As the NFL season approaches and training camps about to open across the league, there are several free agents still available with the potential to make an immediate impact.
For the Green Bay Packers, the upcoming campaign will be the first with Jeff Hafley calling the plays as defensive coordinator as the organization breaks in a new scheme on that side of the ball.
Given that the Packers are in the midst of a transition on defense, adding a veteran presence could speed up any learning curve on the new scheme for young players.
With camp nearing, it shouldn’t be too surprising that the Packers have been linked to a veteran linebacker to bolster the position group.
Green Bay Packers Urged to Sign Kwon Alexander
The Packers remain a bit thin at linebacker, but that could change thanks to a potential bargain-bin free-agency signing with plenty of upside.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests the Packers are a top fit for veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander.
“Due to his injury history and age—he’ll turn 30 in August—Alexander should be available at a team-friendly price,” Knox points out for B/R. “The Green Bay Packers could also use Alexander’s services after parting with linebacker De’Vondre Campbell early in the offseason. In Green Bay, Alexander could help mentor rookie second-round pick Edgerrin Cooper.”
Alexander could prove to be the ideal mentor for Cooper, especially if the 29-year-old proves he’s capable of returning from a torn Achilles tendon suffered last November and able to play at a high level.
Just two seasons removed from posting 69 total tackles with half a sack, if Alexander can return to that form, he would be a terrific rotational player with plenty of experience to add to a young position group.
Through the first 10 seasons of his career, Alexander has logged 13.5 sacks with 631 total tackles, along with nine interceptions with one returned for a touchdown.
Given that the Packers currently have upwards of $28.4 million in cap space, and Alexander would likely command a deal close to the league minimum, he could be a player to monitor for Green Bay this summer if he is indeed healthy enough to get back onto the field.
