Bargain Free-Agents Packers Must Target

The Green Bay Packers are set to kick off the preseason in just a few days when they take on the Cleveland Browns on Saturday afternoon.

It will be nothing more than a dress rehearsal for the starters who actually get any run, but it is a reminder that the real thing is not that far off.

The Packers have a lot of reasons to be excited about this season. Jordan Love got a full offseason to work with a young group of emerging receivers, the defense should be improved under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and there was a lot of success to build on last season.

However, there are still a few spots on the roster where a potential upgrade could be useful. There also happens to be a few free agents still looking for a home that might be able to help.

Here's a look at three late free agent options who could help the Packers right now.

IOL Mason Cole

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Mason Cole

The Packers offensive line has been a hot topic of conversation throughout the offseason. They obviously felt they needed an infusion of some young talent. They spent a first-round pick on Jordan Morgan despite the Arizona product being a bit of a tweener.

The Packers current depth chart has the former collegiate left tackle as the starter at right guard. There was initially some thought that Sean Rhyan could win the right guard job and allow Jordan Morgan to compete with Rasheed Walker at the left tackle spot.

Thus far, that hasn't been the case. The Packers have typically looked for the best combination of five linemen regardless of position under Matt LaFleur. This current lineup is solid, but it would be good if the Packers could find some competition for Josh Myers.

That's where Mason Cole could help. He has experience at all three interior spots, but his best play has come at center. Most recently, he was the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the middle, but was let go in favor of drafting Zach Frazier.

Signing Cole would at least give the Packers one more veteran who could provide depth.

LB Kwon Alexander

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Kwon Alexander

Any free agent signing for this Packers roster right now is likely going to be about backfilling some fringe team needs. Going after veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander would be just that.

Going from a 3-4 defense to Jeff Hafley's 4-3 base will require more off-ball linebackers to be on the field. The primary personnel package will still be nickel but there will be a real role for three off-ball linebackers.

Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker would appear to be the first two. That third linebacker spot could be up for grabs against a few veterans and young players.

Kwon Alexander would provide some interesting competition for the spot. He's still 29 years old which makes him an experienced vet who is still young enough to be sticky in coverage. He was not a liability within the Steelers defense last season.

Alexander brings a lot of experience to the table as a 'backer who has started 88 career games. His experience and leadership could be a worthwhile addition to a talented, young room.

S Jayron Kearse

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Jayron Kearse

The Packers are a franchise that are usually happy to roll with young, unproven players and let them learn on the fly. It appears to be the approach they are fine with at the safety position.

The Packers signed Xavier McKInney. He'll be a foundational piece of the defense and a guaranteed starter. The other safety spot is where they are rolling the dice.

The early unofficial depth chart has rookie Javon Bullard in the starting safety spot beside McKinney. They also have fellow rookie Evan Williams listed as Bullard's backup.

Their placement on the depth chart speaks highly of their ability.

It's still a dangerous idea to simply rely on multiple safeties to thrive at a position that requires a strong understanding of the defense and how to communicate. Signing a veteran like Jayron Kearse would take some of the risk out of the equation.

The 30-year-old has 54 starts in eight seasons. He's played in a lot of different schemes and should be a quick study for Hafley.