The Start of the Legal Tampering Period

The legal tampering period marked the beginning of the Packers’ journey in free agency. This period allowed the team and other NFL franchises to negotiate with free agents before the official start of the new league year. The Packers had their sights set on improving key positions and addressing areas of need.

Key Moves During the Legal Tampering Period

During the legal tampering period, the Packers wasted no time in making significant moves to bolster their roster. Here are some of the key moves they made:

1. Release of Aaron Jones: The Packers decided to release running back Aaron Jones, a move that surprised many fans. This decision opened up opportunities for new talent to join the team’s backfield.
2. Signing of Josh Jacobs: To fill the void left by Jones, the Packers made a stunning signing by bringing in running back Josh Jacobs. Despite a down season in 2023, Jacobs has proven to be a dynamic player and could form a formidable duo with Aaron Jones.
3. Departure of Darnell Savage: The Packers bid farewell to safety Darnell Savage, who signed a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This move forced the Packers to reassess their options in the secondary.
4. Signing of Jon Runyan Jr.: The Packers lost guard Jon Runyan Jr. to the New York Giants, where he signed a lucrative three-year deal. Runyan’s departure meant that the Packers needed to find a replacement to protect their quarterback.

The Official Start of Free Agency

With the official start of the new league year, the Packers had the opportunity to make more moves in free agency. They aimed to address specific positions and fortify their roster for the upcoming season.

Major Free Agency Moves

1. Release of David Bakhtiari: The Packers made the difficult decision to release left tackle David Bakhtiari, a stalwart on their offensive line. This move signaled a changing of the guard and necessitated finding a suitable replacement.
2. Interest in Xavier McKinney: Safety Xavier McKinney emerged as a top target for the Packers. The team considered him a key piece to bolster their secondary and provide stability in the defensive backfield.
3. Re-signing of Tyler Davis: The Packers secured the services of tight end Tyler Davis, re-signing him for another season. Davis has been a valuable contributor on special teams and adds depth to the tight end position.
4. Potential Targets: The Packers expressed interest in running back Zack Moss, signaling their desire to strengthen their backfield further. Additionally, they aimed to re-sign cornerback Keisean Nixon, linebacker Eric Wilson, and tight end Tyler Davis.

Thank You,
Don Fox