The Green Bay Packers are vying to be one of the best teams in the NFC this season. After the way they finished the 2023 season, they have all the reason in the world to be optimistic.
The Patriots are starting over at quarterback once again after moving on from Mac Jones. Drake Maye is their next hopeful franchise quarterback after being selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Now reports have surfaced that the Patriots have stolen away a free agent target for Maye.
The New England Patriots Sign Free Agent Away Form The Green Bay Packers And Jordan Love
According to of SB Nation:
Six United Football League players had their contracts with the league terminated on Monday, the first day that UFL players were allowed to sign with NFL franchises following the spring season. Among those six were two targets that the Green Bay Packers had reportedly tried to sign.
The first is kicker Jake Bates, who signed with the Detroit Lions after a strong campaign with the Michigan Panthers. Bates reportedly visited Green Bay before making his decision, but he chose to sign with the Lions over the other five teams who were interested in adding the placekicker.
The second player of note, from a Packers’ perspective, is offensive lineman Liam Fornadel of the DC Defenders — who was an All-XFL player in the 2023 season. Like Bates, Green Bay reportedly brought in Fornadel — who is best known for his guard play — on a visit before the offensive lineman signed with the New England Patriots.
Currently, the Packers have limited guard depth on their roster, compared to how many bodies they’ve allocated to the tackle position. Elgton Jenkins plays all across the line as does Zach Tom — who is currently expected to be the team’s starting right tackle in Week 1. Opposite of Jenkins, the players fighting for playing time at right guard are Sean Rhyan and 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan, who has also been getting reps at both left and right tackle this offseason.
Depth gets shallow in a hurry at the position, though, as Royce Newman is the only true backup who has any playing experience for Green Bay.
Newman might also end up being a cap casualty for the team, due to the NFL’s proven performance escalator program. Besides Newman, the Packers’ other backup guard options are Lecitus Smith, who was signed after a tryout opportunity at rookie minicamp, and Donovan Jennings, who is an undrafted rookie who is transitioning from the tackle position.
The Packers Will Have Competition Along The Offensive Line This Season
Having lost David Bakhtiari and already having competition at left tackle, center, and right guard, the Packers may have three different starters from Week 1 of 2023. There may be more depending on what they do with Zach Tom.
The Packers’ offensive line in 2024 remains to be seen, but there is no reason to doubt that it will be solid. Despite a bit of depth on the interior, the talent is there. As the Packers try to place their best five players on the field, there won’t be a shortage of options.
In my opinion, the five best options the Packers have at this moment is Rasheed Walker, Jordan Morgan, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, and Zach Tom.
