The Green Bay Packers are in the midst of a crucial 2024 offseason. If all goes perfectly, the Packers may legitimately compete for a Super Bowl just two seasons after trading away four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.
That in itself is astounding. When it comes to personnel, both sides of the ball will have to make difficult decisions. That is no different from a contemporary 26-year-old starter.
Reports continue to surface concerning a starter for the Green Bay Packers.
Freddie Boston of FanSided addressed the ongoing reports surrounding starting offensive guard Royce Newman:
Royce Newman was a liability when the Packers needed him last year. Following Elgton Jenkins’ injury, Newman started two games, but head coach Matt LaFleur quickly realized he couldn’t rely on him in the lineup. According to Pro Football Focus, Newman allowed one sack, nine pressures, and seven hurries in those games.
Following these two performances, Sean Rhyan surpassed Newman as the best backup at guard.
It was a similar story in 2022. The Packers’ offense struggled to get going against the New York Jets, scoring just 10 points. Aaron Rodgers was under pressure all afternoon. Newman allowed one sack, five pressures, three hurries, and a quarterback hit.
Newman has one season left on his rookie contract, but with the Packers expected to upgrade the offensive line through the draft, they may move on from their previous fourth-round choice following the event. According to Over The Cap, dismissing Newman would free up $3.12 million in cap space for the Packers. That’s a substantial save for a backup who won’t see much action in 2024.
The Packers frequently seek collegiate tackles who can move inside to guard. They value adaptability throughout the line. Washington’s Troy Fautanu and Duke’s Graham Barton are two ideal first-round picks. They have excellent Relative Athletic Scores and can play all five positions, including left tackle, which they both played in college.
This report follows on the heels of several additional reports:
Three Packers Who Could Be Traded During the NFL Draft
What is the Packers’ strategy for the inside offensive line?
The Packers are likely to address the offensive line in the 2024 NFL draft.
Death, taxes, and the Packers selecting an offensive lineman in the NFL draft.
Tackle is the Packers’ most obvious need (on the offensive line) heading into the draft, but don’t be surprised if they use one (or more) mid-round picks on interior offensive linemen. They constantly encourage competition for that position and want to see “the best man win” the starting job.
Jon Runyan’s free agent move to the New York Giants will alter the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line chemistry for the 2024 season. As a result of Runyan’s departure, there is a hole in the offensive line, particularly on the interior. The Packers have only four interior offensive linemen under contract heading into next season.
The organization may choose to keep Newman on the roster out of necessity, but they will undoubtedly introduce competition in some form. The veteran offensive lineman has played 51 games for Green Bay, starting 24 of them.
