The Green Bay Packers have made some notable moves in the 2024 NFL free agency.
Grading all of the Packers moves in 2024 NFL free agency: Green Bay shows it's ready to contend with signings
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One of their signings is Keisean Nixon, who will be returning for the upcoming season. The Packers value Nixon’s skills as a kick returner, as he has been a two-time All-Pro in that role.
However, there is a potential risk if the kickoff rule changes, diminishing the value of the spot.
Another significant move was the release of Aaron Jones and the signing of Josh Jacobs. Jacobs, who is 26 years old, is seen as a more reliable option for the Packers’ running game.
Injuries hampered his performance last season, but he has a strong track record, rushing for over 1,000 yards in three of his five seasons.
Coach Matt LaFleur’s offense relies heavily on the running game, so the Packers are opting for an experienced player rather than taking a chance on a rookie.
Overall, these signings will shape the Packers’ upcoming season.
AJ Dillon, the running back for the Green Bay Packers, has signed a one-year deal worth up to $2.74 million. Despite expectations that Aaron Jones would return, it is Dillon who gets another chance.
Last season, Dillon had the opportunity to prove himself as a starting caliber back when Jones was injured. Despite rushing for 613 yards and two touchdowns, his 3.4 yards per carry was the lowest of his career. However, he was hindered by a severe stinger and a broken thumb.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst has expressed his preference for a big running back like Dillon in short-yardage situations and adverse weather conditions.
The contract poses minimal risk as it is a one-year deal without long-term commitment.
In another move, the Packers have agreed to terms with safety Xavier McKinney on a four-year, $68 million contract. The safety position holds great importance for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who seeks a player that excels in tackling, ball production, and effective communication.
Although the price tag is high, the Packers are investing heavily in this position for the first time since 2019.
McKinney has demonstrated his productivity throughout his career, with 279 tackles, nine interceptions, and two forced fumbles in four seasons with the Giants.
However, injuries have hampered his performance, including a foot injury that caused him to miss significant time during his rookie season and a broken hand suffered in an ATV accident in 2022.
Greg Joseph, the former Vikings kicker, has signed a one-year deal with the Packers. This indicates that the Packers are not simply giving the kicking job to rookie Anders Carlson, as they did last year.
Although Joseph’s career numbers are similar to Carlson’s, the signing shows that the Packers are serious about having a kicking competition.
Signing Joseph does come with the risk of giving up on Carlson too soon, as many kickers have been released only to find success elsewhere.
In addition, the Packers have re-signed cornerback Corey Ballentine for the 2024 season. This provides them with experienced depth in the secondary, which was crucial considering the injuries they faced last year.
The Packers have also re-signed tight end Tyler Davis. This move is mainly focused on special teams, as Davis played the most special teams plays among all Packers players in 2022. The deal is low-cost, so if Davis doesn’t return to form after his ACL injury, it won’t be a significant loss for the team.
Linebacker Kristian Welch is re-signing with the Packers. He impressed the team with his performance on special teams last season, despite not playing on defense. The signing is another low-cost move, so the Packers can easily part ways with Welch if needed.
The Green Bay Packers are re-signing cornerback Robert Rochell, who is expected to provide depth rather than compete for a starting position. While he didn’t play on defense last season, he saw action on special teams.
The Packers have their top three cornerbacks set, but Rochell will have a chance to earn a roster spot in training camp.
Linebacker Eric Wilson is also returning, primarily as a core special teams’ player. He played some defensive snaps as a backup inside linebacker, but his roster spot is not guaranteed as the team may opt for younger players after training camp.
Overall, these signings add depth to the Packers’ roster and provide options in key areas while minimizing financial risks.
In 2023, the Green Bay Packers took a financial hit trading Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets but had a successful season with Jordan Love. The team focused on building a young roster, making key financial moves to free up cap space,… https://t.co/WKN301KyYZ
— QWIKET NFL (@qwiket_nfl) March 23, 2024
Fans reacted as follows.
The Green Bay Packers have won 2024 NFL Free Agency!! pic.twitter.com/SnDvLYf5Qy
— Packer Mafia 🧀 (@PackerMafia_) March 11, 2024
New post (Green Bay Packers Cut Aaron Jones with Addition of Josh Jacobs in 2024 NFL Free Agency: Among Our 'Toughest Choices') has been published on The latest developments in the business and finance sectors – https://t.co/yIbL9ZoDIs pic.twitter.com/wvkOXrDePu
— Business News (@NewsBusiness_IC) March 13, 2024
Packers release Aaron Jones after adding Josh Jacobs in 2024 NFL free agency: One of our 'hardest decisions'
Jones' tenure in Green Bay has come to a close.— All Sports (@nflsundaynight) March 26, 2024
On paper, the Packers should enter 2024-25 with a solid, well balanced defense. Where they lack, in comparison to the 2010-11 season when Green Bay won the Super Bowl, is Prime Time Playmakers. Is it time to add one via free agency and go offense in the first round?!
2010-11
•…— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) February 24, 2024
Green Bay Packers 2024 free agency tracker with live updates https://t.co/98c6VURVoe pic.twitter.com/fAYm81n9sO
— The Packers Wire (@ThePackersWire) March 11, 2024
