Much has been said and written in recent weeks regarding what big name players the Green Bay Packers should target in free agency or via trade. Additionally, fans, analysts, and writers are all busy researching what NFL Draft prospects the team should target this year.
However, what is often overlooked is the fact that the team needs depth at many positions, and oftentimes they are able to achieve that by holding onto the players that they already have. One way that they are able to do so is by making young and somewhat inexperienced players exclusive rights free agents.
An exclusive right free agent is an NFL player with just one or two years of experience in the league that is also on an expiring contract. When a team makes a player an exclusive right free agent, they hold exclusive rights to re-sign them. In other words, the player can either take the one-year contract (at the NFL minimum salary) that the team offers, or they can not play in the NFL at all for a year.
The Green Bay Packers Are Likely to Retain Six Exclusive Rights Free Agents
Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton (80) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton (80) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch
According to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, the Packers have already tendered four players as exclusive rights free agents:
Running back Emanuel Wilson
Offensive lineman Kadeem Telfort
Punter Daniel Whelan
Safety Zayne Anderson
Wilson emerged as Green Bay’s backup running back after AJ Dillon went down in the preseason with a neck injury. He ended up rushing for 502 yards and four touchdowns while averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry.
Telfort provides depth on the offensive line, something that no NFL team can have too much of.
Whelan, the only Irish-born player in the NFL, has emerged as one of the better punters in the game. What is more, he is a great field goal kick holder for Brandon McManus.
Anderson is a key member of the Packers special teams and provides depth in the secondary.
In addition to these players, Huber reported that Green Bay is also expected to retain defensive end Arron Mosby and wide receiver Bo Melton.
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