Cheese Curds, 3/27: Packers’ secondary remains intact, but long-term needs loom

The Green Bay Packers are in a fortunate position this offseason relative to their divisional rivals. The team’s secondary from last year remains almost entirely intact, something that cannot be said for the rest of the NFC North.

Yes, Tramon Williams is a free agent, but although he played well last season and spent nearly 75% of the time on the field on defense, he remains a possibility to return for one more go in 2020 at the age of 37. But even if he departs or retires, the Packers have not lost a starting defensive back this offseason, while the rest of the division has seen major players in their secondaries leave as free agents, cuts, or trade bait.

With that said, it’s never a bad idea to keep replenishing the stockpile of talented defensive backs, and the Packers do have some concerns after the upcoming season that make the secondary a long-term priority. Kevin King’s contract is up after 2020, and if the team cannot or will not extend his deal, they will be on the lookout for a new starter next offseason. Jaire Alexander is eligible for a fifth-year option for 2022, so the decision on him can wait another couple of years, but he’ll need a new contract at some point.

The safety position seems well-stocked for now at the top, but depth and versatility at that spot is always crucial as well, particularly for a Mike Pettine defense. So if the Packers can identify players who fit their scheme and needs in this year’s draft, don’t be surprised if they make some investments in that area, even as the team does not appear to have an urgent need there for the coming season.

Is cornerback an underrated need for Packers in 2020 draft? | Packers Wire
It's not very sneaky in my opinion -- it's pretty clear that the Packers need to find some depth at the position with Josh Jackson not working out and Kevin King heading into a contract year. The problem, however, is that so many corners did not do agility testing at the Combine and won't have Pro Days, meaning the team will be flying blind a bit on medical and testing evaluations.

Defensive backfields have changed most in NFC North | Packers.com
At least the Packers still have both of their starting corners from last year, though. That can't be said for any of the other teams in the division, two of whom have lost multiple starters in the secondary.

Green Bay Packers positioned for another Jordy Nelson draft scenario | Packersnews.com
This is a logical possibility that many of us at APC have been expecting: trading back from 30 into the early second round and adding perhaps a third-round pick, then still getting one of the excellent second-tier receivers in the late 30s (Brandon Aiyuk, perhaps?).

Being Released by Packers ‘Was Tough Pill to Swallow’ for Graham | SI.com
Graham said he's "the fastest I've been in the last four or five years." If that's true, the timing would be quite inconvenient for the Packers. However, that doesn't address Graham's blocking, and former Packer T.J. Lang had a few things to say about that:

Busch Offers Free Beer for Dog Fostering and Adoption | Food & Wine
With many rescues and dog shelters closing their doors, Anheuser-Busch is offering a three-month supply of beer to anyone who adopts or fosters a dog from a rescue in the Midwest. Now don't go get a dog just to get free beer, but if you're considering it already, there couldn't be a better time.