The Green Bay Packers promise to be an intriguing squad to follow during the off-season. Their aim is to elevate their roster from playoff-worthy to a serious Super Bowl contender. Jordan Love and the talented young players supporting him demonstrated their ability to score against almost any NFL playoff opponent.
Yet, it’s their defense that might benefit from the addition of an All-Pro player in a position where assistance is needed.
According to David Latham, the Managing Editor at Last Word On Sports (LWOS):
The Chicago Bears have made an early move in what’s often the toughest part of the offseason, parting ways with safety Eddie Jackson and offensive lineman Cody Whitehair. Jackson and Whitehair were the team’s longest-serving players, but Chicago opted to clear salary cap space and bid farewell to these longtime figures.
During his prime, Eddie Jackson was arguably one of the top five safeties in the league. As a former fourth-round pick, he showcased exceptional range and anticipation, covering the entire field and delivering impactful tackles in run support. While he may not be at that peak level anymore, Jackson still has the potential to contribute significantly, especially within the right system, and should attract interest in the market.
One team particularly familiar with Jackson’s capabilities is the Green Bay Packers. Despite having the NFL’s youngest roster, the Packers came close to reaching the NFC Championship Game, indicating they have a strong foundation for sustained success. Now, they just need to add the right veteran pieces to elevate their game.
With the possibility of Darnell Savage leaving in free agency, Jackson could seamlessly step in to bolster and stabilize the defense’s secondary, making him an ideal fit for the Packers.
Would The Packers Actually Add Eddie Jackson?
During his initial three seasons with the Bears, Jackson showcased impressive stats, tallying 26 pass defenses, 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles, and five defensive touchdowns. Notably, in 2018 and 2019, his coverage limited opposing quarterbacks to passer ratings of 40.5 and 57.6, respectively, as per Pro Football Reference.
However, maintaining that high standard has proved challenging for Jackson over his NFL career. Despite missing five games in a season, he managed just five pass defenses and one interception. Moreover, his coverage performance in his fourth season resulted in a high passer rating allowed of 120.6, marking the third time in the last four years that it exceeded 100.
While Jackson retains his talent, he no longer possesses the standout ability of a game-changer or All-Pro. Additionally, entering 2024 at 31 years old raises questions about his longevity in the league. While the Packers are in need of safety assistance this offseason, they might be wise to explore other options before committing to signing Jackson.
