The Green Bay Packers took care of a few needs in free agency. They signed wide receiver Mecole Hardman, offensive guard Aaron Banks, cornerback Nate Hobbs, kicker Brandon McManus, and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie.
Maybe they could look to reunite with an All-Pro linebacker in 2025?
One player the Packers were unable to secure this March might sting both Green Bay, the player, and the Chicago Bears.
The Green Bay Packers wanted a defensive end in FA
Per A to Z Sports, the Packers were interested in signing defensive end Day Odeyingbo before free agency started.
Via A to Z Sports:
“According to sources with knowledge of the situation, when the 2025 free agency period opens at 12 p.m. ET on Monday, March 10, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo is expected to be one of the Packers’ top targets in free agency.”
However, Odeybingbo signed a three-year deal with the Bears worth $48 million. The Packers have yet to add meaningful help at pass rusher this offseason and could be waiting until the draft to fortify the trenches.
Dayo Odeyingbo made a mistake with the Chicago Bears?
Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report thinks Odeyingbo made a mistake choosing the Bears.
“Dayo Odeyingbo signing with the Chicago Bears makes a ton of sense financially for the player, but the fit doesn’t, Sobleski wrote. “Odeyingbo came into the league as a developmental defensive lineman with immense physical upside. He’s a 6’6”, 286-pound base end, who often reduces inside as part of defensive sub-packages.
“The 25-year-old veteran doesn’t bring much different than what DeMarcus Walker did to the Bears lineup. Coincidentally, both finished last season with fewer than four sacks.”
Sobleski suggested Odeyingbo chose the Bears because they were willing to overpay him following a season when the 25-year-old only recorded three sacks. He has 16.5 sacks in his four-year NFL career.
The Packers would have been a better fit
Sobleski thinks Odeyingbo would have been a better fit in Green Bay.
“The Packers also have a young, talented core, with a history of developing raw pass-rushers, as the organization did with Rashan Gary,” Sobleski wrote. “Unlike Ben Johnson, Matt LaFleur is proven coach, with five playoff appearances in his six seasons at the helm. If Green Bay really did prioritize Odeyingbo at the start of free agency, the decision should have been more difficult than the free agent made it out to be.”
The Packers made the right choice by not paying Oedyingbo $16 million per year after a lackluster season in 2024. While he has upside, Green Bay can find better options in the draft while using that money on sure players.
Unlike the Bears who have quarterback Caleb Williams under a rookie contract, Love’s contract with the Packers means Green Bay must spend wisely in free agency. Odeyingbo chose money over a chance to have better production.
That could wind up hurting the Packers, Bears, and Odeyingbo.
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