NFL Free Agent Tracker: Top 60 at Packers’ Positions of Need
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers had money to spend and holes to fill when NFL free agency unofficially opened on Monday. With about $35 million of cap space following the release of David Bakhtiari, the Packers struck quickly by signing Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs.
Here is an updated look at our top 60 free agents at positions of need. For the sake of this, the emphasis was on safeties, linebackers and cornerbacks, a starting left tackle (but not a mediocre starter), a challenger at guard and depth at defensive end.
Of note, 11 of our top 12 linebackers have signed.
Running back was not considered a major need after GM Brian Gutekunst had signaled earlier in the offseason the intention to bring back Aaron Jones. Thus, Jacobs and the other backs were further down the list than they would have been otherwise.
Signed by Packers: No. 1 – S Xavier McKinney, Giants
Draft: Second round, 2020. Age: 24.
Resume: McKinney’s well-rounded skill-set makes him the rather clear-cut No. 1 at safety. In turn, because of the enormous need at safety, that makes him the No. 1 overall free agent. He started 46 games in four seasons, missing large chunks of 2020 (broken foot) and 2022 (broken hand from an ATV accident). In between, he posted five interceptions in 2021 and three interceptions and 116 tackles in 2023. Of his 1,128 snaps in 2023, 464 came at free safety, 388 came in the box and 167 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, McKinney ranked fourth in missed-tackle percentage (seven misses; 5.7 percent) and sixth in passer rating (52.1). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was 28th with 9.8 snaps per reception.
College scouting reports carry over to free-agent scouting. Only GM Brian Gutekunst knows if McKinney’s so-so testing numbers will matter in the current evaluation.
For what it’s worth: McKinney played his college ball at Alabama. He overlapped by one season with new Packers defensive passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley.
No. 2 – S Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis Colts
Draft: Third round, 2020. Age: 25.
Resume: Blackmon missed most of 2021 following a torn Achilles and had a quiet 2022. In 2023, though, he set career highs with four interceptions, eight passes defensed and 88 tackles. Of his 987 snaps in 2023, 308 came at free safety, 468 came in the box and 175 came in the slot.
Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked seventh in missed-tackle percentage (seven misses; 7.4 percent) and 10th in passer rating (55.8). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was 45th with 6.8 snaps per reception. He spent most of his college career at Utah playing cornerback; that coverage ability is clear.
No. 3 – S Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos
Draft: Third round, 2016. Age: 30.
Resume: Released by the Broncos, Simmons is a street free agent. Over the last five seasons, he’s earned either All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors every season with an NFL-leading 23 interceptions. After an NFL-high six interceptions in 2022, he had three interceptions in 2023 to earn second-team All-Pro. Of his 985 snaps in 2023, 594 came at free safety, 230 came in the box and 144 came in the slot.
Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 43rd in missed-tackle percentage (nine misses; 11.8 percent) and 30th in passer rating (85.9). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was 11th with 13.7 snaps per reception. He is a high-IQ, high-production defender.
Signed by Jets: No. 4 – LT Tyron Smith, Cowboys
Draft: First round, 2011. Age: 33.
Resume: The Packers are ready to move on from one potential Hall of Famer. Could a future Hall of Famer be the short-term replacement for a team looking to make a push to a championship? He was a second-team All-Pro last season. Of 68 offensive tackles to play at least 325 pass-protecting snaps, Smith ranked third in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency, which measures sacks, hits and hurries allowed per passing play. He’s allowed five sacks the last six seasons.
Signed by Dolphins: No. 5 – LB Jordyn Brooks, Seahawks
Draft: First round, 2020. Age: 26.
Resume: Brooks started all but two games over the last three seasons. Lost in the considerable shadow of Bobby Wagner for most of his career, Brooks posted elite production. In 2021, he had 184 tackles, including a league-leading 109 solos. He added 161 tackles in 2022 and 111 in 2023, when he recorded his only career interception. While not quite the playmaker of Baltimore’s Patrick Queen and Carolina’s Frankie Luvu, he is much better in coverage. Like Queen and Luvu, he misses too many tackles (21; 16.5 percent ranking 62nd out of 66).
Signed by Steelers: No. 6 – LB Patrick Queen, Ravens
Draft: First round, 2020. Age: 24.
Resume: Queen has started all 67 games over four seasons. Flanked by Roquan Smith in 2023, Queen set a career high with 133 tackles. He might get engulfed by powerful blockers at times but you’ve got to love 13.5 sacks and 37 tackles for losses in four seasons and back-to-back seasons of six passes defensed. He is at his best when put in attack mode. One knock: He missed 22 tackles last season. Out of 66 linebackers with at least 500 snaps, Queen ranked 56th with a missed-tackle rate of 15.1 percent.
