With the legal tampering period of the 2020 league year coming into play, it’s time for all NFL teams to make their offers to upcoming free agents. No transaction will be made official until the actual start of the league year at 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 18, but that never stops teams from transacting.
So, it’s time to track and grade all the transactions. The Packers are already all in on two potentially valuable additions recently released by other teams.
Christian Kirksey, LB, Green Bay Packers
Linebacker was a big need for the Green Bay Packers entering free agency, with both starters from last season (Blake Martinez and B.J. Goodson) set to hit free agency. Kirksey gives the Packers a veteran option, but he comes with some injury concerns. He was placed on injured reserve near the end of the 2018 season with a hamstring injury, and he missed most of the 2019 season with a chest injury. If he can stay healthy – which seems to be a big if – this can be a solid signing.
Grade: B
Rick Wagner, OT, Green Bay Packers
Given that it seems Bryan Bulaga was not going to be in Green Bay’s plans this season, they needed an option at right tackle. And given their spot in the draft order, and the lack of top-flight talent available for them in free agency, Rick Wagner is a solid move. He has been a mainstay on the Lions’ offensive line for the past three seasons, and is a decent option as a pass blocker. He may have taken a step back in his play last season, but the Packers did address a need here.
Grade: B+
