Green Bay Packers’ General Manager, Brian Gutekunst, fortified the team’s pass-rushing capabilities during the NFL Draft by picking edge defenders Barryn Sorrell and Collin Olliver in the fourth and fifth rounds, respectively.
He also enhanced the defensive interior by adding tackle Warren Brinson in the sixth round. While these additions are promising, the lesson from Super Bowl LIX remains clear: having an abundance of pass rushers is crucial. Despite having a mix of talent in their pass rush ensemble, the Packers underperformed in 2024, ending the season ranked 27th in pass rush win rate.
Rashan Gary led the team with 47 pressures but was only 31st among all edge rushers in total pressures. Though the Packers possess front-line talent, their quest to strengthen the front seven should extend beyond the Draft.
Luckily, an experienced player has just hit the free-agent market. On Thursday, the Carolina Panthers released Jadeveon Clowney following his one-year stint in 2024. A former first overall pick in 2014, Clowney has thrice been a Pro Bowl selection and was named Second-Team All-Pro in 2016. Last season, Clowney notched 44 pressures and 5.5 sacks, numbers that would have ranked him as the Packers’ second-best pass rusher.
“You’re always on the lookout. With pass rushers, you can never have enough,” Gutekunst remarked after the 2024 season. “There were instances where we successfully rushed with four men. Every team aspires to do that, rushing with four and impacting the quarterback. There were stretches where we fell short, and that’s a known issue that affects your team.”
Clowney has played at least 12 games in five of the last six seasons and has been a solid run defender. However, if the Packers decide to sign him, it might indicate that a player like Kingsley Enagbare could be traded. Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Collin Olliver, and Barryn Sorrell are guaranteed spots on the final roster, and Brenton Cox Jr. should also have an opportunity. While it’s true that pass rushers are invaluable, General Manager Brian Gutekunst must maintain a balanced roster across all areas.
