The Green Bay Packers could certainly use a few more tweaks to their roster with training camp right around the corner. Arguably their biggest remaining need is to address its depth along the defensive line.
The Packers lost a lot of valuable experience in free agency with Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed both departing. While Green Bay’s run defense was bad in 2022 and they played a part in that, they are major losses.
Over 1,000 snaps along the defensive line have been opened up with their departure and not a single free agent addition has been made yet to soak up those snaps. 2022 first-round pick, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, will certainly see his role increase in Year 2.
Beyond that, the Packers don’t have any clear-cut answers to help replace what they have lost. Dipping back into free agency would be a good idea, with Shelby Harris being someone the team should target in the opinion of Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report.
Harris was part of the blockbuster trade between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks last offseason centered around Russell Wilson. He ended up in Seattle, and while his pass-rushing numbers took a step back, he remained a useful piece of the defense.
In his career, Harris has recorded 24.5 sacks and 52 quarterback hits in eight seasons. He has added at least eight pressures in all five seasons the stat has been tracked as well, providing some pass-rushing presence from the interior of the defensive line.
Where he would help the Packers the most would be as a run stuffer, something that they desperately need more of. Turning 32 years old in August, Harris may not be suited for more than a rotational role, but that is all the team would really need him for.
Harris would provide a veteran presence that the team lost in Lowry and Reed, upgrading the run defense and providing a pass-rushing spark. Even if he only logged 45-50 percent of the team’s snaps in 2023, not the 55+ percent he has logged in four straight seasons, he would provide the Packers with a sizable boost in the middle.
