The Green Bay Packers are poised to make significant changes to their secondary during the upcoming offseason, with general manager Brian Gutekunst likely eyeing top-tier talent in the free agent market.
According to one analyst ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, Gutekunst should set his sights on acquiring the best available talent to bolster the team’s defensive backfield.
“The Packers’ top three safeties from last season are all free agents: Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens. That leaves just rookie seventh-round pick Anthony Johnson and a couple of stragglers who rarely played. This presents the perfect opportunity for the Packers to refresh the position with young free agents who can hold down things on defense for the next few years. The best addition would be 26-year-old Antoine Winfield Jr. if Tampa Bay somehow lets him leave.”
With Darnell Savage’s contract set to expire, it’s expected that the veteran safety will seek opportunities elsewhere in 2024. To fill this void, Schatz recommends pursuing Antoine Winfield Jr., a standout All-Pro safety from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Adding Winfield Jr. to the Packers’ roster would not only provide an immediate upgrade but also solidify the safety position.
In addition to Winfield Jr., Schatz identifies several other promising options for the Packers’ secondary, including Xavier McKinney of the New York Giants, Kyle Dugger of the New England Patriots and Jordan Whitehead of the New York Jets. Each of these players brings unique skills and potential to enhance the Packers’ defensive capabilities.
While Winfield Jr. remains a prime candidate for the Buccaneers to retain using the franchise tag, recent reports suggest that the team is engaged in contract negotiations with quarterback Baker Mayfield, potentially impacting their ability to secure Winfield Jr.’s services.
Should Winfield Jr. become available in free agency, the Green Bay Packers would have a compelling opportunity to secure a high-impact player for their secondary.
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