The Green Bay Packers are shifting gears this off-season, taking a more cautious approach to free agency compared to recent years. In 2024, they made headlines by signing running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney, both of whom delivered Pro Bowl performances, with McKinney earning All-Pro honors twice. However, last year's investments in left guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs didn't pan out as hoped, with injuries hampering their impact and casting doubt on those contracts.
Faced with a tight salary cap, the Packers are steering clear of high-profile signings this time around. Instead, they're eyeing under-the-radar free agents who can bolster the squad without breaking the bank.
One name that has surfaced is linebacker Nakobe Dean, a potential target for Green Bay. The Packers recently declined the fifth-year option on Quay Walker, their 2022 first-round pick, signaling a possible departure.
This leaves a gap alongside Edgerrin Cooper in the linebacking corps. Dean, a soon-to-be former Philadelphia Eagle, is seen as a strong candidate to fill that void.
At 25, Dean offers promising pass coverage skills, arguably surpassing Walker in that department. Last season, he notched four sacks, forced two fumbles, and recorded 55 tackles. Financially, Dean's projected salary under $8 million per year is within reach for the Packers, provided they make necessary roster adjustments to fit under the cap.
However, Dean's injury history is a concern. He suffered a foot fracture in 2023 and tore his patella tendon in a game against the Packers, which sidelined him for the first four games of the following season. A hamstring injury also kept him out of the final games last year.
Given Green Bay's own struggles with injuries, adding a player like Dean, who has only completed one full season in four years, might be a gamble. Yet, if he stays healthy, Dean could prove to be a savvy addition to the Packers' defense at a reasonable cost.