The Green Bay Packers’ 2023 season came to an end heartbreakingly. They lost to the San Francisco 49ers during their Divisional Round matchup 24-21 as the young Packers failed to execute down the stretch in crunch time.
A missed field goal by Anders Carlson, which would have extended the team’s lead to seven, gave the ball back to the 49ers in good field position and they capitalized, matching down the field for the game-winning score. Jordan Love threw his second interception of the game on Green Bay’s final drive, an ill-advised throw over the middle of the field.
While the loss is tough to stomach, the Packers should be very pleased with how their season went. No one gave them much of a chance coming into it, as they exceeded expectations earning a Wild Card spot and winning a playoff game.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Patrick Queen, NFL Free Agency, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers Updates
Heading into the offseason, the front office will have a chance to make some major additions to the roster. The Packers’ salary cap situation is clearing up from recent years, giving them a chance to spend this year in free agency.
In the opinion of Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, they should continue looking to fill out the depth in the front seven of their defense If they look to make a splash, linebacker Patrick Queen of the Baltimore Ravens is an ideal target in Knox’s opinion.
“[GM Brian] Gutekunst hasn’t made a habit of chasing big-name players in free agency, so we can expect the Packers to be more active in the second and third waves. Continuing to build depth in the defensive front seven should be a priority, as Green Bay’s run defense remains a weakness.
The Packers finished the regular season ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed and 23rd in yards per carry allowed. Were the Packers to get aggressive, players like defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and linebacker Patrick Queen would become ideal free-agent targets,” wrote Knox.
While the Packers’ offense thrived for most of the season with Love at the helm, the defense was unable to consistently find success. Injuries played a major part, as did trading away veteran Rasul Douglas ahead of the deadline.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Patrick Queen, NFL Free Agency, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers Updates
But, stopping the run was an issue for the team throughout the season. That has been a weakness for multiple seasons now and needs to be addressed if the Packers are to take that next step and become true contenders in the NFC.
Queen would be a huge addition a the second level of their defense. De’Vondre Campbell has been unable to stay healthy and he would make a long-term pairing with Quay Walker at linebacker. After having the fifth-year option on his rookie deal declined, Queen will be looking to cash in during free agency after a monster 2023 season.
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