Latest Packers update could spell bad news for free agents

It's expected that Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst will at least be semi-active in the NFL's upcoming free agency period. 

With Aaron Rodgers finally off the books. Gutekunst will have a bit of money to spend. He'd also create some roster space and change for 2024's roster by saying goodbye to a few key free agents, and according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, there's a real chance several of Green Bay's free agents aren't offered contracts by the Packers when the window opens up.

That list includes former first-round safety Darnell Savage, former All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon and former second-round pick running back A.J. Dillon.

"There isn't a 'must re-sign' player left on the Green Bay Packers' list of unrestricted free agents, which means it's possible that general manager Brian Gutekunst could let more than a half-dozen full- or part-time starters pursue deals with other teams when the negotiating window opens March 11," Demovsky wrote.

Of the players mentioned, there's a case to be made that all three could be playing elsewhere next season.

Savage has shown flashes of being a first-round talent since he was taken in 2019, but he's never been consistent and is prone to getting beat. 

Nixon is a multi-talented player who can be a nickel corner as well as a returner, but he's a great depth piece and nothing more as a cornerback and there's reason to believe his two All-Pro seasons in a row as a returner are his high water mark as a player.

As far as Dillon is concerned? The Packers certainly invested a ton in him and he's had plenty of opportunities to prove that he can be "the guy" in head coach Matt LaFleur's offense, but he's proven to be nothing but a complimentary piece and likely a career backup running back.

All three players could be replaced in the 2024 NFL Draft and for better value than what Green Bay would have to pay on a free-agent contract. That's not even to mention fellow free agents Jon Runyan (guard), Yosh Nijman (tackle) Jonathan Owens (safety), Rudy Ford (safety) and Eric Wilson (linebacker).

Nijman may be worth another look considering the uncertainty at left tackle for Green Bay and Wilson was a standout on special teams. 

There are a few players worth bringing back -- namely Nijman and Wilson -- but Gutekunst has a war chest of picks in the upcoming draft and may be wise to fill his roster that way instead.