The Green Bay Packers have remained silent so far in the opening hours of the legal tampering period that kicks off NFL free agency in earnest.
Outside of kicker Brandon McManus and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, they have set to make any notable moves.
Now an important piece of their defensive line has departed to an AFC North contender on a 2-year, $15M deal.
Fortifying the Frontlines
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Cincinnati Bengals are signing former Packers defensive tackle TJ Slaton.
In his four NFL seasons, Slaton has amassed 134 tackles and two sacks in the middle of the Packers defense. While he is not a star, he had been a consistent force for this unit, playing 68 of 68 games since entering the league as a fifth round pick out of Florida.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
It is not a huge loss for Green Bay, but it is a very good pick up for Cincinnati, whose atrocious defense last season has been the subject of endless offseason razzing. So far they have focused on extending their most important offensive pieces, such as quarterback Joe Burrow and receiver Tee Higgins, while leaving pass rusher Trey Hendrickson unextended, at least for now.
One Packers tweeter going by the name Cheesehead TV had an encouraging message for Slaton’s new fanbase:
“You’ll like him Bengals fans. He’s a great dude and awesome run defender. Wish we could’ve kept him!”
Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur encourages the fans to make noise during the first quarter of their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-Imagn Images
Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur encourages the fans to make noise during the first quarter of their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-Imagn Images
The early results of a twitter poll in the comment section of Pelissero’s announcement expressed a generally positive opinion of the signing for the Bengals. Having tallied over 1300 votes thus far, the poll is split 65/35 in favor of the move.
LockedonBengals podcaster Jake Liscow provided a surprising stat that may leave Packers faithful more pained than they planned on.
“New Bengals Nose Tackle T.J. Slaton led the NFL in ESPN’s run stop win rate in 2024,” Liscow informed the world, alongside a chart showing Slaton at the top with a 46% stop rate.
Mar 18, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Jackson Chourio (11) bunts for a single against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Aug 11, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur walks off the field after a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
With talent leaving and none coming in, a quiet offseason for the Packers is only growing more frustrating for fans who want to see the team pursue a more aggressive, win-now approach.
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