The Green Bay Packers have made continuous efforts to get younger and more talented over the last few years. Moving on from Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, and David Bakhtiari in three consecutive off-seasons defined the future of the franchise.
Last season the Packers had a record number of yards and receptions recorded by first and second year receivers. However, it looks like that won’t stop them from adding a veteran at a key position for 2024.
The Green Bay Packers Are Expected To Add Veteran For Competition In 2024
According to reliable source Bill Huber of Packers Central:
The Green Bay Packers almost signed a veteran kicker to serve as a true challenger to Anders Carlson, a league source told Packer Central.
The identity of the kicker will be withheld for this story. However, he has been a full-time kicker for multiple seasons.
According to the source, the Packers offered him a contract and the kicker agreed to it, only for him to have a change of heart and sign with another team.
That the Packers missed out on a veteran isn’t the story. Rather, it’s the confirmation that general manager Brian Gutekunst is looking to create a real competition – one that Carlson didn’t have last year as he sailed solo through training camp, the preseason and throughout an inconsistent rookie season.
“I’m excited to see what he does in Year 2, but there will be competition in the room,” Gutekunst said at the Scouting Combine.
Former Georgia standout Jack Podlesny was signed after the season. He was with the Minnesota Vikings for the start of training camp last summer but was released without kicking in a preseason game.
What Veteran Kickers Are Currently Available For The Packers?
In short, not many. The Packers could sign former Vikings kicker Greg Joseph if they wanted to bring in veteran competition for Anders Carlson.
In reality they may need to dip into the un-drafted free agent market or even the draft if they want to bring in kicking competition.
With 115 points, Carlson went 27 for 33 on field goals and 34 for 39 on extra points. His miss In the NFC Divisional Round against the San Fransisco 49ers proved to be the difference in the final score (24-21).