On Monday, the Green Bay Packers re-signed cornerback Robert Rochell while offensive tackle Yosh Nijman signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. With Rochell and Nijman off the board, the Packers are down to just five free agents — created via release or an expiring contract — just one week into free agency.
General manager Brian Gutekunst re-signed six free agents and brought back all three exclusive rights free agents. Five players have signed elsewhere. The Packers also signed Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs from other teams.
Let’s run down who is unsigned for the Packers as of Monday night:
S Rudy Ford
A real re-signing option. Ford is coming off an injury-plagued 2023 season and turns 30 in November, but he’s been the team’s best safety in back-to-back years and would provide a quality veteran option — either as a temporary starter next to Xavier McKinney while a draft pick gets ready or as a No. 3 option behind two new starters. Ford is still fast and physical and can play multiple roles on special teams, especially if he’s not featured on defense. He could be increasingly cheap to re-sign during the second wave of free agency.
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LB Eric Wilson
The Packers brought back Kristian Welch to provide depth at linebacker and on special teams, but the guess here is that Wilson is still a legitimate option to return. He’s been one of the core special teamers in Green Bay during each of the last two seasons, and the Packers could probably trust him to play snaps in a punch at off-ball linebacker in the new 4-3 front. Wilson was on the field for over 300 special teams snaps last season. Rich Bisaccia will want him back.
TE Josiah Deguara
Deguara was a top 100 pick in 2020 and stuck around in Green Bay for four seasons. Typically, draft pedigree and some experience is all a player needs to get a second chance. But Deguara plays a specialized role (H-back), wasn’t particularly effective at his role, and his opportunity to play on offense in Green Bay gradually faded. Deguara saw over 200 snaps on special teams in each of the last two seasons, but the Packers may want to see what the draft offers at H-back. Upgrading here is necessary.
RB Patrick Taylor
Taylor, 25, has played in 34 career regular season games for the Packers and can run, catch, block and play special teams. While he’s not above average in any one area, his experience in Green Bay and all-around skill set could mean he’ll have a chance to stick around — especially if the Packers don’t replenish the depth at running back via the draft. But it’s still more likely Taylor will depart now that A.J. Dillon and Emanuel Wilson are back. He’ll likely have options post-draft. The Packers can and will look to upgrade.
LT David Bakhtiari
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Bakhtiari is rehabbing his knee after a fifth surgery and still plans to play in 2024. But his wait could be a long one. Bakhtiari’s release was designated with a failed release, and it might be months before he’s ready to attempt to play football again. If all goes right, Bakhtiari could be a highly valuable addition for any contender, even if it means signing mid-season. The five-time All-Pro will be playing elsewhere in 2024, but he’ll still count a little over $19 million in dead money on the Packers cap.
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