3 free agents Packers must target after 2024 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a bevy of picks and used them to great effect. The team took Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan in Round 1 to replace David Bakhtiari and Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper to take over for De’Vondre Campbell.

While the Packers’ draft was a success overall, here are three agents the franchise should target to continue building its roster for the 2024 season.

Adoree Jackson (CB), New York Giants

Green Bay was wise to address a defense that ranked 29th in pass efficiency defense. Following the losses of Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford (combined 30 starts in 2023) in free agency, the team added Georgia safety Javon Bullard in Round 2, Oregon safety Evan Williams in the fourth round, and Kitan Oladipo of Oregon State in the fifth. The Packers also signed free agent safety Xavier McKinney, an up-and-coming star for the New York Giants.

But surprisingly, the Packers waited until their final pick in the seventh round to select a cornerback — Kalen King of Penn State. After trading away Rasul Douglas mid-season, the franchise needed a solid #2 starter opposite Jaire Alexander. Keisean Nixon, and Carrington Valentine are far from dependable, with both falling in the “Below Average” category in Pro Football Focus’ player grades. The team also released corner Eric Stokes post-draft.

The Packers could still add a veteran corner in free agency, and former New York Giant Adoree Jackson would be a smart signing. Jackson is coming off a tough 2023 season in which he allowed 58 receptions for 752 yards but was an above-average player in 2022 and 2021 according to PFF. The veteran made it clear that he wants to win a Super Bowl, and joining the Packers gives him a great shot at that dream.

Ahkello Witherspoon (CB), Los Angeles Rams

Adoree Jackson should be Green Bay’s first target at the cornerback position. But the Packers would be wise to also pursue Ahkello Witherspoon — either as a backup plan if they whiff on Jackson or as a veteran nickel corner alongside Jackson. Witherspoon tied for the Los Angeles Rams’ lead with three interceptions in 2023 and he only allowed a passer rating of 75.7 when targeted. Two years prior, Witherspoon allowed a passer rating of just 35.1 with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While Witherspoon does carry some injury concerns (missed 21 games across 2021 and 2022), he is a solid nickel cornerback who will be an immediate upgrade to the Green Bay secondary.

Greg Van Roten (OG), Las Vegas Raiders; Chris Hubbard (OT), Tennessee Titans

It still remains to be seen if First Round draft pick Jordan Morgan will slot in at guard or tackle for the Packers. If Morgan takes over at left tackle, Green Bay needs to find a new starter at right guard. In this scenario, the team should look to add a guard like Greg Van Roten — who started all 17 games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023.

If the Arizona draftee enters the lineup at right guard, the Green and Gold lack a decent backup tackle. Veteran tackle Chris Hubbard, who played on great offensive lines in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, is a dependable player who can play all across the offensive line. While the addition of Day 3 draft picks Travis Glover and Jacob Monk provide good o-line depth for the future, Green Bay still needs a proven offensive lineman who can play immediately. Glover and Hubbard fit this profile.