Signed by Panthers: No. 7 – G Robert Hunt, Dolphins
Draft: Second round, 2020. Age: 27.
Resume: Hunt started all 17 games in 2021 and 2022 but was healthy for 10 starts at right guard in 2023. When he played, the Dolphins were 8-3. When he did not, they were 3-3. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he’s got great size and was a great fit in helping Miami’s power running scheme. Of 72 yards with at least 325 pass-protecting snaps last year, he ranked second in PFF’s pass-rushing productivity, which measures sacks, hits and hurries per passing play. He’d be a great fit, depending on the Packers’ level of trust in Sean Rhyan.
Signed by Commanders: No. 8 – LB Frankie Luvu, Panthers
Draft: Undrafted, 2018. Age: 27.
Resume: Luvu mostly played off the bench for his first four seasons. Then, he got his chance with the Panthers. He had 111 tackles, seven sacks and 19 tackles for losses in 2022 and 125 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for losses in 2023, when he started all 17 games. He added five passes defensed and two forced fumbles. Over the last two seasons, PFF has Luvu ranked second among off-the-ball linebackers with 43 pressures. He’s not great in coverage but, like Queen, let him go on the attack and create havoc. Also like Queen, he misses too many tackles (22; 15.3 percent ranking 57th out of 66).
Signed by Dolphins: No. 9 – CB Kendall Fuller, Commanders
Draft: Third round, 2016. Age: 29.
Resume: Drafted by Washington, Fuller was a full-time starter for all four seasons upon his return to Washington in 2020. During that span, he collected 10 of his 16 career interceptions and 49 of his 75 career passes defensed. In 2023, he had two interceptions and nine passes defensed. Of 100 corners with at least 300 coverage snaps last year, he ranked 65th with a 101.9 passer rating allowed. He gave up six touchdowns but just 10.0 yards per completion. His career includes ample action in the slot and at safety, which should be appealing as GM Brian Gutekunst weighs how to build his secondary.
Signed by Rams: No. 10 – S Kamren Curl, Commanders
Draft: Seventh round, 2020. Age: 25.
Resume: Curl started a career-high 16 games in 2023 and had a career-high 115 tackles and a career-high-tying five passes defensed. A cornerback to start his career at Arkansas, his lone NFL interception came as a rookie. Of his 1,088 snaps in 2023, 422 came at free safety, 429 came in the box and 166 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 38th in missed-tackle percentage (14 misses; 11.2 percent) and 55th in passer rating (110.2). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was 28th with 9.8 snaps per reception.
Re-signed: No. 11 – S Alohi Gilman, Los Angeles Chargers
Draft: Sixth round, 2020. Age: 26.
Resume: After starting nine games his first three seasons, Gilman started all 14 appearances in 2023. He set career highs with two interceptions, 10 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and 73 tackles. Of his 928 snaps in 2023, 660 came at free safety, 170 came in the box and 92 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 47th in missed-tackle percentage (10 misses; 12.3 percent) and 41st in passer rating (96.7). Had he reached our threshold of at least 75 slot-coverage snaps, he would have ranked 46th with 6.2 snaps per reception.
His draft stock dropped after poor pre-draft workouts, but few safeties had better ball production in 2023.
Signed by Eagles: No. 12 – S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Lions
Draft: Fourth round, 2019. Age: 25.
Resume: Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year contract with Detroit in free agency but missed most of the season with a torn pectoral. He was back for the playoffs. Traded from the Saints to the Eagles in 2022, he led the NFL with six interceptions despite missing the end of the regular season with a lacerated kidney and added a career-high 67 tackles. He broke up 13 passes in 2020.
Using his 2022 numbers, he played 393 snaps at free safety, 166 in box and 153 in the slot. Not unlike Darnell Savage, he’s got five years of missed tackles on his resume (his career mark of 17.5 percent would have ranked 66th in 2023). In 2022, he ranked 35th out of 45 qualifying safeties with 6.9 slot-coverage snaps per reception.
Signed by Buccaneers: No. 13 – S Jordan Whitehead, Jets
Draft: Fourth round, 2018. Age: 26.
Resume: In five seasons, Whitehead has 11 interceptions with 89 starts. He started all 34 games in two seasons with the Jets. In 2023, he set or matched career highs with four interceptions, nine passes defensed and 97 tackles. PFF charged him with a position-worst seven touchdown receptions. He’s that weird combination of big hitter and bad tackler.
Of his 1,076 snaps in 2023, 507 came at free safety, 325 came in the box and 219 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 67th in missed-tackle percentage (20 misses; 18.0 percent) and 46th in passer rating (99.6). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was third with 20.7 snaps per reception.
