Pack-A-Day Podcast - Episode 2048 - Packers Free Agent Running Back Options
On today's show, Andy takes a deep dive into the free agent running backs and gives his take on which free agent running back would be the best player for the Packers to bring in this offseason. Don't miss it!
By AndyHerman
On today's show, Andy takes a deep dive into the free agent running backs and gives his take on which free agent running back would be the best player for the Packers to bring in this offseason. Don't miss it!
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Andy is a graduate of UW-Oshkosh and owns & operates the Pack-A-Day Podcast. Andy has taken multiple courses in NFL scouting and is an Editor for Packer Report. Andy grew up in Green Bay and is a lifelong season ticket holder - follow him on Twitter @AndyHermanNFL!
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Comments (7)
WD
March 04, 2024 at 07:37 am
Andy makes the case as to why GB needs two new RBs added to the roster. The question is via free agency, the draft, or a combination of both. We assume Aaron Jones will be back. But, do we also assume he will be healthy enough to play the entire season? Imagine the Packers without Jones? It is not pretty and that was proven. Free agency is a consideration for RB but it does nothing to solve the problem in the long run. And it would be way too expensive. So, I see we have five draft picks in the first three rounds, That sounds like the best way to address the need for 2 running backs . Several have been mentioned. Why not the two of the best? Why not BOTH Benson and Allen for the long run? No pun intended.
BuckyBadger
March 04, 2024 at 10:01 am
I wouldn't burn high picks on backs unless there is a guy who is a just can't miss but I don't really see one of those this year. RBs are the easiest position to fill on the roster. Take a few in the late rounds and comb through the undrafted guys. Agents will be funneling to the teams looking to fill rosters.
Coldworld
March 04, 2024 at 10:35 am
I wouldn’t put high dollars into 2 RBs at any point. Go with the draft and UDFA/SFA route. Unless we really like a RB fit ( and I only see a couple, I’d wait till day 3 in this draft too. Benson, Guerendo might tempt on day 2, but I think there’s going to be overdrafting. Are either really true second rounders in another year? I think 3rd.
I’d rather bring back Taylor for a year and draft next year if looking for hidden gems and more at Wilson this year didn’t pan out.
Nothing against Barclay (other than cost) and a few of the younger ones mentioned specifically, but none seem an ideal candidate to replace Jones longer term unless our system changes and particularly our OL philosophy.
Alberta_Packer
March 04, 2024 at 01:17 pm
IMO the RB draft begins in the 3rd round. Some GM may become enamored with a Jaylen Wright or Jonathon Brooks and draft him in the lower 2nd round but a run on RBs may take place in the 3rd and 4th rounds. If so, I expect that the Packers would select a Trey Benson/Marshawn Lloyd /Isaac Gurendo/ Blake Corum. Then in the 5th & 6th - a Ray Davis/Audric Estime/Rasheen Ali/ Will Shipley.
As for the the OL - I know that a swing tackle is vital. However, I would love to see what an earth mover, like a Jackson Powers-Johnson, could do to an interior running game.
BuckyBadger
March 04, 2024 at 10:06 am
RB position has needed new blood for a bit. Jones is great when he is in but that is limited these days and doesn't get better with age. Look to draft a couple in the late rounds. Don't see anyone in free agency as a real solution if you consider the salaries. You can wax about having Barkley and Jones but that is wrought with trouble. Those guys miss too much time to invest that much into a position that some contenders fill on the cheap. That would be just a amateur type signing. They won't be spending outside of Jones at RB and Jones will be redoing his deal if reports are to be believed.
Alberta_Packer
March 04, 2024 at 12:53 pm
All the free agents mentioned seem to have had their "best" days. And no position declines faster than RB. So best not to pay for a reputation rather than projected performance. However, Gibson intrigues me a little bit. Should Gutekunst have anything left over from his Safety and LB shopping spree - why not a modest offer for Gibson?
golfpacker1
March 05, 2024 at 06:21 pm
There are two FA RBs that I might have interest in after the draft if we didn't get a bigger RB, and if the price was low, Ezekiel Elliot, who shockingly is still only 28 years old and still has decent skills. He could fill the Dillon role very well. Maybe $2 million contract that is mainly incentive based. He can get tough yards, he blocks better than any other NFL RB, and he has always been an above average pass catcher.
The other RB is someone GB was really interested in 4 years ago, Antonio Gibson. He had crazy good stats @ Memphis State. He is big, fast, and young @ 25. He had good rushing skills, 800 yrds in 2020 and 1000 in 2021. He also caught 175 passes in 4 years with the $hitshow that was Washington. He might be worth the same kind of contract. Isaac Guerendo, who I hope we pick, reminds me a lot of Gibson, only slightly bigger and faster. Neither has much mileage on them.
The draft would be better to get 2 RBs, but if we needed a FA after the draft, these would be on my call list.