In Green Bay, Wisconsin, following the acquisition of two highly coveted free agents, Green Bay Packers’ GM Brian Gutekunst appears to be winding down his spree in the free agent market, at least until after the upcoming draft next month.
Gutekunst secured running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney with lucrative four-year contracts totaling $115 million, addressing critical gaps in the team’s lineup. Jacobs enhances the running back corps, a role previously held by Aaron Jones for seven seasons, while McKinney strengthens the weakest unit on the team. However, the addition of McKinney shouldn’t deter Gutekunst and his team from further strengthening the Packers’ defensive backfield. Notably, Darnell Savage, a starter for five seasons, entered unrestricted free agency along with Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford.
Micah Hyde, a former Green Bay Packers fifth-round pick, is currently on the lookout for his next opportunity. With a surplus of talented safeties in the market, including Justin Simmons, a four-time Second Team All-Pro, the competition is fierce. Hyde himself boasts two Second Team All-Pro selections and has made a Pro Bowl appearance. As the market potentially softens for these top-tier safeties, it presents an opportunity for the Packers, and other interested teams, to secure their services at a more affordable rate.
It might seem unconventional for the Packers to consider re-signing a player they once let go, but it’s important to note that the decision not to retain Micah Hyde occurred under the previous management. Hyde’s contract with the Packers ended after the 2016 season, and then-GM Ted Thompson opted not to extend an offer, leading Hyde to sign a five-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, where he has spent the last seven seasons.