Signed by Bengals: No. 14 – S Geno Stone, Ravens
Draft: Seventh round, 2020. Age: 24
Resume: Stone started eight games his first three seasons. In 2023, he played in 17 games with 11 starts and led all NFL safeties with seven interceptions. He added nine passes defensed and 68 tackles. Of his 950 snaps in 2023, 686 came at free safety, 145 came in the box and 105 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 70th in missed-tackle percentage (15 misses; 19.0 percent) and ninth in passer rating (53.1). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was 42nd with 7.9 snaps per reception. Is he a one-year wonder, and how will the answer to that question impact his contract?
No. 15 – G Kevin Zeitler, Baltimore Ravens
Draft: First round, 2012. Age: 34.
Resume: The Wisconsin native and former University of Wisconsin standout has 181 starts under his belt with the Bengals, Browns, Giants and, for the last three years, the Ravens. He’s missed two games each of the last two years but has been durable, otherwise. He ranked 10th out of 72 guards in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency to continue a career filled with excellent pass protection and remains a plus-run blocker. In a dozen seasons, he’s played 12,035 snaps at right guard.
Signed by Texans: No. 16 – LB Azeez Al-Shaair, Titans
Draft: Undrafted, 2019. Age: 26.
Resume: A part-time player in four seasons with the 49ers, Al-Shaair flourished in 2023. He started all 17 games and ranked among the NFL leaders with 163 tackles. He added two sacks, nine tackles for losses and four passes defensed. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, he plays with an aggression and style more like a 240-pounder. He’s decent in coverage and a mediocre tackler (22 misses; 45th-ranked 12.3 percent).
Signed by Panthers: No. 17 – S Jordan Fuller, Rams
Draft: Sixth round, 2020. Age: 26.
Resume: Dinged by poor pre-draft workouts, Fuller has hit his stride as a solid all-around player. After missing most of 2022, Fuller started all 17 games in 2023 and had his best ball-production season with three interceptions, eight passes defensed and three forced fumbles. He had 113 tackles in 2021.
Of his 1,057 snaps in 2023, 692 came at free safety, 226 came in the box and 131 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 27th in missed-tackle percentage (10 misses; 9.9 percent) and 17th in passer rating (73.8). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was 23rd with 10.9 snaps per reception.
No. 18 – CB Stephon Gilmore, Dallas Cowboys
Draft: First round, 2012. Age: 33.
Resume: Gilmore led the NFL with six interceptions in 2019, when he earned All-Pro honors for a second time, but has become something of a nomad with one-year stays with Carolina in 2021, Indianapolis in 2022 and Dallas in 2023. With the Cowboys, he started 17 games and had two interceptions and 13 passes defensed. Of 100 corners with at least 300 coverage snaps, he ranked 31st with an 83.3 passer rating. Purely a perimeter cornerback, he allowed just a 54.9 percent completion rate.
Signed by Eagles: No. 19 – LB Devin White, Buccaneers
Draft: First round, 2019. Age: 26.
Resume: The fifth pick of the 2019 draft, White went from a Pro Bowler and building block to out of favor last year. After three consecutive seasons of 120-plus tackles and 15-plus quarterback hits, White had 83 tackles, five tackles for losses and nine quarterback hits in 2023. He did set career highs with two interceptions and six passes defensed. He missed nine tackles (34th-ranked 10.0 percent). He’s aggressive – too aggressive at times – and has never been great in coverage, but he’s got a lot of havoc-creating film. Combined with White’s draft pedigree, he will have a big market.
Signed by Eagles: No. 20 – RB Saquon Barkley, Giants
Draft: First round, 2018. Age: 27.
Resume: Barkley, who missed most of 2020 with a torn ACL, has rushed for almost 5,200 yards in his five healthy seasons. In 2023, he played in 14 games and rushed for 962 yards and caught 41 passes. However, he averaged just 3.9 yards per carry and his success rate (first-down run gains 40 percent of the yards, second-down run gains more than half the remaining yards and third-down run gains all the necessary yards) was a career-low 40.1 percent. For reference, AJ Dillon’s was a career-worst 50 percent. His missed-tackle rate of 11.3 percent ranked 37th out of 49 backs with at least 100 carries.
So, just who is Barkley? The running back who took the league by storm with 2,028 scrimmage yards as a rookie? Or the back who averaged just 4.3 yards per touch in 2023? Probably somewhere in between. He’s probably not good enough to be that Christian McCaffrey-style superstar but if he were to land in a tandem alongside another quality back like Aaron Jones? That would be intriguing.
Signed by Packers: No. 21 – RB Josh Jacobs, Raiders
Draft: First round, 2019. Age: 26.
