The Green Bay Packers fell short in the NFL Playoffs last season, losing to the San Francisco 49ers. It was a disappointing ending to an otherwise stellar campaign.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced he will return for the upcoming season. He won his second consecutive MVP plum, his fourth overall, after another phenomenal campaign. He threw for 4,115 yards along with 37 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
Green Bay also franchise-tagged star wide receiver Davante Adams, who remains an essential cog to the team. Adams has been the top target for the Packers for many years, and his connection with Rodgers is unmatched. He finished last season with 123 receptions for 1,553 yards and 11 touchdowns. Their connection is near unstoppable, but they have not been able to get over the hump in the NFL Playoffs.
With cap space as an issue, the Packers will have to rely on under-the-radar additions to improve the roster. Last season, they signed De'Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas, which didn't seem like big additions at the time. However, they both turned into defensive stars. Campbell earned a First Team All-Pro nod, while Douglas became a fan favorite due to his playmaking ability on defense.
Finding more unheralded players will be crucial to the Packers' success this season and there are some ideal options for them in the 2022 NFL free agency.
Packers Free Agency Targets
3. Ray-Ray McCloud – Wide receiver
The Packers' biggest weakness last season was their special teams unit. But they have made it a priority to address this, as they hired former Las Vegas Raiders interim coach and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia.
Part of reformulating that unit will be bringing in new players. McCloud is a quality returner who would fit a need for the Packers. It wouldn't be an exciting signing like bringing in a star, but it could make the difference in making it far in the postseason.
2. Allen Robinson – Wide receiver
While it's a long shot to sign Robinson unless he takes a pay cut, the front office should make an effort. He was one guy that Green Bay was heavily interested in the last time he was a free agent.
He is coming off a down season, but the whole Chicago Bears offense was inconsistent. Robinson is still a physical receiver who would create an elite duo with Adams. Giving Rodgers another top-tier weapon would make the offense a more prolific one.
1. Cory Littleton – Linebacker
De'Vondre Campbell will be tough to bring back in free agency due to cap restraints. If the Packers can't get him back, Littleton would be a viable replacement. He struggled at times with the Raiders but thrived when he was with the Los Angeles Rams.
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry was with the Rams when Littleton had a breakout season. It would be easy to integrate him into the scheme, and he could get back to playing at a high level. He is a good tackler and has coverage skills, making him a versatile linebacker. While it would be tough to lose one of the best linebackers in the league in Campbell, Littleton could soften the blow.
The Packers are set to be Super Bowl contenders once again with Rodgers back, but their moves in free agency will be extremely vital.
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