The Green Bay Packers have made some big decisions in free agency, but former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Andrus Peat remains a primary priority for the team.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder identified one free agent who each NFL team may still use ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. on the Packers, Holder explained why Peat would be a good fit on their offensive line.
“Green Bay could use some depth on the offensive line after losing Jon Runyan and David Bakhtiari this offseason,” Holder said in a statement. “While they are likely to prioritize the trenches in the draft, signing Peat would provide them with a seasoned backup who has experience playing both guard and tackle to protect Jordan Love in the event of a starter injury.
A veteran like Peat might provide the Packers with much-needed depth on the offensive line in 2024.
Andrus Peat’s Football Career
Peat is unlikely to be a star on the offensive line, but his expertise at several spots might make him an intriguing addition to the Packers.
The top-ranked high school player in Arizona in 2012, Peat was a 4-star recruit with offers across the country. Despite receiving offers from other programs such as USC and Florida State, he chose to play for Stanford.
As a junior for the Cardinals, Peat established himself as one of the nation’s best offensive guards. His awards included the Morris Trophy Award as the Pac-12’s outstanding offensive lineman, as well as All-American recognition.
Peat’s outstanding college career helped him be taken as the 13th overall choice in the 2015 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. During his tenure with the team, he was selected a three-time Pro Bowler and received a five-year, $57.5 million contract extension in 2020.
However, the Saints cut ties with Peat this offseason. The trade cost New Orleans $13 million in dead cap space but gives them more flexibility in future seasons.
Peat will now hunt for a new home for the first time in his NFL career.
Do the Packers Need an Offensive Tackle?
Even if the Packers believe they have a solid starting offensive line, they definitely need more depth up front.
The Packers now have only four backup offensive lineman under contract. To make matters worse, only one of those backups, Royce Newman, has extensive playing experience and previously struggled as a full-time starter.
Things appear even worse at offensive tackle. Caleb Jones and Kadeem Telfort are former undrafted free agents. Luke Tenuta has moved around the league, but he has only participated in three games and played seven offensive snaps.
The team even had some concerns about starting left tackle Rasheed Walker. While the 24-year-old became a more consistent player at the close of last season, he has yet to demonstrate that he is the team’s long-term solution to guard Jordan Love’s blind side.
Regardless of Walker’s future plans, the Packers would be prudent to add offensive line depth in this year’s draft or in free agency with a veteran like Peat if they want to keep Love healthy.