Resume: Jacobs led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards and 2,053 total yards in 2022. In 2023, those numbers fell to 805 rushing yards and 1,101 total yards in 13 games. His average plunged from 4.9 per carry to 3.5, his success rate from 57.4 percent to 45.9 percent and his yards after contact plunged from 3.40 per carry to 2.35. His missed-tackle rate of 12.0 percent ranked 34th. Interestingly, the Raiders went 3-1 when he missed the final four games.
That said, he found some juice after Antonio Pierce took over as coach, with 110 rushing yards in the victory over the Chiefs. He’s still young, and it’s hard to believe 2022 was a one-year-wonder sort of season.
Re-Signed: No. 22 – CB Kenny Moore, Indianapolis Colts
Draft: Undrafted, 2017. Age: 28.
Resume: Teams looking for a slot will have Moore atop their list, though his 5-foot-9 1/8 stature probably will not make him a consideration as a potential replacement for Keisean Nixon. Moore has spent all seven years in Indy, with 84 starts, 16 interceptions and 50 passes defensed coming the past six seasons. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021, when he set or matched career highs with four interceptions, 13 passes defensed and 102 tackles. More than a coverage weapon, he’s a hard-nosed defender with 93 tackles and eight tackles for losses in 2023.
Signed by Cardinals: No. 23 – LT Jonah Williams, Bengals
Draft: First round, 2019. Age: 26.
Resume: Williams started all 17 games in 2023, when he ranked 34th out of 68 offensive tackles in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency. Williams was the starting left tackle in 2020 through 2022 – he allowed 12 sacks in 2022 – before moving to right tackle in 2023. Despite his first-round pedigree, would he be an enormous upgrade over Rasheed Walker? When the financial component is entered into the conversation, perhaps not.
No. 24 – G Dalton Risner, Miami Dolphins
Draft: Second round, 2019. Age: 28.
Resume: A four-year starter for the Broncos, Risner landed in Minnesota last year. He eventually beat out Ezra Cleveland, which led to Cleveland being traded to Jacksonville at the deadline. (Cleveland was a top free agent, too, but re-signed with the Jaguars). Risner started 11 games at left guard for the Vikings to give him 73 in five seasons. While he ranked 50th out of 72 guards in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency, he did not allow any sacks. He’s an OK run blocker. That he was a college left tackle probably appealed to the Packers before the 2019 draft.
Re-Signed: No. 25 – LB Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft: Second round, 2012. Age: 34.
Resume: David had a typical David type of season with 134 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 17 tackles for losses and five passes defensed. The TFL count was his most since 2014. You name it, David does it at a high level even at his advanced age. He remains borderline elite in coverage. Unlike the other top free agents at the position, he’s a high-quality tackler (10 misses; 7.4 percent ranking 13th out of 66 linebackers). If he were 31, he’d be a top-10 player in these rankings.
Signed by Commanders: No. 26 – LB Bobby Wagner, Seahawks
Draft: Second round, 2012. Age: 33.
Resume: The Hall of Fame-bound Wagner will turn 34 after minicamp wraps up, though you’d hardly know it. In his return to Seattle last year, Wagner led the NFL with 183 tackles to earn second-team All-Pro. He added 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles for losses, but he had zero forced fumbles, zero interceptions and three passes defensed. Incredibly, he was the NFL’s best tackler at the position with nine misses (4.8 percent). He might not have elite wheels anymore, but he still covers a lot of ground and can beat blockers with speed and strength. Again, age is a factor in the rankings.
No. 27 – CB Adoree Jackson, New York Giants
Draft: First round, 2017. Age: 28.
Resume: Jackson had two interceptions in four seasons with the Titans and two interceptions in three seasons with the Giants. In 2023, he had one interception and eight passes defensed. Of 100 corners with at least 300 coverage snaps last year, he ranked 56th with a 98.3 passer rating. He allowed a 65.9 percent completion rate, which isn’t great but it was part of a blitz-happy scheme. He is mostly a perimeter corner, though he did play 115 slot snaps last year.
No. 28 – C/G Bradley Bozeman, Carolina Panthers
Draft: Third round, 2018. Age: 29.
Resume: Bozeman, who was released by the Panthers on Sunday, has started full seasons at guard (2019 and 2020) and center (2021 and 2023). The Packers certainly could use a reliable utilityman. With 76 starts the past five seasons, will Bozeman be viewed as an instant starter? Or will the fact he allowed eight sacks – most among centers in 2023 – be held against him and he might be willing to sign as a backup with a chance to push for a starting job? He would be an upgrade over Josh Myers as a run blocker.
Signed by Ravens: No. 29 – RB Derrick Henry, Titans
Draft: First round, 2016. Age: 30.
