It’s finally time to break down how the Green Bay Packers will reshape the roster for the 2023 season. The opening of the legal tampering period on Monday provided a head start, but the real work begins Wednesday afternoon, potentially starting with a major announcement from a 39-year-old quarterback on his playing future.
Follow along as we break down every move involving the Packers in free agency:
Re-sign KR/CB Keisean Nixon
The move: Packers re-sign Nixon with one-year, $4 million deal
What it means: The Packers retain their explosive return man on a short-term, cost-effective deal. Nixon, a first-team All-Pro in 2022, led the NFL in kickoff returns, kickoff return yards, long kickoff return and returns over 50 yards. He also averaged almost 14 more yards per kickoff return and over five more yards per punt return than all other Packers returners last season. Losing him would have been a disappointing blow to a special teams group that finally progressed under Rich Bisaccia. On defense, Nixon’s return gives the Packers defense another quality option in the slot, where he played almost 300 snaps last season.
Lose WR Allen Lazard to Jets
The move: Lazard to sign four-year deal with Jets.
What it means: The Packers are losing an effective and versatile part of their offense in Lazard, who set career-highs in catches (60) and receiving yards (744) last season and caught 14 touchdown passes over the last two seasons. While he wasn’t a legitimate No. 1 option, Lazard consistently proved to be an excellent complementary weapon, both as a pass-catcher and blocker. Going to New York and playing behind Garrett Wilson – especially in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense – should give Lazard an opportunity to regain his status as an ultra-efficient receiver who wins on third down and in the red zone. The Packers, meanwhile, will be in the market for a veteran receiver. It’s now the Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs show in Green Bay.
Lose DL Jarran Reed to Seahawks
The move: Reed to sign two-year deal with Seahawks.
What it means: Reed will return to Seattle after playing over 700 snaps for the Packers defensive line in 2022. The veteran made flash plays, especially late in the year, but Reed was probably a league-average player down to down. His departure clears the path for 2022 first-round pick Devonte Wyatt, who will be expected to be a full-time player in 2023. The Packers need him to take a big step and become a disruptor in a bigger role. Dean Lowry is also a free agent, so the Packers may prioritize finding a cheap veteran to provide dependable depth around Wyatt, Kenny Clark and TJ Slaton next season.
Second-round tender on OT Yosh Nijman
The move: Packers place second-round restricted tender on Nijman.
What it means: Unless a team signs Nijman to an offer sheet the Packers don’t want to match, the 27-year-old offensive tackle will be back in Green Bay and set up to be a starter on the right side in 2023. While he had issues switching to right tackle and then battling through a shoulder injury to finish last season, Nijman – an undrafted free agent signed in 2019 – has developed into a capable player at a premium position. At the second-round tender, Nijman will cost a little over $4.3 million on the cap in 2023. It’s a more-than-reasonable number for a player who can start at left or right tackle. Expect him to go into training camp as the likely starter at right tackle, and he’s also solid insurance against an injury setback for left tackle David Bakhtiari. If another team is smitten and wants to sign Nijman to a big deal, the Packers could still get back a second-round pick and then reload at offensive tackle through the draft.
Re-sign TE Tyler Davis
The move: Packers re-sign Davis.
What it means: Davis joins Josiah Deguara as the two tight ends under contract from last year’s 53-man roster. He was also the team’s leader in special teams snaps in 2022, so Rich Bisaccia should be pleased. Could Davis take on a bigger role on offense in 2023? Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis are both free agents and likely to move on, opening the door to snaps and opportunities. The Packers still need upgrades at tight end, but this is a start to building out the position for next season.
