There was some question as to whether guard Jahri Evans wanted to retire or keep playing. It appears he wants to keep playing and would like to return to the Green Bay Packers.
Evans, who will be 35 in August, signed with the Packers just before the draft in 2017. He was viewed as a stopgap solution until the Packers found a younger, better option. While some people have suggested that former Arena League offensive lineman Justin McCray might be that guy, he would have to earn the job. McCray played pretty much every offensive line position in 2017 and started eight games. He played well enough, but is probably better suited as a top backup.
So will the Packers turn to Evans again? It’s possible.
Coach Mike McCarthy has said that Evans is still an option for the Packers. Evans, meanwhile, is biding his time.
“I’m not opposed to coming back to Green Bay,” Evans said. “I loved my last year in Green Bay. Green Bay was great. I loved the coaching staff, I loved the locker room. I loved the organization, the community. It was awesome. It was a great fit for me.
“My goal is, I wanted to win another Super Bowl. I still do. So that’s my focus right now. But, you know, it’s still early. We’re sitting in the first week of April right now. So it’s very early.”
This decision will most likely come down to a couple of factors.
First, what happens in the draft. If the Packers draft a guard prospect they think they can plug into the starting lineup immediately, then Evans won’t be back. Second, the guys already on the roster. It’s entirely possible the Packers feel comfortable letting McCray, Lucas Patrick and possibly Kyle Murphy compete for the right guard spot.
McCarthy has already mentioned that McCray and Patrick deserve a shot to compete for a starting job. Perhaps the Packers go with one of those players and if they falter, then they bring back Evans.
We know the team doesn’t value the guard position, as evidenced by releasing Josh Sitton and letting T.J. Lang sign with the Detroit Lions.
Either way, it appears Evans will be waiting it out for a while.
Draft a guard prospect who can start immediately? Didn’t we trade up in the 2nd round for Spriggs, whose now entering his 3rd season. I’m not saying he’s a bust at that high pick, but his chances of ending up in the Packers Hall of Fame are starting to look really slim.
Sign him now!!