The Green Bay Packers have struggled in a big way throughout the 2018 NFL season thus far and are very close to seeing their playoff hopes disappear. Heading into this week's matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers are in a must-win situation. If they lose, they will drop to 4-6-1, which would be too much of a hole to dig themselves back out of.
Brian Gutekunst took over as the Packers' general manager ahead of last offseason. Not only did he show a much different personality than Ted Thompson had, he also made some great moves that have paid off.
For example, the Packers' decision to trade back to draft Jaire Alexander has panned out well. Getting Josh Jackson in the second round has looked like a smart move as well. Holding off on signing a big name cornerback ended well with Bashaud Breeland signing a discounted contract.
Green Bay is not the team that fans have become accustomed to seeing stand pat in the offseason. They are looking to be aggressive and they want to build a championship roster around Aaron Rodgers.
Looking ahead at the upcoming offseason, the Packers are going to have some decisions to make. Just how aggressive do they want to be in free agency?
Here are three players that the Packers should try target in free agency this coming offseason.
3. Bashaud Breeland, Cornerback
Let's just go ahead and start with a player that is currently on the Packers' roster. Breeland may not be a superstar, but he is a very solid veteran cornerback. Every team needs to have veteran pieces like Breeland on their defense.
In the three games that he has played in this season with the Packers, Breeland has racked up 13 tackles to go along with an interception and two defended passes.
Breeland may not be a lockdown corner, but the Packers certainly should try to keep him. He isn't going to be as cheap as he was in the middle of the season, but Green Bay may be able to get him on a discount.
2. Josh Gordon, Wide Receiver
One potential need that the Packers may have to focus on this offseason is bringing in another wide receiver or two for Rodgers to work with. Jordy Nelson was let go last offseason and Randall Cobb will hit free agency this offseason as well. More than likely, the Packers will strongly consider letting Cobb walk and will try to replace him with other players.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling has stepped up this season as a rookie and shown that he can be counted on long-term. Green Bay still could be interested in scouring the free agent market for a playmaker.
Josh Gordon would make a lot of sense for the Packers. He may end up sticking around in New England with the Patriots, but if he does leave, joining Rodgers in Green Bay would make sense.
Throughout the 2018 NFL season split between the Browns and Patriots, Gordon has played in eight games. He has caught 27 passes for 494 yards and three touchdowns.
1. Jadeveon Clowney, Outside Linebacker
Finally, the Packers have to upgrade the outside linebacker position this offseason. Jadeveon Clowney would be a dream scenario for Green Bay, although signing him would mean letting Clay Matthews walk in free agency.
As much as Matthews has meant to the Packers over the years, he is no longer the superstar that he once was. Clowney is a growing superstar that could completely change the Packers' pass rushing ability.
Clowney has had an up-and-down season this year with the Houston Texans. He has recorded 29 tackles to go along with 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. Unfortunately, Clowney has also struggled from a penalty standpoint, giving up way too many penalties.
Green Bay should still target him this offseason. Clowney is going to be a hot commodity this offseason, but the Packers have some money to work with and signing him would be a wise investment with it.
Follow Us
Subscribe