The Green Bay Packers are rarely active in NFL free agency for top players. However, unusual circumstances this offseason could now open the door for a big signing as the team is reportedly viewed as a serious threat on the open market.
While the Packers don’t have significant cap room right now, the team can get there quickly by releasing offensive tackle David Bakhtiari and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. The team is also in active negotiations to restructure Aaron Jones’ contract and all three moves would generate nearly $30 million in cap space.
- Green Bay Packers cap space 2024: $13.628 million
Related: Highest-paid NFL players 2024
Green Bay won’t be getting involved in the bidding war for one of the top cornerbacks, wide receivers or defensive linemen available this offseason. However, one glaring Packers need could be addressed with a big name and NFL teams are taking Green Bay seriously this offseason.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday that teams around the league consider the Packers a “threat” in the safety market ahead of NFL free agency. It’s believed Green Bay could pursue Xavier McKinney, Kamren Curl and Quandre Diggs.
Related: Green Bay Packers may have key advantage for Xavier McKinney
Green Bay has a few ties to McKinney that could at least get its foot in the door for negotiations. McKinney and quarterback Jordan Love both share an agent. In addition, Packers defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley coached McKinney at Alabama.
- Best safeties in NFL free agency: Xavier McKinney, Kamren Curl, Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, Geno Stone, Julian Blackmon
While signing McKinney would count into the NFL’s compensatory formula, that’s not the case with Diggs. Because he was released by the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, Green Bay could sign Diggs and it wouldn’t hurt them when the NFL determines compensatory picks in 2025.
Kamren Curl is another highly intriguing option for the Packers. A seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Curl is entering his age-25 season and is well-regarded both for his skills in pass coverage and as a run defender. If the Packers are able to land one of the top safeties in NFL free agency, it would open the door for general manager Brian Gutekunst to use his first-round pick on an edge rusher or cornerback in Round 1.
