GREEN BAY — The Packers’ biggest off-season domino game came Tuesday when Green Bay signed four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a contract extension.
With Rodgers set for an unprecedented 18th season with the team, the Packers officially kick off the league’s new year at 3:00 pm CT. During this time, NFL clubs may enter into formal agreements with outside free agents after a two-day negotiation window.
The Packers have 22 players on expiring contracts, including 13 unrestricted free agents, who will count towards the compensation formula if they sign elsewhere in the coming days and weeks.
In addition to their veterans with expiring contracts, the Packers have one restricted free agent (recipient Allen Lazard) who will require one of three free agent tenders to remain on the team: first round, second round, or first-out option.
All three tenders give the Packers the opportunity to match any bid list a restricted free agent completes with another NFL team. If Green Bay pulls out of the match, they will receive a draft pick compensation corresponding to the tender received by the player.
The Packers also have seven exclusive free agents (players with less than three accumulated NFL seasons) that can be retained through a year-long tender in at least the league.
15:00 update: Free will doesn’t work in the NFL. Here’s the last thing about Packers:
Details: Terms agreed with Chicago, March 16
Instant analysis: One of the Packers’ greatest success stories without a draft. Patrick has started 34 of 73 games for Green Bay over the past five seasons. Not drafted from Duke in 2016, Patrick signed with the Packers after participating in a trial mini rookie camp. Versatile and purposeful, the 6-foot-3, 313-pound offensive linesman started 13 of his 17 regular season games last season, with 11 starts at center in place of injured starter Josh Myers. Despite Patrick’s departure, the Packers are still well positioned in the inside O-line, with newly drafted Myers, John Runyan and Royce Newman due to return in 2022. Bowl left-back Elgton Jenkins has made significant progress in rehabilitation following season-ending knee surgery.
Here is the full list of Packers free agents. This will be updated during the off-season as NFL clubs announce deals:
Unlimited free agents (13)
Restricted free agents (1)
Players who receive a one-year tender (first round, second round, and first opt-out) that allows Green Bay to match any free agent contract the player signs, or to receive draft pick compensation corresponding to the first two tenders. Compensation for the lowest tender is not provided.
Exclusive free agents (8)
Players with less than three accumulated NFL seasons who are eligible to be retained through a yearly tender in at least the league.