A look back at the Packers' 2022 free-agent signings

Robert Tonyan (Tight End)

Before Robert Tonyan tore his ACL last season in a Week 8 game against the Cardinals, there were many wondering if Green Bay would be able to afford to bring back the tight end for 2022. In 2020, Tonyan caught 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns, tying Paul Coffman for the single-season franchise record for touchdowns at the position. He also had 204 yards and two touchdowns before his injury last season. Tonyan has become one of Aaron Rodger’s most reliable targets, especially in the red zone. ACL injuries are tricky but it was a clean tear with no other damage so the Packers are hoping he can come back without any trouble. If Tonyan can return to his 2020 form or close to it, he’s due for a big payday as one of the best at the position.

Sammy Watkins (Wide Receiver)

On March 18, Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. It sent shockwaves around the NFL and it left a hole among the Packers’ receiving core. Although no one can replace arguably the best wide receiver in the league, this team feels confident in what they have. After about a month of wondering what’s next for the Packers at the position, they went out and signed veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal worth up to $4M. This is one of the most low-risk, high-reward signings in the NFL. Watkins has been a number one receiver before and has shown great ability in his game. There’s always been one huge question and that’s his availability. The 29-year-old has never played more than 14 games in a single season due to injury. Watkins is banking on himself this year to get back to what he once was while playing with the back-to-back MVP.

Jarran Reed (Defensive Tackle)

Signing defensive tackle Jarran Reed was the most surprising free-agent signing of the offseason, inking the six-year veteran to a one-year, $4.5M deal. He played five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, totaling 237 total tackles with 24.5 sacks across 89 career games. Reed is a reliable and durable player, playing in 15 or more games in all but one season. His workhorse mentality alongside Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry will prove wonders for the Packers’ run defense and interior pressure heading into the 2022-23 season.

Pat O’Donnell (Punter)

Special teams for Green Bay have haunted them for years both in the regular season and the playoffs. Last year was the latest example and this includes at the punter position. Pat O’Donnell will be the Packers’ third punter in three years after not bringing back Corey Bojorquez this offseason. They continue to try and find stability throughout special teams as Rich Bisaccia was hired to lead the unit. O’Donnell has played in 109 consecutive games, third among active punters. He’s played eight seasons with the Bears, averaging 45.1 yards on 564 punts with 220 dropping inside the 20-yard line. The kicking game should also improve with Mason Crosby as O’Donnell has been the Bears holder throughout his career and his has experience playing in cold climate weather.

Keisean Nixon (Cornerback/Special Teams)

The one-year, $965K signing of Keisean Nixon will prove more impactful than most think. He comes over from the Raiders and reunites with special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia. He’s played 40 career games at cornerback, totaling 20 tackles and a pass deflection, but he was brought in as part of the overhaul on special teams. On 692 snaps over three seasons on special teams, Nixon had 18 coverage tackles. He’s not a big name and might not explode off the screen but he will be an important part of this team moving forward.