The Green Bay Packers struck gold in free agency in 2019, signing three quality starters (Preston Smith, Adrian Amos, Billy Turner) and one breakout star (Za’Darius Smith) during GM Brian Gutekunst’s shopping spree.
Spending money won’t be as abundant this time around, but the Packers can still dip back into free agency and find more potential answers at need positions in free agency.
One way to hit it big in free agency is taking chances on players who performed well in limited roles. With a bigger opportunity, highly successful role players can blossom into core players.
Here is one free agent that fits the mold at all two of the Packers’ biggest need positions this offseason:
Linebacker: Nick Kwiatkoski
A fourth-round pick of the Bears in 2016, Kwiatkoski shined when thrust into a bigger role during both the 2017 and 2019 season. This past season, he looked like an ascending player with a legitimate starting-level skillset after taking over for injured starter Danny Trevathan. He’s always been tough against the run, but he also proved effective dropping into coverage and capable as a blitzer, giving him the potential for three-down ability. Quarterbacks had a 66.0 passer rating when targeting him in coverage, and he produced six pressures – including three sacks – on just 22 blitzes. In Week 15, he nearly intercepted Aaron Rodgers while covering Jimmy Graham down the seam, and he later bowled through a blocker for a big sack. Kwiatkoski could be the upgrade on Blake Martinez that the Packers defense needs.
Receiver: Breshad Perriman
Perriman was a bust as a first-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens, but he found new life over the last two seasons, catching 52 passes for 985 yards and eight touchdowns with the Browns and Buccaneers. He averaged 10.5 yards per target, 18.9 yards per catch and cut way back on the drops that plagued the early part of his career. The 26-year-old is big (6-3) and fast (4.3), and Packers personnel executive Milt Hendrickson – who was in Baltimore when the Ravens drafted him in the first round – will know all about his underlying talent. Has the light finally come on? Pair his athleticism and rapidly developing ability with Aaron Rodgers in Matt LaFleur’s offense and Perriman could continue ascending.
