For the Green Bay Packers, the beginning of the legal tampering period has already been crazy. Star veterans are leaving. Stunning signings. And elsewhere, free agents land big contracts.
More is yet to come. Here is a summary of every move the Packers made to begin free agency: The Packers have money to spend and roster gaps to fill.
Josiah Deguara, a tight end, signs with the Jaguars.
After a disappointing four years in Green Bay, the 2020 third-round pick is leaving. Deguara was Matt LaFleur’s H-back, but he never really developed into a productive receiver or blocker.
He only hauled in eight passes in 2023 and played in less than twenty percent of the offensive plays. Time to move on, I suppose. In Jacksonville, Deguara might have more opportunities to play traditional tight end.
but his ability to block runs in the inline and catch passes is limited.
The Packers have plenty of young tight end talent on their roster, and Henry Pearson is back after spending the previous season developing as an H-back on the practice squad. Another option that Brian Gutekunst could consider is what is in the draft.
The Panthers sign offensive tackle Yosh Nijman.
An anticipated departure. Playing on a restricted tender acquired in the second round the previous season, Nijman was unable to surpass Zach Tom at right tackle or Rasheed Walker at left tackle, thus he finished the campaign as the backup at both positions.
Nijman played 231 offensive snaps in 2023 and made just one start after starting 21 games in 2021 and 2022. A new beginning made sense. He made a nice living in Carolina.
Rochell, who was claimed off waivers in October and appeared in nine games for the special team in 2023, was re-signed by the Packers. April marks the 26th birthday of the Rams’ 2021 fourth-round selection.
The Packers have already re-signed Corey Ballentine and Keisean Nixon, so he will be competing for a spot on the 53-man roster as a backup cornerback and on special teams.
The 49ers sign De’Vondre Campbell.
Having battled injuries in each of the previous two seasons, Campbell is a first-team All-Pro who plans to remain in the NFC. The 49ers, who need an off-ball linebacker while Dre Greenlaw heals from a serious injury he sustained in the Super Bowl, will give him a one-year contract.
In Green Bay, Campbell was productive, but he will turn 31 in July, and veterans rarely become less prone to injuries as they get older.
For Campbell, playing among the 49ers’ talented group should be advantageous. In the 2024 regular season, the Packers will host the 49ers.
