The Packers are not known to make any big free agent signings. They often will let big name free agents leave and sign more value players. There are advantages and disadvantages to this strategy but when the Packers hit on a free agent, it looks great for the organization. This offseason, the Packers took flyers on a lot of free agents. Pat O’Donnell is the Packers best free agent signing this year.
Pat O’Donnell Makes History On Sunday
Punter appreciation post! 👏@PatODonnell_16’s five punts inside the 20 tied for the most by a Green Bay punter in a game (since 1976).#GBvsTB | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/sAW7VPB2MO
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 26, 2022
A Packers punter made history on Sunday. As a Packers fan, I cannot believe I am typing those words. O’Donnell had five punts inside the 20 yard line on Sunday which tied a Packers record. This may not seem like a big deal but it kept Tampa Bay pinned in their own territory for most of the game. Every Packers fan remembers how last season ended. It was because of poor special teams play especially on the punting side. The signing of Pat O’Donnell is paying huge dividends so far. O’Donnell has been the best free agent signing this year.
O’Donnell Isn’t The Only Great Free Agent Signing
The crazy thing about the Packers free agent class of 2022 is that you could argue a couple players being the best one. Sammy Watkins, while injured currently, had a great game against the Bears and after he is back will continue to make an impact. Backup corner Keisean Nixon filled in for the injured Jaire Alexander on Sunday and looked great. Numerous others have made the special teams unit much better this year. However, Pat O’Donnell has had the most impact on the field.
As fans, too often do we get caught up in the splashy free agent signings. Those signings can have an impact but also they come with a price. The smaller free agents signings don’t often make the news but can have a huge impact. Pat O’Donnell has been the Packers best free agents signing this season. If he keeps this up, the Packers have a great shot at making a deep playoff run.
