ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Green Bay Packers are considered a “threat” by other teams on the market for safeties, and Fowler said the Packers are looking at safety Xavier McKinney, Camren Karl. , believes they could be eyeing several top targets, including Quandre Diggs.
From Fowler: “Green Bay is considered a threat on the safety market. Depending on the price, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Packers combing the Xavier McKinney and Camren Karl markets. Recently released. Safety Quandre Diggs could also be an option.
This report is not surprising. The Packers had average safety play a year ago, but have transitioned to a new defensive structure under coach Jeff Hafley, with Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens all set to become unrestricted free agents. I'm on my way. There's probably no team that needs a veteran safety more than the Packers, at least no championship favorite. And they're ready to dip their toe into free agency to see if they can find a reasonable answer (or two).
With available cap space, a way to create more cap space, and 11 draft picks, Brian Gutekunst is in a good position to continue building his roster. The Packers could sign a veteran safety with a draft pick, or they could sign two safeties to give them more flexibility in the draft.
McKinney is a big fish in the safety pond. He's a 24-year-old, developing guy who can play any role of a modern-day NFL safety. Having McKinney as one of Hafley's two starters in 2024 could help transform a defense that was too passive last season.
Don't sleep on Karl, another 2020 draft pick who Gutekunst may view as the second coming of Adrian Amos. He's a player you can trust in all aspects of the safety of his play, and could be on the verge of breaking out now that his rookie contract is up.
The market for veteran safeties entering free agency is loaded with options, including Diggs. If the Packers can't find a suitable price at the top, Gutekunst could look to some recently released veterans for help. All-Pro Justin Simmons is also a possibility.
Regardless of the path forward, Gutekunst and the Packers are expected to add at least one safety in the early stages of free agency. There are needs on the roster and plenty of options. The only question is, will Gutekunst look for a difference-maker like McKinney? We expect to start receiving answers next week.