Resume: “King” Henry had his first 1,000-yard season in 2018, when Matt LaFleur was offensive coordinator. From there, he led the NFL in rushing yards in 2019 and 2020 and carries in four of the past five seasons. In 2023, he rushed for 1,167 yards (4.2 average) and caught 28 passes. His success rate was 46.1 percent. He forced a broken tackle on 17.5 percent of his carries, 11th in the league.
Henry needs 498 yards to reach 10,000 for his career. At age 30 and with all that workload, how many more good seasons does Henry have in him? Or, because he’s just so big and powerful, is age really but a number?
No. 30 – LB Jerome Baker, Miami Dolphins
Draft: Third round, 2018. Age: 27.
Resume: In six seasons, Baker has three seasons of 100-plus tackles and has stuffed the stats sheet with 22.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, five interceptions and 21 passes defensed. In 13 games last year, he had 78 tackles and two interceptions. A three-down defender, he is stronger in coverage than against the run and is a rather mediocre tackler (10 misses; 42nd-ranked 12.0 percent).
Signed by Panthers: No. 31 – LB Josey Jewell, Broncos
Draft: Fourth round, 2018. Age: 29.
Resume: All six seasons have been spent in Denver, with last year’s 108 tackles marking his third time blowing past 100. He had a career-high three sacks last year and matched his career high with two forced fumbles, but he’s more all-around solid player than game-wrecker (21 tackles for losses, 14 passes defensed for career). Of 66 linebackers with at least 500 snaps, he ranked 19th with a missed-tackle rate of 8.3 percent (nine misses). Of note, Jewell was the Broncos’ communicator last season.
Signed by Vikings: No. 32 – LB Blake Cashman, Texans
Draft: Fifth round, 2019. Age: 27.
Resume: In his first four seasons, Cashman started eight games. In 2023, which was Year 1 under coach DeMeco Ryans, Cashman started 13 games and provided 106 tackles, two sacks, nine tackles for losses, one interception and five passes defensed. Without the hype, huge numbers and extensive track record, Cashman is a quality all-around player. He missed 11 tackles (31st-ranked 9.8 percent).
Signed by Titans: No. 33 – RB Tony Pollard, Cowboys
Draft: Fourth round, 2019. Age: 26.
Resume: Pollard is coming off back-to-back seasons of 1,007 and 1,005 rushing yards. In a way, it was a slog to get there in 2023, as it took him 59 additional carries. While his yards per carry plunged from 5.2 to 4.0, his success rate moved from 47.2 percent to 50.0 percent. He added a career-high 55 receptions, but the going was tough there, too, as he averaged just 5.7 yards per catch. His missed-tackle rate of 14.7 percent ranked 22nd.
So, while Pollard showed he could be the workhorse capable of keeping the Cowboys in good down-and-distance situations, would a return to a tandem make him more explosive?
Signed by Saints: No. 34 – LB Willie Gay, Chiefs
Draft: Second round, 2020. Age: 26.
Resume: Gay set a career high with 88 tackles in 2022 but fell back to 58 tackles in a career-high 15 starts in 2023. In four seasons, Gay’s career numbers include four interceptions, 19 passes defensed and 17 tackles for losses. With high-level athleticism, he has grown in coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme and has been reliable in coverage. Gay missed eight tackles, ranking 43rd with a missed-tackle rate of 12.1 percent.
No. 35 – CB Ahkello Witherspoon, Los Angeles Rams
Draft: Third round, 2017. Age: 28.
Resume: Witherspoon will turn 29 about a week into free agency. After starting seven games for the Steelers the past two seasons, he started all 17 with the Rams in 2023 and responded with three interceptions and a career-high 14 passes defensed. Of 100 corners with at least 300 coverage snaps, he was 21st with a passer rating allowed of 76.7. He allowed a mere 48.5 percent catch rate, third-best. He’s pretty solid against the run, too. At 6-foot-2, he is purely a perimeter cornerback.
Signed by Bears: No. 36 – S Kevin Byard, Eagles
Draft: Third round, 2016. Age: 30.
Resume: Age is the only reason why Byard, who will turn 31 during training camp, isn’t higher on this list. Byard had All-Pro seasons with the Titans in 2017 and 2021. In 2017, he led the NFL with eight interceptions. He added five in 201 and four in 2022. He was dealt to the Eagles at the trade deadline and finished with a career-worst one interception but a career-best 122 tackles.
Of his 1,117 snaps in 2023, 515 came at free safety, 351 came in the box and 230 came in the slot. No free-agent safety played more slot-coverage snaps. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked first in missed-tackle percentage (seven misses; 4.7 percent) and 51st in passer rating (106.4). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was 44th with 7.5 snaps per reception.
Signed by Seahawks: No. 37 – S Rayshawn Jenkins, Jaguars
Draft: Fourth round, 2017. Age: 30.
