The Green Bay Packers wasted no time addressing their biggest defensive weakness from last season. In a whirlwind offseason, they transformed a struggling safety group into a potential powerhouse, leaving former coordinator Joe Barry likely raising an eyebrow from afar.
On day one of free agency, the Packers snagged the crown jewel of the safety market, Xavier McKinney, a ball-hawking playmaker known for his consistent excellence. Not content with that, they doubled down in the draft, selecting the highly-touted Javon Bullard in the second round. The additions of Evan Williams and Kitan Oladapo further cemented the makeover.
General manager Brian Gutekunst seemingly turned a glaring weakness into a formidable strength in a matter of days. The transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Dan Pizzuta of The 33rd Team highlighting the Packers’ safety corps as one of the offseason’s “biggest position unit upgrades.” He cited not only the influx of talent but also the tactical shift under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who’s expected to unleash the full potential of these playmakers.
The need for change was undeniable. Last season, the Packers’ safeties were a liability:
Darnell Savage: Despite ample playing time, he managed just one pass defended all year. His performance was riddled with missed tackles and blown coverages.
Jonathan Owens: A solid tackler but a sieve in coverage, allowing a sky-high quarterback rating when targeted.
Rudy Ford: The most impactful of the bunch, yet inexplicably saw his playing time dwindle.
Anthony Johnson: The rookie showed flashes but also led the group in missed tackles.
Enter McKinney and Bullard, the heralds of a new era. McKinney brings a proven track record of elite coverage and reliable tackling, while Bullard, transitioning from nickel corner, offers tantalizing versatility and playmaking ability.
With these new additions and the continued development of existing players, the Packers’ defense is poised for a dramatic turnaround in 2024. Expectations are high for a unit that can not only stop opposing offenses but also create turnovers, a crucial element missing last season.
Under Hafley’s guidance, Joe Barry’s dream of a dynamic and dependable safety group may finally become a reality, albeit without Barry himself at the helm. The Packers’ offseason moves have set the stage for a defensive renaissance in Green Bay.