ENGLEWOOD, CO – AUGUST 18: Defensive tackle Jurrell Casey #99 of the Denver Broncos swipes past a piece of equipment during a training session at UCHealth Training Center on August 18, 2020 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers should consider signing these two impact free agents before the start of the 2021 season.
The Green Bay Packers are the talk of the NFL this offseason, mostly due to the deteriorating relationship between the team and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It is unknown when or if the reigning NFL MVP will return for training camp or the start of the 2021 regular season. But, let’s put that aside for the moment.
Green Bay narrowly made it to Super Bowl 55, but they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game. The majority of the team will be back for 2021 and there have been some additions via free agency and the NFL Draft. However, there are some areas in need of improvement for the Packers, and they can address them by signing these two free agents.
Packers free agent needs: Broncos defensive tackle Jurrell Casey
It is no secret that the Packers have one of the best nose tackles in the game in Kenny Clark. Even with Clark on the roster, the team could stand to add some depth prior to training camp. If they want to add a veteran presence who can make an impact on the defense, they should give former Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey a call.
Casey was traded to the Broncos last offseason, and he was limited to just three games after tearing his biceps. Besides that anomaly of a season, Casey has proven to be one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the league. He can stop the run and get to the quarterback.
In his 10 year career, Casey has recorded a total of 507 tackles (85 for loss), 117 quarterback hits, 51 sacks, 15 defended passes, eight forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. Back in 2019, his last full season on the field, Casey tallied 44 combined tackles and five sacks, while tallying 21 pressures, 12 hurries and four knockdowns on the quarterback, per Pro Football Reference.
Casey brings versatility on the defensive line, as he can play at both the tackle and edge positions. That is something the Packers should value. When healthy, Casey can make an impact when he is on the line of scrimmage.