Age also is the reason why Jenkins is a bit further down this list. Jenkins has started the past five seasons with 10 interceptions and 32 passes defensed during that span. In 2022 and 2023 with the Jaguars, he has five interceptions, 21 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, 10 tackles for losses and 217 tackles.
Of his 1,099 snaps in 2023, 335 came at free safety, 489 came in the box and 188 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 36th in missed-tackle percentage (12 misses; 10.8 percent) and 15th in passer rating (61.1). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was eight with 14.6 snaps per reception.
No. 38 – OT Cam Fleming, Denver Broncos
Draft: Fourth round, 2014. Age: 31.
Resume: Fleming started 16 games in 2020 and 15 games in 2022, with those 31 starts making up his career total of 62. In 2022, when he allowed seven sacks, he played 373 snaps at left tackle and 603 snaps at right tackle. With his ability to run block and pass protect at an acceptable level and with considerable experience on the left and right sides, he’d be an ideal swing tackle for a team that needs one at the moment. Like the Packers.
No. 39 – OT Yosh Nijman, Green Bay Packers
Draft: Undrafted, 2018. Age: 28.
Resume: Nijman started 21 games in 2021 and 2022 and had every opportunity to start in 2023, whether it was right tackle to start the season or at left tackle after David Bakhtiari’s season-ending surgery. Instead, he appeared to wilt under the competition. Nijman was at his best in 2021, when he allowed three sacks while planted at left tackle. He struggled in a midseason shift to right tackle in 2022. In 2023, he played 198 snaps at left tackle and 32 at right tackle and allowed two sacks.
Signed by Bears: No. 40 – RB D’Andre Swift, Eagles
Draft: Second round, 2020. Age: 25.
Resume: After spinning his wheels in Detroit for three seasons, Swift ran behind the Eagles’ powerhouse offensive line for 1,049 yards. His success rate of 54.1 percent was much better than his 45.1 percent while with the Lions. He added 39 receptions to give him 195 in four seasons. Swift’s missed-tackle rate of 13.1 percent ranked 28th.
The numbers and youth suggest a high-end running back entering free agency. However, the Eagles’ line has to be taken into account. Miles Sanders was a stud in Philly, too, but he fell flat in Carolina. Still, what’s not to love about running backs who can catch?
No. 41 – S Tashaun Gipson, San Francisco 49ers
Draft: Undrafted, 2012. Age: 33.
Resume: Gipson played under Jeff Hafley with the Browns in 2014 and 2015. In 2014, he led the NFL with six interceptions. He’s got 33 career interceptions, including five with the 49ers in 2022. In 2023, he had one interception, three passes defensed and 60 tackles. Even at his age, he was barely tested. Of his 976 snaps in 2023, 578 came at free safety, 166 came in the box and 203 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 35th in missed-tackle percentage (seven misses; 10.6 percent) and second in passer rating (38.9). Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot, he was fourth with 19.1 snaps per reception.
Signed by Commanders: No. 42 – S Jeremy Chinn, Panthers
Draft: Second round, 2020. Age: 26.
Resume: Chinn, who was runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, would be an interesting reclamation project because he’s got freakish physical tools with a safety skill-set in a linebacker’s body. A linebacker/safety his first two seasons, he had a combined 224 tackles, eight tackles for losses, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. Miscast in the Panthers’ Cover-2 scheme last year, he played in 12 games (eight starts), his numbers slid to 30 tackles and one pass defensed.
Of his 285 snaps in 2023, two came at free safety, 107 came in the box and 143 came in the slot. His career missed-tackle rate is a decent-enough 12.0 percent. Of 49 safeties with at least 75 coverage snaps from the slot in 2023, he was 19th with 12.1 snaps per reception.
Re-Signed: No. 43 – CB Keisean Nixon, Green Bay Packers
Draft: Undrafted, 2019. Age: 26.
Resume: Nixon started two games for the Raiders from 2019 through 2021 and four games for the Packers in 2022 before taking over as the full-time slot in 2023. He responded with one interception of Patrick Mahomes, six passes defensed and 80 tackles. Of 32 defensive backs with at least 200 slot snaps, he ranked 16th with a 98.2 passer rating, though his catch rate was a not-great 79.4 percent and 535 yards allowed was second-worst.
Of course, Nixon is more than just a slot defender. He’s a two-time All-Pro kick returner. On the other hand, the NFL’s war against the kickoff minimizes his impact in that phase.
No. 44 – G Isaiah Wynn, Miami Dolphins
Draft: First round, 2018. Age: 28.
Resume: Wynn played left tackle for the Patriots his first three seasons and mostly right tackle in 2022. Last year for Miami, he played 392 snaps at left guard before a season-ending quad injury. Of 72 yards with at least 325 pass-protecting snaps, he ranked No. 1 in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency. He did not allow a sack. His versatility should be intriguing for teams that covet versatility. Like the Packers.
