The Green Bay Packers’ defense is expected to have a great season in 2022. The Packers, on paper, boast one of the most fierce defenses in the NFL. With players like Jaire Alexander back from injury, the unit has a chance to propel the team late in the NFL playoffs or potentially a Super Bowl. One Packers defensive tackle might tip the scales in favor of the defense.
The Packers crafted their roster by drafting well and bringing in good free agents. One of the top names the Packers took in free agency this offseason was defensive tackle Jarran Reed. The seven-year veteran primarily was a force on the Seattle Seahawks defense before playing for the Kansas City Chiefs last season.
Reed’s addition to the Packers is turning the heads of the national media. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report put Reed on his list of seven 2022 free agency steals. Here’s what Ballentine had to say about the Packers DT:
Outside of Kenny Clark, the Packers’ interior defensive line could have been considered a weakness. Green Bay gave up the third-highest yards per carry in 2021. It also didn’t offer much pass rush outside of Clark. Dean Lowry, Kingsley Keke and Tyler Lancaster combined for just 7.5 sacks.
The addition of Devonte Wyatt in the first round of the draft has gotten plenty of attention. But the signing of veteran Jarran Reed on a one-year, $3.3 million contract is one that isn’t getting enough love.
The 29-year-old has started every game over the last two seasons and is capable of adding some punch to the pass rush. He only had 2.5 sacks with the Chiefs last season but is a year removed from 6.5.
This was the perfect pickup for a defense that needed help on the interior line. Reed will use his talent and experience to help the young players on the Packers’ defense. This will help the Packers in years to come even if Reed is no longer on the roster.
Reed has the potential to bring a solid pass rush himself without the Packers needing to rely as much on the blitz. He will be expected to pick up his sack numbers from a year ago. He doesn’t need to match his career season record of 10.5, but if he can get it back into the six-plus range, the Packers might have found a gem in free agency.
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