Let’s continue our journey through the NFL with a trip to see the free agents of the NFC East.
Earlier this week, I began a series taking a look at one free agent from every single NFL roster, division by division, who I think would be a fit with the Green Bay Packers. We started with the AFC East, and today we’ll be taking a look at players from the NFC East. Let’s get this free-agent ball ROLLING.
Dallas Cowboys: DL Osa Odighizuwa
The Dallas Cowboys sure do know how to lose! Let’s hope they continue to lose…DL Osa Odighizuwa (oh-DIG-ee-zoo-wah), to the Green Bay Packers. 26 years old, Odighizuwa has started 63 of the 67 games in which he’s made an appearance, including all 17 games this season. He posted career highs this year in sacks (4.5), tackles (47), and QB hits (23). For comparison purposes, the Packers’ leader in QB hits this season was Rashan Gary with 15. Actually, let me hammer this in a little bit more: the last time a Packers defender recorded 23 or more QB hits in a season was 2021 (Rashan Gary with 28).
Green Bay needs some JUICE on defense. The acquisition of S Xavier McKinney and the drafting of LB Edgerrin Cooper this season definitely gave the Packers a boost, but signing a guy like Odighizuwa would be just what defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley needs to take them to another level. He’s earned himself a hefty contract from wherever he wants to go, and if the Packers are going to spend major money this offseason, this is the guy they should focus on (I will say this about approximately 12 more players over the coming weeks, I’m sure.)
Osa Odighizuwa had a strong performance with 5 pressures and a sack. You can see his wrestling background here as he essentially maintains momentum as he bear crawls around the corner to get the sack. #Cowboys
— John Owning (@johnowning.bsky.social) 2024-11-29T16:33:23.386Z
New York Giants: LB Azeez Ojulari
If you haven’t noticed, every single one of my free-agent picks so far during this series has been a defensive player. WE. NEED. JUICE. I truly think the Packers are a player or two away from being an absolute powerhouse on this side of the ball. One of the biggest needs: the pass rush. It’s been difficult to replicate the production we saw a decade (!) ago with Clay Matthews. Rashan Gary has been hot and cold, so, basically lukewarm. Lukas Van Ness is still on his way. I’m sure the Packers will use a draft pick at the position, but I won’t be surprised if they bring in a free agent as well, to try and light a spark.
Enter stage right: 24-year-old Azeez Ojulari. Ojulari was a second-round pick out of Georgia (hello, Packers) back in 2021, and ended up setting a Giants franchise record for sacks by a rookie with 8. His usage has dipped since his rookie season, due in part to a couple of stints on IR, along with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns becoming the main duo for the Giants. Make no mistake, though, Ojulari can play (when he’s healthy). He recorded 6 sacks in 11 games this season, as well as a fumble recovery. Due to the injury history, I don’t know that he’ll command a crazy amount of money. It might be worth it to the Packers to see if they can try and bring him to Green Bay.
Azeez Ojulari 2nd sack of the night! pic.twitter.com/JLPDuOoPVZ
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 14, 2024
Philadelphia Eagles: LB Josh Sweat
Oh, another defender, look at that. I could’ve picked Wisconsin-native Zack Baun from the Eagles, but didn’t, for two reasons. 1) Baun is having a career year, but he has basically been a non-factor during his time in the NFL prior to 2024. Thanks to a guy named Nick Perry, I think I’m out on paying guys who have just one good season under their belt. I don’t care if he’s finally being used properly, I’m traumatized! 2) Baun has been quoted as saying “Packers are just another team to me, honestly. I didn’t grow up watching them. I wasn’t a Packers superfan like a lot of people from Wisconsin are.” This would not be the hometown hero signing we’d like it to be. ANYWAYS!
At 27 years old, Josh Sweat should see pretty high demand from various teams around the league. In 104 career games, he’s amassed 43 sacks, 97 QB hits, 7 forced fumbles, and 1 electric interception returned 42 yards for a touchdown. He’s as athletic as they come, and would make a pretty immediate impact in Green Bay.
Another 3rd and short, another TFL to get off the field. This time it is Josh Sweat making the big play.
— Shane Haff (@shanehaffnfl.bsky.social) 2025-01-21T19:17:16.920Z
Washington Commanders: OT Cornelius Lucas
SURPRISE! An offensive player, and it’s not at the position everyone wants! The Packers always manage to find a way to make it work with their offensive line, and depth is a key reason for that. With C Josh Myers being a free agent himself this year, and with the inevitable injuries that come to the front five every season, the Packers may have to do some shuffling in 2025.
Cornelius Lucas will be 34 years old this summer, but I think he has what it takes to pique the interest of GM Brian Gutekunst for at least one season. Standing at 6’8”, Lucas has heavy experience at both left and right tackle. We know the Packers place a ton of value on guys who can play at multiple spots. Did I mention he’s 6’8”? He’s 6’8”. Lucas has played nearly 4,000 snaps in his career, and has been penalized just 16 times. He’s just a solid, reliable guy. Where he decides to take his career next is up in the air, but Green Bay should give him a call (he’s 6’8”).
Continue this weird little journey with me in the coming days, as we take a look at free agents from the AFC West.