Signed by Titans: No. 45 – LB Kenneth Murray, Chargers
Draft: First round, 2020. Age: 25.
Resume: Murray matched his career highs with 107 tackles and seven tackles for losses in 2023. He added three sacks, one interception and four passes defensed. With four touchdowns and 459 yards allowed after the catch last year – both worst among the free agents – coverage is not the strength to his game. He missed 11 tackles, ranking 27th with a missed-tackle rate of 9.3 percent. While a disappointment in Los Angeles, that first-round pedigree will carry over on teams’ free-agent boards. You could do worse as a two-down run defender.
Re-Signed: No. 46 – CB Jourdan Lewis, Dallas Cowboys
Draft: Third round, 2017. Age: 28.
Resume: Lewis is one of the top slot corners available in free agency. In seven seasons with Dallas, Lewis has nine interceptions and 36 passes defensed. In 2023, he started eight of 16 games with one interception, five passes defenses and three of his four career forced fumbles. Of 32 corners with at least 200 coverage snaps, he ranked 29th with a 115.0 passer rating and 508 yards allowed. He allowed a 69.8 percent catch rate. While his coverage has slipped, he’s a tough customer against the run.
Signed by Giants: No. 47 – G Jon Runyan, Packers
Draft: Sixth round, 2020. Age: 26.
Resume: The son of longtime NFL standout Jon Runyan Sr., Runyan has started 50 consecutive games and has plenty of experience at left guard and right guard. Last year, the Packers forced him to share snaps with Sean Rhyan, a third-round pick in 2022. Runyan handled it like a pro, even though, as he said in November, he could see the “writing on the wall” in terms of his future with the team.
Runyan ranked 11th out of 72 guards in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency but isn’t as good in the run game. The desire to get the more powerful Rhyan in the game shows the Packers are ready to pass the torch. Wherever he lands, Runyan will be an instant starter.
Signed by Panthers: No. 48 – G Damien Lewis, Seahawks
Draft: Third round, 2020. Age: 26.
Resume: Lewis started 61 games in four seasons, including 16 in 2022 and 2023. He ranked 35th out of 72 guards in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency. Lewis opened his career at right guard but has been at home at left guard the past three seasons. His experience in a zone-based run game would make him an interesting fit if the Packers aren’t sold on Rhyan. But, if that was the case, they’d be better off keeping Runyan.
Signed by Commanders: No. 49 – RB Austin Ekeler, Chargers
Draft: Undrafted, 2017. Age: 28.
Resume: In seven seasons, Ekeler has never reached 1,000 yards. But his game has never been about just running the ball. In seven seasons, he’s caught 440 passes. That includes 107 receptions in 2022. Limited to 14 games in 2023, he rushed for only 628 yards. His missed-tackle rate of 10.2 percent ranked 39th. His 3.5-yard average was down a yard from his career mark, and he caught only 51 passes.
Compared to 2022, he caught 56 fewer passes with three more incomplete targets. So, that’s not good. With 1,430 career touches, it appears his best days are behind him. But, in a tandem, his ability to make things happen in the passing game would make him an intriguing pick-up, though he’s perhaps a bit too similar to Aaron Jones from a size perspective.
No. 50 – S Quandre Diggs, Seattle Seahawks
Draft: Sixth round, 2015. Age: 31.
Resume: Drafted by the Lions and traded to the Seahawks in 2019, he’s started every game the past five seasons. After grabbing five interceptions in 2020, five in 2021 and four in 2022, he had only one pick with five passes defensed in 2023. His 95 tackles set a career high. At 5-foot-9, he would not have been a draft consideration by the Packers.
He is one of the most one-dimensional safeties in the NFL. Of his 1,155 snaps in 2023, 1,020 came at free safety, 87 came in the box and just 40 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 66th in missed-tackle percentage (20 misses; 17.5 percent) and 38th in passer rating (95.4).
Signed by Steelers: No. 51 – S Deshon Elliott, Dolphins
Draft: Sixth round, 2018. Age: 26.
Resume: With Detroit in 2022, he had a career-high 96 tackles. With Miami in 2023, he had a career-high seven passes defensed. He’s had one interception each of the last three years. Of his 926 snaps in 2023, 574 came at free safety, 236 came in the box and 97 came in the slot. Of 74 safeties who played 500 snaps, he ranked 21st in missed-tackle percentage (eight misses; 8.7 percent) and 59th in passer rating (114.3). Had he reached our 75 coverage-snaps threshold, he would have ranked 34th with 9.1 slot-coverage snaps per reception.
