NFL Analysis
3/6/25
8 min read
2025 NFL Free Agency: Top 5 Targets for Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are a few pieces away from being a Super Bowl contender in the NFC, and they'll have the financial flexibility to take some swings in free agency this offseason.
While the Packers could make a blockbuster trade on a veteran EDGE or a top wideout like DK Metcalf, they could also be content with going after some reasonably-priced free agents. While they can't outbid the likes of the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders, the Packers still have enough cap space ($46 million) to target some key players on the open market.
Ignoring potential trade targets, let's dive into some realistic free-agent targets for the Packers before negotiations with players start on Monday.
Green Bay Packers Free Agent Targets
Chase Young, EDGE, New Orleans Saints
The Packers are desperate for pass-rushing help. Despite spending premium assets in recent years, including a first-round pick on Lukas Van Ness, the Packers ranked just 26th in pass rush win rate in 2024.
While GM Brian Gutekunst could take another swing on a toolsy EDGE prospect with upside, he could also opt to get a veteran pass rusher on a short-term deal with a proven track record of getting after opposing quarterbacks.
Chase Young isn't the flashiest EDGE on the open market, but he has been proven to get results, regardless of the team he's playing on. He generated 66 pressures with the New Orleans Saints last season and had another 74 pressures in 2023 with Washington and San Francisco.
Man when Chase Young is good he can be really fricken good. pic.twitter.com/o0VjOOrizk
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) February 22, 2025
It's not like Young is on the tail end of his career, either. He's just 25 years old and previously played for current Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley during their time together at Ohio State. That connection, plus Young's production and the fact that he'll likely not be commanding top-of-market money, could make him an ideal addition to Green Bay's defense.
Paulson Adebo, Cb, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints don't have the financial resources to bring back pretty much any of their talented players hitting free agency. That'll benefit the rest of the league, including the Packers, who could target a pair of their upcoming FAs in Young and Paulson Adebo.
Adebo is currently rehabbing from a broken femur that will hurt his market value, but the good news is that the veteran cornerback is progressing well. He even shared a recent update on social media of him sprinting 21 miles per hour on the treadmill to showcase his readiness to compete for whichever team wants to sign him.
Besides the injury, Adebo has been a very productive cornerback in recent years. In his last two seasons, he's generated seven interceptions and 28 pass breakups, with just two touchdowns allowed in coverage when targeted. Opposing quarterbacks have posted a passer rating of just 68.78 when throwing his way.
VIKINGS FREE AGENT SPOTLIGHT: Paulson Adebo
— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (@verysadvikings) March 6, 2025
Paulson Adebo is one of the more underrated CBs of this cycle. He has prototypical size for an outside guy, and despite the drop off in production and reps in 2024, I think he has proven that he is a good starter in the NFL based on… https://t.co/2FH7W7hAQ2 pic.twitter.com/BvkOej4haX
With Jaire Alexander likely on his way out, either via trade or release, the Packers have a serious need for a No. 1 cornerback. Adebo has the track record and production to fill that role, assuming he can be ready to hit the field running once training camp begins.
Patrick Mekari, OL, Baltimore Ravens
This isn't the flashiest free agent on this list, but the Packers saw how bad things can get for their offensive line if one or two guys go down during a game.
Green Bay's lack of offensive line depth showed up in an ugly way in the playoffs this past season against the Philadelphia Eagles, with Jordan Love facing constant pressure as players like Kadeem Telfort and Travis Glover had to try and slot into the lineup in a crucial game.
First-round pick Jordan Morgan should be healthy for his second NFL season, but even with him returning, the Packers need depth in the trenches. They're likely to throw some darts in the 2025 NFL Draft, but a veteran swing tackle like Patrick Mekari makes a lot of sense.
Mekari has played all over Baltimore's offensive line the last few seasons, playing both tackle spots, guard, and even some center. He won't command a ton of money, but his versatility is exactly what the Packers coaching staff and front office covet in their linemen, making him the perfect fit as a flexible backup or fringe starter.
Khalil Mack, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers
As stated earlier, the Packers have a serious need for some proven pass rushers to bolster their ability to pressure quarterbacks with a four-man rush. Young is one viable option, but if the Packers want a true one-year stopgap as they try to make a deep playoff run, then Khalil Mack could be a compelling option.
The Packers previously tried to trade for Mack in 2018 but were outbid by the Chicago Bears. Although he may now be 34 years old and contemplating retirement, the right team could convince him to come back for one more year.
Even at his age, Mack is still playing at a high level as a pass rusher. He generated 59 pressures and six sacks despite a decreased role in the Los Angeles Chargers defense, a year after one of the best seasons of his career with 17 sacks and 88 pressures in 2023.
Free Agent Khalil Mack does such a good job of suckering offensive tackles into over-striding wide to set-up the inside move.
— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) February 28, 2025
I love Jack Conklin but I don’t think he even touched Mack on his way to the QB (good players have bad reps too). pic.twitter.com/pLSHvHlxpS
Gutekunst loves bigger EDGEs, and Mack's nearly 270-pound frame could hold up in Hafley's 4-3 defensive scheme. If they can get one more year like Mack's 2023 season from him, then it could do wonders for Green Bay's pass rush, and a one-year deal could make a lot of sense for both parties.
Davante Adams, WR, New York Jets
It's time for Davante Adams to come home.
The New York Jets released Adams as a cap-saving measure, allowing him to hit the open market. While reports have surfaced that he would like to go back to the West Coast, the veteran receiver has also teased Packers fans with public comments and social media posts about a potential reunion.
A homecoming for Adams makes a lot of sense for both parties. The Packers have the cap space to give Adams a fair market deal, and they also have a clear need for a No. 1 receiver who can pick apart man coverage, especially with Christian Watson likely out for the majority of the 2025 season.
Adams has no problem beating Man coverage, averaging an impressive 2.75 yards per route run against man in 2024. Head coach Matt LaFleur knows how to make Adams a focal point of his passing game, and that kind of signing could be what takes Jordan Love's game to the next level in 2025.
Davante Adams pic.twitter.com/QSDDmrlL0A
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 4, 2025
There still needs to be interest from both sides, and Adams will have other suitors. However, for a fair contract and a chance to compete for a Super Bowl with the team that drafted him, Adams could be tempted to run it back with the Packers.
