The Green Bay Packers made the move to release veteran tight end Jimmy Graham prior to the opening of the NFL free agency negotiating window. It was a move that saved the franchise money and they were hopeful that it would help them sign free agent tight end Austin Hooper. Unfortunately, Hooper ended up agreeing to terms with the Cleveland Browns soon after the negotiating window opened.
Now, it appears the Packers have their eyes on another veteran tight end in free agency. ESPN reporter John Keim reported that the Packers are among the teams who have expressed interest in signing Delanie Walker this offseason.
The Redskins have expressed interest in TE Delanie Walker. So, too, have the Colts and the Packers, per source. Not sure anything happens fast, but those are the teams who have expressed some level of interest.
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 18, 2020
Walker is no Hooper, but he would be a solid consolation prize for the team. Green Bay simply needs production from the tight end position and if Walker stays healthy, he could absolutely provide that.
Unfortunately, health has been a major concern for Walker. He played in just seven games last season and only played in one game during the 2018 season. Back in 2017, however, he racked up 74 receptions for 807 yards and three touchdowns.
Granted, Walker is now 35 years old and is no longer in the prime of his career. Despite that fact, the Packers should still look to sign him.
Let's take a look at why Walker would be a perfect addition for the Packers.
Packers Don't Need An Elite Tight End
Quite simply, the Packers would only need Walker to come in and be a consistent presence for Aaron Rodgers. They don't need a tight end to catch 75 passes for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns. All they need is a guy who can come in and consistently catch passes when targeted.
Rodgers has always liked utilizing his tight ends dating back to the Jermichael Finley days. He loved playing with Graham, but the veteran tight end didn't have much left. Walker is still much more athletic than Graham was and would play a bigger role.
Walker is still more than capable of putting up 60 receptions for 650 yards and a handful of touchdowns. That is all the Packers would be asking of him.
Delanie Walker's Price Tag Won't Break The Bank
Also, the Packers have to be careful this offseason that they don't overspend. Brian Gutekunst, the team's general manager, does not have a huge budget to work with. Walker would not come dirt cheap, but he would require nothing close to what the Browns gave Hooper.
Green Bay would be able to bring Walker in at a reasonable price. They would still be able to make another move or two in free agency with their remaining cap space if they chose to do so.
Getting Walker on a team-friendly deal would be a big win for the Packers.
The Offense Should Improve Elsewhere As Well
Finally, the Packers know they need to improve at wide receiver. Davante Adams is an elite receiver and one of the best in the game. Behind him, the Packers have Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, which isn't going to get the job done.
Walker would absolutely be an improvement for the offense, but they would not be expecting him to be the one and only improvement. He would be a piece of the puzzle. Green Bay would be looking to add an impact wide receiver either in free agency or the 2020 NFL Draft.
Expect to see the Packers get aggressive about adding pieces to their offense. They went 13-3 last season and made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game. With Rodgers not getting any younger, Green Bay knows they can't waste any more time getting him as much help as possible.
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