Acme Packing Company
Let’s continue our journey through the NFL with a trip to see the free agents of the NFC East.
Earlier this week, I began a series taking a look at one free agent from every single NFL roster, division by division, who I think would be a fit with the Green Bay Packers. We started with the AFC East, and today we’ll be taking a look at players from the NFC East. Let’s get this free-agent ball ROLLING.
The Dallas Cowboys sure do know how to lose! Let’s hope they continue to lose...DL Osa Odighizuwa (oh-DIG-ee-zoo-wah), to the Green Bay Packers. 26 years old, Odighizuwa has started 63 of the 67 games in which he’s made an appearance, including all 17 games this season. He posted career highs this year in sacks (4.5), tackles (47), and QB hits (23). For comparison purposes, the Packers’ leader in QB hits this season was Rashan Gary with 15. Actually, let me hammer this in a little bit more: the last time a Packers defender recorded 23 or more QB hits in a season was 2021 (Rashan Gary with 28).
Green Bay needs some JUICE on defense. The acquisition of S Xavier McKinney and the drafting of LB Edgerrin Cooper this season definitely gave the Packers a boost, but signing a guy like Odighizuwa would be just what defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley needs to take them to another level. He’s earned himself a hefty contract from wherever he wants to go, and if the Packers are going to spend major money this offseason, this is the guy they should focus on (I will say this about approximately 12 more players over the coming weeks, I’m sure.)
If you haven’t noticed, every single one of my free-agent picks so far during this series has been a defensive player. WE. NEED. JUICE. I truly think the Packers are a player or two away from being an absolute powerhouse on this side of the ball. One of the biggest needs: the pass rush. It’s been difficult to replicate the production we saw a decade (!) ago with Clay Matthews. Rashan Gary has been hot and cold, so, basically lukewarm. Lukas Van Ness is still on his way. I’m sure the Packers will use a draft pick at the position, but I won’t be surprised if they bring in a free agent as well, to try and light a spark.
Enter stage right: 24-year-old Azeez Ojulari. Ojulari was a second-round pick out of Georgia (hello, Packers) back in 2021, and ended up setting a Giants franchise record for sacks by a rookie with 8. His usage has dipped since his rookie season, due in part to a couple of stints on IR, along with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns becoming the main duo for the Giants. Make no mistake, though, Ojulari can play (when he’s healthy). He recorded 6 sacks in 11 games this season,...
