Many NFL athletes eagerly anticipate the onset of free agency, viewing it as a prime opportunity for substantial financial gain and attracting multiple interested teams. For many, this period feels full of potential. However, T.J. Slaton isn’t one of these players.
As a defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, Slaton has cherished his tenure in the NFL’s smallest market. When Slaton enters free agency in March, his top desire is to continue wearing the Packers’ jersey. “I know a lot of guys get really pumped about free agency,” Slaton mentioned at the season’s conclusion.
“That’s not me. I’m not thrilled at all. I’d love to stay here. This place feels like home, but I have no control over contracts or anything like that. I’ll let my agent handle it and see how things unfold. But, without question, I want to be here.”
While Slaton’s personal stats might not impress, the 6-foot-4, 330-pound athlete has accumulated 134 tackles in 68 regular season games, averaging 1.97 per game. Slaton has 67 solo tackles, 67 assisted tackles, two sacks, and has yet to contribute to a turnover play.
Slaton’s worth to Green Bay transcends mere statistics. In this year’s 4-3 defensive setup, Slaton manned the ‘A gap’—between guard and center—tasked with disrupting the run by absorbing blockers. Occasionally, he was also required to penetrate the backfield, pressuring the quarterback with a “3-technique” alignment over the guard’s inside shoulder.
Some might argue that the 3-4 system, employed by Green Bay during Slaton’s first three seasons, suited him better. In that alignment, Slaton’s primary role was to control both ‘A’ gaps, effectively absorbing space by engaging multiple blockers and preventing them from reaching the linebackers. “I’m not sure,” Slaton responded when asked if the 3-4 was a superior fit.
“Maybe. I can definitely operate in both systems.” Drafted in the fifth round from Florida in 2021, Slaton started only two games in his initial two seasons. However, in 2023, with the Packers shifting Kenny Clark to defensive end in their 3-4 scheme, Slaton stepped into the starting role and excelled.
