Grading the Packers’ 2020 free agency after the first big wave of signings

Believe it or not, it has not even been seven days since the NFL opened up its 2020 league year. That began last Wednesday at 4 PM Eastern, when teams officially became able to sign unrestricted free agents to contracts.

Currently, most of the free agent contracts remain in limbo, with physical exams pending due to travel restrictions around coronavirus. But the agreements remain in place, and virtually all of the reported contracts should go through. That gives analysts and fans the ability to begin grading teams on their acquisitions (and in some cases their losses in trades).

For the Green Bay Packers, they were fortunate to get the free agency period started early, as they were able to bring in a pair of released players for free agent visits before the league year began and get them checked out and fully signed. Christian Kirksey and Rick Wagner represent the biggest acquisitions of the cycle so far, bolstering the linebacker and right tackle positions, respectively.

The Packers also have three more agreements to report: one-year deals with tight end Marcedes Lewis and defensive back Will Redmond, both returning to Green Bay, plus the recently-reported deal with former Panthers and Colts wide receiver Devin Funchess. Funchess’ arrival would provide the Packers with another veteran receiver opposite Davante Adams, though his athletic abilities leave much to be desired.

Of course, the free agent departures have been significant. Blake Martinez and Bryan Bulaga priced themselves out of the Packers’ reach, each signing three-year, $30 million deals elsewhere. Kyler Fackrell and B.J. Goodson both left as well, leaving some significant holes at the second level of the defense. Green Bay appears to be in line for at least three compensatory draft picks, though, adding to the haul in 2021.

All told, however, Packers fans seem to be largely satisfied with Brian Gutekunst’s moves so far this offseason. In a FanPulse poll from early this week — before the Funchess contract was reported — the fan base is split almost evenly between B and C grades, skewing ever-so-slightly towards a B. Here are the response rates at each letter grade among individuals who responded:

A: 7.8%
B: 45.1%
C: 43.1%
D: 3.9%
F: 0.0%

This voting suggests that fans understand the Packers’ financial limitations this year, which seemingly prevented them from investing huge money in any one player. It also underscores the fact that none of these signings are viewed as slam-dunk moves, however, but that the wide uncertainty of outcomes on the top two players also comes with a relatively small price tag.

Agree or disagree with the FanPulse results? Vote in our poll below to weigh in and give your opinion in the comments.