The Green Bay Packers have not been known for signing high-profile free agents. The Packers hadn’t made a significant investment in free agency in years. However, in 2024, they signed both Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs. Probably two of the best on the market.
They are well-known for signing rich contracts for themselves. Rashan Gary, Jaire Alexander, Kenny Clark, Jordan Love (coming soon), and even Aaron Jones (though this year didn’t work out).
Now the Packers realize they scored an even bigger victory this offseason by doing precisely that.
According to Wendell Ferreira of A to Z Sports, the 2024 Green Bay Packers are seeing continued success.
Rashan Gary signed a four-year, $96 million contract. The most team-friendly component of the contract is that there are no guarantees after the first year – the total guarantees are only $34.6 million. Green Bay won’t cut Gary before 2026, but they have greater leeway.
“It’s great to get that taken care of,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said shortly after the agreement was signed. “Obviously, it is well-deserved, and he has earned everything. I believe in people who approach things the right way, who are talented, and who come to work with the same mindset and commitment that he has. He is a tone-setter. So, I’m very thrilled for him and for our organization.”
Eighteen months after declining two first-round picks and a third-round pick from the Los Angeles Rams for Brian Burns, the Panthers were unable to reach a deal and traded him to the New York Giants for a second-round pick. Burns got a five-year contract worth $141 million ($28.2 million per year), with $87.5 million in guarantees.
Gary had 60 pressures last year, while recovering from an ACL injury (one pressure per 6.4 pass rush snaps, according to PFF data). Meanwhile, Burns recorded 40 pressures (one for every 9.15 pass rush snaps).
On Tuesday, the Jacksonville Jaguars finally agreed to pay Josh Allen. He has been more productive and outperformed Rashan Gary. Allen recorded 17.5 sacks and 90 total pressures last season (one for every 5.7 pass rush snaps).
However, the difference is unlikely to be significant, particularly when estimating future performance. Regardless, Allen signed a five-year, $150 million contract with $88 million in guarantees. The $30 million yearly average ranks third among defensive players, after only Nick Bosa and Chris Jones.
The Packers’ cap situation is expected to be quite good.
Bleacher Nation recently reported the current pay caps for each team:
The Packers are expected to sign another free agent this offseason, according to widespread rumors. Safety is still a need for this club, and there are many veterans available.
