4 upcoming free agents the Packers should let walk in 2024
Let’s look ahead at some decisions Green Bay has to make.
2. Josiah Deguara, TE
Another 2020 draft pick, tight end Josiah Deguara, hasn’t exactly panned out over the last few years. The Packers had depended on veteran Robert Tonyan for a while and figured Deguara might be able to take over eventually, but that never happened.
It looks like a wasted pick at this point, having spent a third-round pick on Deguara three and a half years ago. But there is no reason to bring him back in 2024, especially with the young depth Green Bay has at the position now.
Luke Musgrave looks like their tight end of the future, and rightfully so after the Packers spent a second-round pick on him earlier this year. Before going on injured reserve, Musgrave was showing signs of breaking out, which was a positive thing to see.
Green Bay also used a third-rounder on Tucker Kraft in this most recent draft, so they should be set at the position going into next year. Spending additional money on a deal for Deguara wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense at this point. Besides, Deguara has played just 23 percent of snaps this year, after only 24 percent last season. It’s time to move on.
Free agent running back hints he has signed with Packers
Free agent running back hints he has signed with Packers
By Freddie Boston
Have the Green Bay Packers made another move at running back?
Green Bay has been without Aaron Jones for multiple games due to a sprained MCL. AJ Dillon has taken on the bulk of the carries, but the Packers lack depth at running back.
In the Packers’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13, Dillon dominated the share of running back touches with 18 carries and one catch, compared to just four total touches for Patrick Taylor and James Robinson.
Jones may be back soon, but it makes sense for the Packers to strengthen their depth and ease the pressure on Dillon.
Have the Packers signed free agent Kenyan Drake?
UPDATE: The Packers announced they have signed Kenyan Drake to the practice squad. They have released James Robinson.
Veteran running back Kenyan Drake has hinted that he is signing with the Packers. He posted this image on X (formerly Twitter):
That seems to make it pretty clear.
Drake would be an excellent in-season signing for the Packers. He is a three-down back and offers plenty as a receiver. He would be the perfect complement to AJ Dillon in the backfield, especially if Jones is expected to miss more time.
Drake is a former third-round pick by the Miami Dolphins. He spent four years in Miami, rushing for 1,532 yards and nine touchdowns at 4.6 yards per attempt while catching 116 passes for 936 yards and six scores.
He most recently spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, putting up 571 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in 2022.
Drake would give the Packers a good complementary option in the backfield and an upgrade on Patrick Taylor and James Robinson. He has been an efficient runner throughout his career, finishing every season with an average of at least four yards per carry.
His potential impact as a pass catcher is particularly exciting. He has 1,655 career receiving yards.
Signing Drake would make Jordan Love’s life a little bit easier. It would be a smart move by the Packers.
With three pending free agents, the Packers could surprisingly re-sign in 2024
With three pending free agents, the Packers could surprisingly re-sign in 2024
The Green Bay Packers will likely move on from several of their unrestricted free agents in the offseason.
Josiah Deguara, Jon Runyan, and Yosh Nijman are among the players already being phased out on offense and could be replaced when their contracts expire in March. They will need to turn things around in the final six games to make a case for a new deal.
Some players are already doing that. Multiple Packers-pending free agents looked destined to leave in the offseason, but their recent performances may force the front office to rethink that.
These three players could surprisingly land new contracts in Green Bay.
Jonathan Owens
The difference four days makes. Jonathan Owens had arguably his worst performance of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers. He made an awful missed tackle to give up a costly 51-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
However, Owens was unstoppable last week against the Detroit Lions. It seemed that every time a Lions player had the ball, Owens was there to shut down the play. He made 12 tackles, one tackle for loss, and smartly scooped up a Rashan Gary forced fumble to score his first career defensive touchdown.
Owens is one of three Packers safeties with expiring contracts. If he can build on his Thanksgiving performance, Green Bay may bring back Owens in the offseason.
Packers vs. Giants prediction, odds, spread, injuries, and trends for NFL Week 14
Packers vs. Giants prediction, odds, spread, injuries, and trends for NFL Week 14
In one of two games on Monday night, the Green Bay Packers will head to the Big Apple to play the New York Giants. The Packers are coming off an impressive win over the Kansas City Chiefs last week and are in the running for one of the wildcard spots in the NFC playoffs.
The Packers opened as six-point home favorites over the Giants, but the number has moved to 6.5. The Giants will not take it easy on Green Bay, as they’ve won two straight games and are coming off a much-needed bye week.
Below, we will break down this primetime Week 14 matchup and give our best bet!
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Packers vs. Giants Odds, Spread and Total
Packers vs. Giants Betting Trends
- The Packers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games this season
- The OVER is 4-1 in Green Bay’s last five games vs. NFC East opponent
- New York is 4-7-1 ATS this season
- The UNDER is 8-2 in the Giants’ last 10 games
Packers vs. Giants Injury Reports
Packers Injury Report
- Aaron Jones, RB, is Questionable
- Josiah Deguara, TE, Questionable
- Jaire Alexander, CB, Questionable
- Christian Watson (WR): Questionable
- Eric Stokes, CB, IR-R
Giants Injury Report
- Darren Waller, TE – IR
- Dexter Lawrence II (DT): Questionable
- Tyrod Taylor, QB, IR-R
Packers vs. Giants How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 11
- Game Time: 8:15 p.m. EST
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
- How to Watch (TV): ABC/ESPN+
- Packers Record: 6-6
- Giants Record: 4-8
Packers vs. Giants Key Players to Watch
Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love: The former first-round pick has played phenomenal football during the Packers’ three-game winning streak. Love is completing 68.5% of his passes for 857 yards and eight touchdowns. In last week’s win against Kansas City, the 25-year-old quarterback completed 25 of 36 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Love seems to be finding his stride at the right time, which is a great sign for the Packers’ playoff hopes.
New York Giants
Saquon Barkley: Barkley had a quiet performance against the Patriots in Week 12, rushing for 46 yards on 12 carries (3.8 YPC). The star running back will look to bounce back against Green Bay’s defense, which allows 136.3 rushing yards per game (third-most in the NFL). Barkley is averaging 82.6 rushing yards over his last five games.
Packers vs. Giants: Prediction and Pick
The Packers are turning the corner on the right as they have two impressive wins over the Lions and the Chiefs. Many people didn’t expect them to cover against the Chiefs, let alone win last week, but to their credit, they played outstandingly.
Love was efficient under center and made those winning plays when available. Green Bay’s defense also shined in the win, forcing one turnover. Over their three-game winning streak, the Pack has had five total turnovers.
Now, they will head to MetLife to play the Giants, who have won two straight games against the Commanders and the Patriots. Now, granted, those aren’t impressive wins. But with how things were trending for the Giants, they could’ve easily lost.
If New York wants to extend its winning streak to three games, it’ll need to lean on Barkley, who is its best offensive player. Rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito has had his moments, but the way to attack this Green Bay defense is on the ground.
The Packers know the key to stopping the Giants is to contain Barkley and force other players to beat you. Monday night’s game could be a prime letdown spot for the Packers after their big win over the Chiefs. However, I expect them to keep stacking positive plays and get the win.
