The Green Bay Packers prioritize building through the draft but that doesn’t mean the team won’t sign free agents. Last offseason, GM Brian Gutekunst signed two big ticket free agents and spent a sizeable sum to improve the Packers at two important positions. Today, we are grading the Packers 2024 free agent signees and how they did this past season with the team.

Grades are based on a combination of expectations and performance. Only players signed during the offseason are considered here so free agents signed after the season started, like Chris Brooks are not considered. Also, players the Packers re-signed like A.J. Dillon and Tyler Davis are not included in this list.

Here is a look at the free agents the Packers signed prior to the 2024 season and how they impacted the team.

Grading the Packers Offseason Free Agents from 2024, Number One: RB Josh Jacobs

The Packers surprised a lot of people last offseason when they parted ways with running back Aaron Jones. The veteran running back later signed with division rival Minnesota.

The Packers signed free agent running back Josh Jacobs to take over as their top running back. That signing worked out extremely well. The former Raiders star stepped in and had one of the best seasons of any running back in franchise history.

Jacobs became the catalyst of the Packers offense. He carried the ball 301 times for 1,329 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. He scored at least one rushing touchdown in each of the team’s final eight regular season games, breaking a record set by Paul Hornung in 1960. He also caught 36 passes for 342 yards and one touchdown.

Jacobs’ strength is running between the tackles. He can make people miss in close quarters and he can carry the ball 20 or more times in a game without wearing down.

Jacobs remains in his prime at 27 and should have a few more productive seasons before he starts to slow down. He should be the team’s number one back again in 2025.

Grade: A

Number Two: OT Andre Dillard

The Packers signed veteran offensive tackle Andre Dillard to provide experienced depth at the position. The former first round pick of the Eagles struggled in training camp and during the preseason. Dillard has all the physical tools to be a successful offensive tackle in the NFL, but he’s never put them all together to realize his potential. He still made the team mostly as an insurance policy.

Dillard played 10 regular season games with the Packers but barely saw the field on offense. He saw action on only 13 snaps on offense and 50 on special teams.

It’s unlikely that Dillard will be back with the Packers next season. He didn’t live up to expectations during the season and failed to show he was ready to play a bigger role. Dillard will turn 30 in October, and he may have trouble making another NFL roster next season.

Grade: C-

Grading the Packers Offseason Free Agents from 2024, Number Three: S Xavier McKinney

Xavier McKinney joined the Packers to revamp and improve the safety position. He more than exceeded expectations in his first season with the team.

The former New York Giants safety intercepted a pass in each of his first five games with the Packers. By the midpoint of the season, opposing quarterbacks were reluctant to throw near McKinney’s part of the field because he was playing so well.

Like Jacobs, McKinney also brought a hunger to win and leadership to the Packers. He helped mentor young players like Evan Williams and Javon Bullard and bring stability to the secondary.

McKinney earned both All Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He finished the season with eight interceptions, 11 passes defended, one sack and one fumble recovery.

McKinney will be 27 in August and is currently in the prime of his career. He should continue to provide the Packers with quality safety play in 2025 and beyond.

Grade: A

 

 

 

Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

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