According to Green Bay Packers’ general manager Brian Gutekunst, the team is poised to actively participate in the upcoming free agency, set to kick off on March 13. However, the correlation between being active in free agency and making successful acquisitions is not always straightforward.
The Packers have experienced both significant successes and notable misses in their history of free agent signings. As we anticipate the upcoming free agency period, it’s insightful to reflect on some of the best and worst free agent acquisitions in the team’s annals.
The Best:
Reggie White, DE, 1993: Beyond contributing to a Super Bowl victory, White’s signing elevated Green Bay’s appeal to other players, making it a destination of choice.
Charles Woodson, CB, 2006: Despite less fanfare than some signings, Woodson played a pivotal role in securing another Super Bowl title for the Packers.
Ryan Pickett, DT, 2006: An underrated signing, Pickett’s impact went beyond statistics, influencing the performance of those around him in the defensive line.
Preston Smith, LB, 2019: Part of Gutekunst’s 2019 free agent haul, Smith stands out as a consistent and durable player, missing only one game in five years.
Santana Dotson, DT, 1996: Dotson, a crucial addition to the Super Bowl-winning team, showcased consistency, pocket collapsing ability, and run-stopping prowess during his six years in Green Bay.
Honorable Mention: Sean Jones, Julius Peppers.
The Worst:
Joe Johnson, DE, 2002: A symbol of the Mike Sherman era’s missteps, Johnson’s massive contract didn’t translate to on-field success, recording just two sacks in 11 games.
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Martellus Bennett, TE, 2017: Signed as a replacement for Jared Cook, Bennett’s tenure lasted only seven games, failing to fulfill expectations after a lucrative three-year deal.
Adrian Klemm, G, 2005: Following a salary cap mess, Klemm’s one-year stint as Mike Wahle’s replacement did little to mitigate the loss of the Pro Bowl guard.
Jimmy Graham, TE, 2018: Despite a stellar career elsewhere, Graham’s time in Green Bay saw him fall short of expectations, particularly in the red zone where he managed just five touchdowns in two years.
Devin Funchess, WR, 2020: A gamble on the promising wide receiver proved futile as Funchess, despite his potential, never took a snap for the Packers, opting out of the 2020 season and subsequently being cut in 2021.
Dishonorable Mention: Jeff Saturday.
As the Packers gear up for another free agency period, the lessons from both successes and failures will undoubtedly guide their decisions in shaping the team’s future.