Signed by Jaguars: No. 52 – CB Ronald Darby, Ravens
Draft: Second round, 2015. Age: 30.
Resume: Darby is that odd player with a bunch of high-level play at a premium position who can’t hold a job. His nine seasons have been spent with five teams. Last year in Baltimore, he played in 16 games with seven starts and broke up seven passes. He hasn’t intercepted a pass since 2019. However, of 100 corners with at least 300 coverage snaps last year, he was fourth with a 49.0 completion rate allowed. He is a perimeter cornerback.
No. 53 – CB Steven Nelson, Houston Texans
Draft: Third round, 2015. Age: 31.
Resume: During his age-30 season, Nelson matched his career high with four interceptions and broke up 12 passes – his most since 2018. Of 100 corners with at least 300 coverage snaps, he ranked 14th with a 71.6 passer rating and yielded a 59.4 percent completion rate. Nelson has played well, whatever the scheme, throughout his career. He is purely a perimeter cornerback.
Re-Signed: No. 54 – RB AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers
Draft: Second round, 2020. Age: 25.
Resume: Dillon had his chance to show he was capable of leading a backfield last season, when Aaron Jones was in and out of the lineup. He failed. His yards-per-carry averages have gone from 5.3 as a rookie in 2020 to 4.3 in 2021, 4.1 in 2022 to a woeful 3.4 in 2023. His success rate was a strong 50.0 percent but his missed-tackle rate of 6.7 percent ranked 47th out of 49 backs with at least 100 carries. For a man of his size, that is a dumbfounding stat.
On the other hand, Dillon can block and catch, and he’s a good fit in the locker room.
Signed by Titans: No. 55 – CB Chidobe Awuzie, Bengals
Draft: Second round, 2017. Age: 28.
Resume: In seven seasons split between Dallas and Cincinnati, Awuzie has six career interceptions – but none since 2021, when he had two picks and a career-high 14 passes defensed. In 2023, he played in 15 games with 10 starts and broke up six passes. Of 100 corners with at least 300 coverage snaps, he was 90th with a 112.8 passer rating. He allowed a 67.9 percent completion rate. Most of his experience has been as a perimeter cornerback.
No. 56 – OT Josh Jones, Houston Texans
Draft: Third round, 2020. Age: 26.
Resume: Jones started 21 games for the Cardinals in three seasons before landing in Houston last year, where he started three games and allowed one sack. Jones was a touted prospect entering the 2020 draft. That hasn’t panned out, but he’s still a young player with considerable experience at every position but center. So, if re-signing Yosh Nijman isn’t an option, Jones would be a nice Plan B.
Re-Signed: No. 57 – DE Anfernee Jennings, New England Patriots
Draft: Third round, 2020. Age: 26.
Resume: Our list is rounded out by four edge defenders/4-3 defensive ends. We don’t expect the Packers to be in the market for one of the big stars, not with Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness atop the depth chart. But with Kingsley Enagbare suffering a torn ACL in the playoff win at Dallas, they do need depth. The following players make sense if they opt to find a veteran.
Jennings started 14 games in 2023. While he had only 1.5 sacks, he is one of the best run-stopping edge defenders in the NFL. Even with the meager sack count, he piled up an impressive 14 tackles for losses. When he was on the field, the Patriots allowed 2.98 yards per carry. Jennings, who spent 2021 on injured reserve, has three career sacks.
Signed by Lions: No. 58 – DE Marcus Davenport, Vikings
Draft: First round, 2018. Age: 27.
Resume: It appeared Davenport had hit his stride with nine sacks in just 11 games in 2021. However, he had just a half-sack in 15 games in 2022. Davenport signed with the Vikings last offseason and had two sacks in four games before a high-ankle sprain ended his season. Of a possible 99 regular-season games, Davenport has played in only 67. But he’d be worth a budget-friendly flier to provide more juice to the pass rush.
Re-signed: No. 59 – DE Tyquan Lewis, Indianapolis Colts
Draft: Second round, 2018. Age: 29.
Resume: In six seasons, Lewis has started only 16 games. However, he is coming off career highs of four sacks, 13 quarterback hits and nine tackles for losses in 17 games (zero starts). He can supplement the defense with quality run defense off the bench. Indy’s run defense was 0.53 yards per carry better with Lewis on the field.
No. 60 – DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Miami Dolphins
Draft: Second round, 2016. Age: 30.
Resume: Playing as a 4-3 end for the Dolphins in 2020 and 2021, he had back-to-back seasons of nine sacks and a total of 45 quarterback hits. He added a whopping 12 passes defensed in 2021. Following a schematic change, he had just 16 quarterback hits the last two seasons. Playing off the bench last season, he had 5.5 sacks to give him 42.5 sacks in eight seasons.
