The Green Bay Packers' season ended in disappointment once again, as the team fell short of its ultimate goal with their loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers' decision on his future looms large on the Packers' 2022 NFL offseason and free agency outlook, though it would certainly be surprising to see the team make a big splash at the position if Rodgers wants out, considering they drafted Jordan Love in the first round just two years ago. Whether Rodgers stays or goes, the team still needs to improve as a whole.
So, what could the Packers free agency wish list look like in the 2022 NFL offseason? They don't have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to free agents, as the franchise is currently $40 million over the salary cap. The team will need to restructure several contracts and make some tough decisions this offseason to make any additions in free agency. Even if they do that, the Packers may need to still stay on the cheap side when it comes to adding talent via the free agency pool. That said, here are three early Packers free agent targets for the 2022 NFL offseason.
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Packers Free Agent Targets For 2022 NFL Offseason
3. Melvin Ingram- Outside Linebacker
This is assuming that the Packers opt to cut one of Za'Darius Smith or Preston Smith to create extra cap space. If Green Bay does this, then outside linebacker would open up as a position of need for them in free agency. Enter Melvin Ingram. A three-time Pro Bowler, Ingram started out the year with the Pittsburgh Steelers before he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. Ingram has been solid, picking up two sacks and six quarterback hits in 11 games for the Chiefs, including the playoffs. In this scenario, the Packers would- hopefully- still have one of the Smiths on one side and could have Ingram as their other outside linebacker. At 32 years old, his best pass-rushing days are likely behind him. However, Ingram's veteran presence would still be welcome on the defensive side of the ball.
2. Emmanuel Sanders -Wide Receiver
Whether Aaron Rodgers stays or goes, the Packers are going to need some better pass-catchers around their quarterback. Sanders had a solid season for the Buffalo Bills, hauling in 42 catches for 626 yards and four touchdowns. The veteran's season was cut short by a knee injury, then he was on the outside looking in during the Bills' playoff loss to the Chiefs. The emergence of wideouts Gabriel Davis and Isaiah McKenzie have made Sanders expendable in Buffalo. Perhaps the 35-year-old, who is still a viable NFL wideout, could find a home in Green Bay in the 2022 NFL offseason.
1. Evan Engram- Tight End
This is admittedly, a wild card. The Packers already have Robert Tonyan, who has enjoyed a solid connection with Rodgers. However, Engram, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of being the player he was hyped up to be with the New York Giants. Injuries have certainly played their part in limiting Engram's effectiveness, though he has still managed to put up 600-plus yards in two seasons in the NFL. With 4.42 40-yard dash speed, Engram, still just 27, would add a new dynamic to the Packers' tight end room while also providing another deep threat to whoever is throwing passes for the Packers next year.
These free agent options are all on the cheap side and not the splashes most Packers fans will want. However, these are early options to consider ahead of the 2022 NFL offseason.
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