The Green Bay Packers may have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but their passing game took a hit in 2013 thanks to offseason releases and injuries. The result was Eddie Lacy earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors thanks to an increased number of carries. The Packers do not intend on letting that become the new norm, as the team sorts through available free agents for help. With Jermichael Finley set to hit the market, the tight end position might be the top priority.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Packers could make a play for tight end Jimmy Graham. The New Orleans Saints offensive star was recently franchise tagged by the team after the two sides failed to agree on a new contract extension. With that, any team looking to acquire Graham will have to present a favorable contract, plus give up two first-round draft picks for him. That is a heavy price to pay for one player.
There is no doubting that Graham might be worth the sacrifice. He is Drew Brees' favorite target, operating as both a tight end and wide receiver. With him, the Packers might have the best offense on paper. Rodgers at quarterback, Lacy in the backfield, Graham in the middle plus Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb out wide could equal a lot points in Green Bay. However, a trade for Graham does not fit the typical mold that Green Bay follows so a deal seems highly unlikely. So, who is next?
Brandon Pettigrew is officially on the market. According to the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are not expected to retain the tight end after they failed to apply the franchise tag. Losing Pettigrew would be a huge hit to the Detroit Lions' offense. Head coach Jim Caldwell favors a system that relies heavily on tight ends, but team sources report the two sides are unlikely to agree to a new deal before free agency begins. The Packers would certainly not have to give up as much to sign Pettigrew and they would still get solid production on the field.
The Packers could also make a run at Houston Texans' tight end Garrett Graham. He is considered one of the best available and the team opted to not franchise him. The Texans are still trying to work out a deal that would see Graham returning, but with free agency just days away, he is more likely to hit the market.
Green Bay certainly has plenty of options outside of giving up a lot for Graham. There is no telling if the Packers would actually try and make a run at the tight end, but they certainly have quality players to pick from in the meantime.
