third waves. Continuing to add depth to the defensive front seven should be a goal, as Green Bay’s run defense remains a weakness.
The Packers concluded the regular season ranked 28th in total running yards allowed and 23rd in yards per carry allowed.
If the Packers become more proactive, guys like defensive lineman DaQuan Jones and linebacker Patrick Queen would be attractive free-agent targets. However, prospective bargain free agents such as defensive tackle Dorance Armstrong and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. seem far more realistic.
Depending on what happens with Savage and Owens, safeties such as Jeremy Chinn and Jordan Whitehead may become available to Green Bay. With Bakhtiari presumably out, Green Bay may seek tackle assistance.
What Would the Queen Do for the Packers?
Patrick Queen, a 2020 first-round draft pick, did not have his fifth-year option exercised by the Baltimore Ravens. In retrospect, that selection does not look so good, given Queen’s 133 total tackles and second-team All-Pro honors. Queen is likely to be outbid by the Ravens, given the team already paid Roquan Smith last summer.
The former LSU linebacker is expected to command a contract of $18.5 million per year. Despite this, the Packers may be willing to spend on run defense, which was probably their worst shortcoming this season.
Pairing Quay Walker and Patrick Queen would instantly become one of the top ILB duos in the NFL, substantially impacting the Packers’ run defense overnight.
