An examination of the 2019 free agent class across the NFL would not be complete without a look at players who may be available due to roster cuts. Plenty of high-priced veterans currently face the prospect of being released for salary cap purposes, and many of them should interest the Green Bay Packers this offseason.
Last year, the Packers thought they hit big with one such signing, as they brought in Muhammad Wilkerson on a one-year deal. Obviously that was a disappointment, but not because it was a bad signing — simply because he broke his ankle and missed most of the season.
Bringing Wilkerson back could help solve one question on defense, but there are players who could end up on the market who would be able to help the Packers in other areas. Guard, for example, could see names like Kelechi Osemele or T.J. Lang on the market, and each could help for a year or two as the team keeps trying to find a right guard for the long-term. Pass-rushers like Justin Houston, Robert Quinn, and several others should be interesting as well to provide some veteran assistance.
Which of these players would excite you the most?
Five 2019 offseason moves each NFC team should make | ESPN
Interestingly, the one free agent that Bill Barnwell says the Packers should retain is Muhammad Wilkerson, rather than Bashaud Breeland. Personally, I'd like both back for next year, but I see Breeland as being the bigger priority. Meanwhile, the free safety position is a focus as well.
Cut candidate Kelechi Osemele could be perfect fit for Packers | Packers Wire
Yep. This would be as ideal a situation as it gets. Osemele is a former All-Pro guard, he’ll be 30 this year, and new Packers exec Milt Hendrickson scouted him for the Ravens when Baltimore drafted him. Now the question is whether the Raiders will cut him — something they could do without absorbing any dead money on the salary cap.
AFC cut candidates: Blake Bortles obvious, but Justin Houston? - NFL.com
Besides Osemele above, we discussed Houston and Robert Quinn as possibilities over the weekend. In addition, the Packers could make a run at Malik Jackson if they aren't sold on keeping Wilkerson. Look for a list of potential NFC cuts coming sometime today.
Packers Hall of Fame celebrating Valentine's Day with buy-one-get-one-free admission | Packers.com
Looking for something to do with your sweetheart today? if you're in the Green Bay area and are free during the day, one of you can get in free at the Hall of Fame!
La. Tech's Jaylon Ferguson disinvited to scouting combine - NFL.com
Ferguson was at the Senior Bowl, so he at least got face time with NFL coaches and scouts. However, a background check caused the league to rescind his invite to Indy due to a simple battery conviction from his freshman year resulting from a fight at a McDonald's.
Argos ink defensive tackle Cory ‘Poop’ Johnson - CFL.ca
Congratulations to Mr. Johnson, who will no doubt plug up the middle in Toronto this season. Hopefully he plays well and doesn’t force the Argonauts to void his contract.
Finally, we have a great (and amusing) message from one of the Packers’ wives to her husband:
Shoutout to the @packers for saving me $5 at hallmark
— anna linsley (@aelinsley) February 14, 2019
Happy Valentines Day @Linsley71! pic.twitter.com/4krmWenk2c