Packers showing interest in multiple CBs and DLs early in free agency

Based on early returns, the Packers are active in the cornerback and defensive line market with mid-level free agents, per sources. They've inquired about multiple players at those spots. Makes sense given that Kevin King is likely gone and D-line depth… https://t.co/FR70idnyhU

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 15, 2021

The Green Bay Packers’ priorities in free agency are starting to come into focus.

According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the Packers have been “active” in both the cornerback and defensive line markets, with interest from the team in “multiple” free agents at both position groups.

The Packers haven’t made a signing during the legal tampering period, but the report aligns nicely with the team’s biggest needs. And while the Packers will likely use at least one draft pick at each position group, signing a veteran is usually the best way to solve a short-term need, especially for a contender.

Expect to hear about specific interest in free agents at both cornerback and defensive line over the next few days and even weeks.

Starting cornerbacks Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan are both free agents, and both are coming off inconsistent 2020 seasons. King isn’t expected to return, while Sullivan is a restricted free agent but likely won’t receive a tender. There’s no evidence to suggest recent draft picks Josh Jackson and Ka’dar Hollman are ready to be full-time starters.

The defensive line has Kenny Clark and Kingsley Keke and a bunch of question marks. Dean Lowry could be a cap casualty, and Montravius Adams, Billy Winn and Damon Harrison are all free agents. This position group could really use another veteran.

Signing the right cornerback and defensive lineman could be the difference between the Packers being a good defense or a great defense in 2021. General manager Brian Gutekunst doesn’t have much wiggle room in terms of cap space, but he still has levers available to pull – like the deals of Aaron Rodgers or Davante Adams – if he wants to land a couple of free agents. It’s possible the team will wait for the first wave or two of free agency to pass before getting aggressive in the cheaper markets.

PFF’s top cornerbacks still available (as of Monday night): William Jackson, Richard Sherman, Desmond King, Janoris Jenkins, Shaq Griffin, Malcolm Butler, Troy Hill, Chidobe Awuzie, Brian Poole, Quinton Dunbar, Xavier Rhodes, Patrick Peterson, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Mackensie Alexander

PFF’s top defensive linemen still available (as of Monday night): Dalvin Tomlinson, Jurrell Casey, Ndamukong Suh, Sheldon Rankins, Tyson Alualu, Kawann Short, Quinton Jefferson, Malcom Brown, DaQuan Jones, Lawrence Guy, Derek Wolfe