NFL free agency has begun, and the transaction wire has been very busy around the league as usual. Here are the free agency updates for the Green Bay Packers so far, as there have been new additions as well as departures.
Isaiah McDuffie LB
The Packers kicked off their free agency by resigning linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. McDuffie is the only remaining pick from the Packers 2021 draft to still be on the roster. McDuffie signed a 2-year eight-million-dollar deal with a chance for up to 9.5 million. McDuffie has logged 183 tackles over the last two seasons.
Brandon McManus K
The Packers made sure to retain Brandon McManus not long after bringing back Isaiah McDuffie. McManus proved to be a reliable kicker for the Packers this past season. Green Bay was in dire need for an answer at kicker early at the start of last season.
McManus proved to be the guy for the job. McManus was 20 for 21 on the season for field goal attempts and was a perfect 30 for 30 on extra point attempts. With this signing, Green Bay will avoid being in a scramble to find a reliable guy. McManus was brought back on a three year 15.3-million-dollar deal.
Aaron Banks G
Green Bay’s first official splash in free agency came as a surprise to most. The Packers signed Aaron Banks, former guard for the San Francisco 49ers. The Packers are paying Banks for four years at 77 million dollars. That’s a lot of dough. Hopefully this turns out to be another well scouted signing from Gutekunst and company. There can never be too much protection for your quarterback.
Nate Hobbs CB
As many anticipated, the Packers had several corners set to be free agents this cycle. With so any unknowns, Green Bay signed former Raider’s cornerback Nate Hobbs to a four year 48-million-dollar contract. Hobbs will provide more security for an already thin corner room.
When asked about why Hobbs wanted to sign for Green Bay, he stated “Everybody I’ve spoken to about it likes it. It’s a special place. I want to be part of a special place.” Hobbs will wear number 21 for Green Bay. Let’s hope his impact is similar to the former Green Bay legend who wore 21 and came from the Raiders.
Departures
T.J. Slayton
The Packers have certainly added to several positions of need; however, a few former players are on their way out of Green Bay. Former defensive lineman T.J. Slaton has found his new home in Cincinnati. Slaton was drafted by Green Bay in 2021 and was never more than an average rotational piece for Green Bay.
AJ Dillon RB
Former running back AJ Dillon landed in Philadelphia earlier this week. The former running back spent his 2024 season injured and with an already crowded running back room, he was unlikely to find the playing time he was looking for. The Packers will look to rely on Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd who was unable to stay healthy his rookie season in 2024.
Eric Stokes CB
Another draft pick from 2021 found a new home. Eric Stokes, the Packers former first round selection has signed with the Raiders. Stokes had a promising rookie season but was riddled with injuries in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Despite playing the majority of the 2024 season, the play was not consistent.
Josh Myers C
It looks as if the Packers are planning to shake up their offensive line starters as center Josh Myers signed with the New York Jets earlier this week. Myers was also a 2021 draft selection. Myers missed only one game since his rookie season. It’s hard to understand what the plans are for the Packers up front, as Myers signed an extremely cheap deal with the Jets.
Eric Wilson LB
By bringing back Isaiah McDuffie, it was clear that Eric Wilson’s time in Green Bay was over. Wilson was a solid contributor for Green Bay on the special team’s front and filled in at linebacker when called upon. Wilson will play for the division rival in Minnesota this upcoming season.
Corey Ballentine CB
The cornerback room lost yet another body, as Corey Ballentine signed with the Colts. Ballentine was originally drafted by the Giants. Ballentine was a defensive reserve player and contributed the most on special teams.
What’s Next?
The Packers have not addressed the holes at their defensive front. It seems unlikely that this will be improved through agency, as most of the promising free agents have signed elsewhere. It looks as if the only option left is Trey Hendrickson from Cincinatti, but multiple reports from around the league have made it clear that the asking price is too high right now. Will Gutekunst make one more splash at a great position of need? Or will he rely on the draft?
The post Free Agency Updates for the Green Bay Packers; additions and departures first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.