Packers' free agency plan sparks interesting reactions from NFL executives, revealing a deeper strategy behind their moves

The Green Bay Packers spent significant resources in free agency, even though volume wasn't a priority. General manager Brian Gutekunst targeted specific players, adding guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs on the first day of the legal tampering period. Later, the only additions were minor moves—wide receiver Mecole Hardman and linebacker Kristian Welch.

Behind these additions, there's a theme, according to executives and scouts around the league interviewed by The Athletic's Mike Sando. Toughness is what they are looking for.

"Banks is a good player and a physical, tough dude," an executive told Sando. “I think the 49ers wanted to keep him, but they weren't paying anyone."

There are questions about Banks' value, since he was the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in free agency at $19.25 million per season. The logic, though, is to make the offensive line better with the combination of Banks at left guard and Elgton Jenkins moving to center.

"Jordan Love got hurt last year, so with Banks coming from the same offense, that allows them to add protection in a guy who is young and knows the system," another executive said. "I do not know if Banks is the right guy, but I see the thinking behind what they are doing."

The second biggest signing was Nate Hobbs, a former player from the Las Vegas Raiders. Even though he spent most of his NFL career in the slot, the Packers see a versatile defensive back who can play in the boundary as well. He agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal.

"Hobbs will help them,” an exec told The Athletic. "He is not going to be a prima donna like Jaire Alexander. He is going to come in and play hard, and that is going to be big for them. The mentality is good. He is also a versatile nickel guy — a tough, physical piece who the defensive coordinator can move around and use in different ways."

Technically, Jaire Alexander is still on the roster—and he might stay, even though the most likely scenario is still a trade or release. And with the addition of Hobbs, the Packers try to recreate some of their depth. The team lost Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell in free agency at the position.

A notable part of Sando's exercise is evaluating how much (or little) the team lost in free agency. Combining all Packers free agents who signed elsewhere, it's only $19 million in yearly average, which is 26th in the entire NFL—and less money than what the Packers gave Banks alone. Continuity will be a big part of the process.

Last year, the Packers had already taken the first steps to create a tough, physical football team. In free agency, adding running back Josh Jacobs had that goal in mind. Now, Gutekunst follows the plan, trying to build a gritty, tenacious roster.