Packers' Top Players to Avoid in 2023 NFL Free Agency

The 2023 Green Bay Packers could look much different than the version that took the field in 2022.

Aaron Rodgers is spending some time to himself to make a decision on his future. If he decides he would like to be traded or he's done playing football, the Packers will welcome a new era in 2023.

That might not be a bad thing. The Packers have enjoyed plenty of success with No. 12 under center, but they finished the year 8-9, missed the playoffs and aren't in a situation with the cap to make too many moves.

Before they do anything with contracts or make a move with Rodgers, the Packers are $17.5 million over the cap.

There are several moves the team can make to free up some cash. They are still going to need to be cautious with how much they spend and who they target in free agency.

While it's tempting to start imagining the talented free agents they can find, they are going to have to avoid some names that could be tempting. Here's a look at three of the players they are better off passing on.

WR Jarvis Landry

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 25: Jarvis Landry (5) of the New Orleans Saints lines up and awaits the snap during a football game between the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints on Sep 25, 2022, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers' approach to the receiver position has certainly been a frustrating one. It was the most blatantly obvious need going into last offseason, and the Packers balked at nearly every opportunity to add a proven veteran.

They took a cheap flier on Sammy Watkins but chose to use the draft to fill out their receiving corps. They depended on Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs to join Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb to create a competent receiver room.

With another wave of free agency, the organization will have another set of opportunities to add a veteran to the group.

Options like Jarvis Landry could be tempting. The receiver used to be the epitome of consistency, but the operative words in that phrase are "used to".

Landry was underwhelming in his final year with the Cleveland Browns in 2021. He posted 52 catches for 570 yards and two touchdowns. A fresh start with the New Orleans Saints didn't help him rebound.

He only played in nine games because of injuries and ended the season on the injured reserve because of his ankle. When he was on the field, he was averaging a career-low 2.8 catches and 30.2 yards per game.

At this point, Landry's name value is much higher than his actual contributions on the field. Signing him won't do much to make the receiver room better.

TE Mike Gesicki

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 08: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Miami Dolphins in action against the New York Jets during the second half of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Mike Gesicki would undoubtedly improve the weaponry for whoever is throwing passes for the Packers next season. There's no denying that. The 6'6", 250-pound tight end is a legitimate red-zone threat with the athleticism to catch balls down the seam and make big plays.

But Gesicki is far from a true tight end. In reality, he's a big slot receiver who doesn't bring much to the table as a blocker.

That's why Gesicki wasn't a fit with the new regime in Miami. Mike McDaniel was used to having George Kittle in San Francisco. In addition to being a dangerous receiver, Kittle is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league.

Gesicki is not, and he only played 45 percent of the offensive snaps as a result. The Packers could be on the lookout for a tight end in the market. Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis are both set to hit free agency.

Tonyan saw a dip in production this season, and Lewis is 38 years old. It would be fair for the Packers to explore the market to find their replacements.

But Gesicki is too one-dimensional to fit a Packers offense that needs to have tight ends who are willing and capable blockers to maximize a rushing attack led by Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.

S Adrian Amos

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 01: Adrian Amos #31 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a missed field goal by the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Lambeau Field on January 01, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Kayla Wolf/Getty Images)

While the first two are outside free agents to avoid, this one is an in-house option who needs to walk.

2023 is a void year in Amos' contract. If the team allows him to walk, he will account for an $8 million dead cap charge. That number can be mitigated if the team pushes some of that money into future years as part of an extension.

But the team should just grit their teeth and take the hit. Amos' production and level of play have dipped over the last two seasons, and it's time to look elsewhere at the safety position.

Amos started all 17 games for the Packers this season, but he gave up a passer rating of 107.7 when targeted and 8.6 yards per target, per Pro Football Reference.

The 29-year-old has become a liability in pass coverage. In 2021, the team turned to free agents like De'Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas to fill in gaps on the defense, and they went on to have career years before becoming a more permanent fixture on the defense.

They are better off rolling the dice on someone who they feel can be elevated within their system than spending more money on a player who seems to be losing his effectiveness.