Finding value for the Packers after the early waves of free agency

Now that most of the big spenders have already tossed their money around in free agency, teams like the Packers can hunt for bargains on the veteran market.

The early waves of free agency have come and gone. The NFL collectively committed hundreds of millions in new contracts, with the Green Bay Packers accounting for $125 million between the acquisitions of Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs. Even if most of the megadeals included a sizable percentage of "funny" money, that did little to dampen the excitement during last week's league-wide spendathon.

However, now that most of the big spenders have already tossed their money around, the veteran market has quieted considerably. Few veterans on the open market have multiple teams clamoring for their services, and most of those play quarterback, football's most in-demand position. The rest simply hope to catch on with a club before the draft.

This stage of free agency presents opportunities for NFL front offices. With demand drying up but supply still available, teams with strong pro-personnel scouting can fill holes and bolster depth on the cheap.

Under current general manager Brian Gutekunst, the Packers have plenty of experience uncovering value after the early waves of free agency. In 2019, they signed Chandon Sullivan, a cornerback castoff from the Philadelphia Eagles, late in the offseason. He became their primary slot corner over the ensuing three seasons. In 2021, they picked up De'Vondre Campbell as a potential depth piece. He went on to become the first Green Bay linebacker to earn first-team All-Pro honors since Ray Nitschke.

The Packers have no plans to make another big splash in free agency, but that doesn't mean they have closed the door on free agents altogether. As he has done before, Gutekunst will wait out the market and see if the prices come down enough to make another addition. Already this week, Green Bay signed veteran wideout and returner Mecole Hardman to a one-year contract, and more deals like that could follow in the coming weeks.

Free agency still has some players who make sense for the Packers. But first, let's dispense with the available veterans who, for one reason or another, don't quite fit what the team needs.

Not happening (at least not now)

Stefon Diggs

Over a week into the 2025 league year, the Packers still don't have a proven go-to receiver on the roster. Green Bay ultimately didn't land Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp, or DK Metcalf when those players became available despite reports linking the team to those wideouts. Naturally, some might wonder if Gutekunst should set his sights on a different pass catcher who remains unsigned: Stefon Diggs.

Reasonable minds can differ about what Diggs offers at this stage of his career. However, the veteran suffered a torn ACL shortly before Halloween and won't have medical clearance for football activity for several more months. Perhaps the Packers could consider him later in the offseason if he doesn't sign before then, but they don't have enough reason to pursue him at this time.

Za'Darius Smith

Despite turning 33 later this year, Za'Darius Smith can still play. He provided a needed boost for the Detroit Lions' pass rush last season, recording 40 pressures and five sacks over nine games with the team, according to Pro Football Focus. Smith shouldn't have too much trouble finding a home for the 2025 season.

However, the Packers have gone down this road before. Smith played exceptionally for them for two seasons before a back injury effectively ended his time in Green Bay. Health remains a concern for Smith, especially given his age. The veteran pass rusher also didn't leave on the best terms with the organization. That doesn't always preclude a reunion, but Smith presents enough complications to make such a scenario unlikely.

Value targets