Three free-agent options to add depth to Packers defense

Benson Mayowa went from undrafted in 2013 to a nine-year NFL veteran. During his career, Mayowa has played for the Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. He was most recently on a second stint with the Seahawks after being on their Super Bowl-winning team as rookie. However, Seattle cut him earlier this offseason to open up salary cap space.

Last season, Mayowa had just one sack and thirty tackles in 15 games played (seven starts). While 2021 may have been a down season, 2018-2020 were very good seasons for the veteran edge rusher. In those seasons, Mayowa had 4.0, 7.0, and 6.0 sacks respectively in 43 games (13 starts) with the Cardinals, Raiders and Seahawks.

While Kingsley Enagbare, a fifth round draft pick, is likely to see his fair share of snaps on the defense, the rest of the depth is unproven at best. Mayowa is a career second-string edge rusher, that is exactly what the Packers need.

Safety

Current Starters: Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage

Current Depth: Shawn Davis, Vernon Scott, Innis Gaines, Tariq Carpenter, Tre Sterling

Free Agent Option: Andrew Adams

Like Benson Mayowa, free agent safety Andrew Adams was an undrafted free agent who has become a reliable NFL veteran. After spending his first two seasons with the New York Giants, Adams has spent the last four seasons as a backup safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Adams’ best season was 2018 when he had four interceptions and nine passes defended in 13 games (four starts). That year, opposing quarterbacks had a 39.9 passer rating when targeting Adams. Last season, Adams played in 14 games (three starts), and had one interception and four passes defended. While not as dominant as his 2018 season, opposing quarterbacks still had just a 79.2 passer rating when targeting him.

Another benefit to signing Andrew Adams would be his experience on special teams. Over the past two seasons, especially, Adams has played 541 special teams snaps, over 60% of the Bucs’ plays in that facet of the game.

Cornerback

Current Starters/Top Three: Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Rasul Douglas

Current Depth: Shemar Jean-Charles, Rico Gafford, Thomas Kiondre, Kabion Ento, Raliegh Texada, Keisean Nixon

Free Agent Option: Joe Haden

Unlike the first two free agents on this list, Joe Haden was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Throughout his career, he was named to the Pro Bowl three times and was Second Team All-Pro once.

Also unlike the previous two free agents on this list, Haden has primarily been a starter for the majority of his career.  He is a free agent this offseason after playing in 12 games last season. Haden was limited by a mid-foot sprain that caused him to miss numerous games. He had no interceptions and six passes defended last year.

For Haden, it may be time for him to start sliding into reserve roles on defense. That is why the Packers would be such a good fit for him. Haden would not have to be THE guy in the secondary as the Packers already have three of the best in the league.