A surprising contributor for the Green Bay Packers late in the 2019 season will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Jared Veldheer, the veteran offensive tackle claimed off waivers in late November and eventually activated to the roster in December, has an expiring contract.
Here’s the case for and against re-signing Veldheer:
Case for
The veteran has 10 years of NFL experience, including 113 regular-season starts and five playoff appearances, and experience is often hugely valuable for an offensive tackle. He possesses terrific size (6-8), strong spatial awareness and decent feet, making him a reliable pass protector. Many of his pass-blocking snaps late in the year ended without issue. Starting caliber offensive tackles remain difficult to find, and there’s no question Veldheer can step in and play in a pinch. He held up just fine in relief appearances for Bryan Bulaga in Detroit in Week 17 and in the divisional round of the postseason. He’d have maximum value as a swing tackle, but it’s possible he could be a cheap, stopgap starter while the Packers develop a future long-term option at right tackle. Bulaga is also a free agent, and he’ll be far more expensive. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers specifically mentioned Veldheer as one of the team’s most important in-season additions. The gap between him and Alex Light, the top backup to start the 2019 season, was and is substantial. While his best position is probably on the right side, Veldheer has experience at left tackle.
Case against
Veldheer will turn 33 years old in June. It would be a huge risk for the Packers to bank on him being a full-time starter and lasting an entire season. As a spot starter, he was fine. Who knows if he can withstand the grind and punishment of a full season. Veldheer held in there during his two games but neither was a clean performance. He can be susceptible to power moves and quickness inside. The Seahawks got around him several times for stops and pressures with bull-rushes and inside slanting rushes. There’s a good chance he’d get exposed over an extended run of playing time. While generally reliable in protection, he’s a below-average run blocker and a substantial downgrade from Bulaga in the run game overall. He’s a finesse player all the way. It’s unclear if, at this point, Veldheer even wants to play another season. If he does, he’ll probably want good money and a decent chance to start. The market at offensive tackle is always lucrative, even for borderline starters.
