The Green Bay Packers have big decisions to make over the next few days. The legal tampering period opens Monday afternoon, allowing free agents to negotiate and agree to terms with other teams, and the start of the new league year and free agency arrives Wednesday afternoon. With 17 free agents lacking contracts and a franchise-altering decision to make at quarterback, the Packers have their hands full.
Here are a few quick predictions as the Packers prepare to enter free agency in 2023:
— Receiver Allen Lazard leaves to sign a lucrative deal elsewhere. His value is probably highest in Green Bay, but he’s a quality complementary receiver in a market lacking good options. He’ll get paid, and rightfully so. But probably overpaid.
— Offensive tackle Yosh Nijman receives the second-round tender. He’ll be a top candidate to start at right tackle in 2023. The Packers can’t afford to let a developing young player with quality starting experience at a premium position get away, especially when an easy option like the second-round tender is available.
— All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon is re-signed. He is an explosive, field-flipping returner and can play in the slot. Is it possible Nixon finds a big payday elsewhere? Sure. But the Packers should value him enough to keep him in Green Bay.
— The Packers eventually sign (or re-sign) a safety, tight end, receiver and defensive lineman. All four positions need veteran help.
— The elder statesmen depart. Although Mason Crosby is expected to return, the guess here is that Marcedes Lewis and Randall Cobb both move on or eventually retire.
— The Packers eventually bring back the core special teamers. The special teams improved in 2022, and experienced players like Dallin Leavitt, Eric Wilson and Corey Ballentine were a big reason why.
— Expect more contract restructures. Rasul Douglas, De’Vondre Campbell and Pat O’Donnell are among the obvious restructure candidates given their base salaries in 2023. The Packers will need more cap space to sign players and operate during the season.
— Aaron Rodgers is traded to the New York Jets. This seems like a matter of when, not if. Maybe he retires. Returning to Green Bay appears to be the most unlikely option.
— If (or when) Rodgers is traded, the Packers will sign a veteran backup quarterback.
