Packers' Last-Minute Guide to 2024 NFL Free Agency

The Green Bay Packers sit in a comfortable position at the start of NFL free agency.

The Packers return a majority of their offensive starters, so they do not need to chase the top-tier running backs or wide receivers.

Green Bay's initial free-agent focus should be on defense, where it could use some reinforcements at safety.

The Packers' offensive focus should be on protection Jordan Love. They should look into the offensive line market for improvements so that Love is better protected in his second season as starter.

Green Bay could also use a replacement for A.J. Dillon, but a second-or-third-tier running back free agent should be below other needs on the wish list.

Packers Should Jump into Robust Safety Market

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 07: Xavier McKinney #29 of the New York Giants defends against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at MetLife Stadium on January 7, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

One of the deepest free-agent positions happens to fit one of Green Bay's top needs.

The Packers could use a veteran safety to command their secondary. They could go in many directions with their free-agent pursuit.

Justin Simmons, Kevin Byard, Quandre Diggs and Xavier McKinney are some of the top names available at the position.

Green Bay has $12 million in projected salary cap space available, per Spotrac, which is plenty of room to make a splash at safety.

The Packers have to weigh whether they want a younger player, like McKinney, to command the defense for multiple years, or if they want an older veteran to hold that spot for a year or two before they draft a starter.

Offensive Line Help Could Be Needed

Perry Knotts/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 12: Jon Runyan #76 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to block during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Green Bay could be in search of a new offensive guard if Jon Runyan leaves in free agency.

The Packers could also move on from David Bakhtiari to open up salary cap space.

The NFC North side must ensure Jordan Love is protected at all costs next season, and that its rushing attack can be as effective as it was in 2023.

If Runyan leaves, Ravens guard John Simpson could be a target because of how successful the Ravens were on the ground last season.

Graham Glasgow and Mitch Morse could be among the veteran interior offensive lineman the Packers target as well.

Could Running Back Be Added in Free Agency?

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 24: AJ Dillon #28 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

A.J. Dillon and Patrick Taylor are both scheduled to become free agents.

The Packers will likely draft Aaron Jones' successor in April, but before that, they could explore the second level of the free-agent market.

Green Bay will probably wait until the top-tier running backs, led by Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, find homes before leaping into that market.

Devin Singletary, Zack Moss and Jerick McKinnon could fit the mold of reserve running backs the Packers could use to support Jones.

Other needs are more important, but if the Packers have some extra cash to spend, they could look into signing a veteran pass-catching back on a cheap deal.