Packers linked to the previous Selection in the first round will be fuller

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Marquez Valdes-Scantling #83 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after catching a touchdown pass in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Levi’s Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers need to find a way to stretch the defense next season, and they can do so for the value of a former pick in the first leg.

After trading All-Pro Davante Adams for the Las Vegas Raiders and losing free agent Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the Kansas City Chiefs last month, the two best wide receivers available on Green Bay’s list are Allen Lazard and veteran Randall Cobb recently bid. . The Packers are fully aware of the need to make moves to add talent to the position pool, which head coach Matt LaFleur spoke about last week at the NFL’s owners meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.

“Definitely, if you look at our lineup right now, we definitely need to get up to speed in that room,” LaFleur said. “We need someone who can legitimately be at the top of the coverage area. We lost a guy who was pretty good at doing that. “

One such player with a skill set that matches what LaFleur says the Packers need is freestyle pacer Will Fuller V, who will be signed by the NFL franchise sooner with what potentially proves. demonstrate an affordable price.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote on Saturday, March 26, that Fuller represents a bargain for Green Bay that the team should strongly consider.

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Fuller will add a deep intimidation element to the packer’s offense

GettyWill Fuller, formerly of the Houston Texans, performs a reception as he slips behind Kansas City Chiefs’ Terrance Mitchell during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey / Getty Images)

Fuller drafted by Houston Texans with a 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. While he’s struggled to maintain his draft spot, light-fast expansion has always proven. demonstrate a deeply legitimate threat.

Fuller made 24 touchdowns in five seasons in Houston and boasts an average of 14.7 touches. He became his own in 2020, the last season he was paired with midfielder Deshaun Watson, catching 53 passes at 879 yards and eight touchdowns in just 11 games played, according to Pro. Football Reference.

Health has always proved problematic for Fuller, who missed 27 games during his five-year career with the Texas team. The wide receiver signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins in 2021 but suffered a broken finger early in the season that sidelined him for all but two games.

Fuller’s injury history makes him a risk to the Packers in free agency, but it will also make him cheaper. A broken finger is more of a weird incident than a chronic problem to worry about moving forward, so if Green Bay can believe Fuller can stay on the field for most of the season, his price He can represent solid value with two-time reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers pitching his way.

Fuller’s price may be similar to Smith-Schuster’s in KC, Analyst says

GettyWide receiver Will Fuller, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger / Getty Images)

Knox compared Fuller’s free-agent value to that of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who signed with the Chiefs in late March.

“[Fuller] Knox wrote. “Considering [Smith-Schuster] only received a one-year, $3.3 million deal from the Kansas City Chiefs, PFF’s estimates could be high. ”

Even though Smith-Schuster’s guaranteed amount is only $3.3 million, he could earn about $10.75 million with incentives. If Packer signs a contract with Fuller, his contract could be on a lower basis but also potentially dynamic. That kind of deal can be beneficial for both parties. If Fuller remains fit, a full-back of Rodgers’ caliber will likely earn him the most, if not all, of his money. If Fuller is bitten by a bug injury again, the Packers have some built-in protections.

It’s also the kind of deal that makes sense for a team with about $15 million in cap that, according to Over The Cap, is looking to add more pieces to attack. Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst noted last week that several additions to the broad pool of recipients will likely be called for this season considering the loss of Adams to the Raiders.

“To replace a guy like Davante Adams would be a multifaceted approach,” says Gutekunst. “It wouldn’t sound like a singular guy.”