Report: Former Packers starting lineman leaves for bitter rival
The Green Bay Packers are losing offensive lineman Lucas Patrick in this year’s free agency, which was expected by some fans. But what was not expected and has Packers nation raising an eyebrow is who they lost him to. According to Mike Garafolo, the former Green Bay offensive lineman has agreed to terms with their biggest NFC North rival, the Chicago Bears.
Losing a key member of your interior offensive line group is a tough pill to swallow. It’s even tougher when they leave and trade in your jersey for that of a rival such as the Bears. Garafolo also revealed the details of the contract, which included half of the money in the deal guaranteed.
“Two-year, $8 million deal with $4 million fully guaranteed in Year 1 for Lucas Patrick to stay in the NFC North,” wrote Garafolo via Twitter.
Patrick appeared in all 17 games for Green Bay last season and started in 13 of them. He was a key cog in the Packers’ offensive line as they struggled to make adjustments dealing with injuries throughout the season.
Patrick will now go from suiting up with Aaron Rodgers and playing with him, to joining the rival organization the reigning NFL MVP proclaimed he owned.
The Packers tender Allen Lazard
The Green Bay Packers have some work to do in the receiving room, with Davante Adams‘ situation being uncertain, in addition to Marques Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard set to hit the market. But on Tuesday, the Packers made a big decision on the future of Lazard.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Packers have placed a second-round tender on Lazard, who was set to hit the market as a restricted free agent.
“The #Packers are tendering restricted free agent WR Allen Lazard at the second-round level, source says,” tweeted Garafolo tweeted. “That comes with a one-year salary offer of just under $4 million.”
Lazard joined the Packers in 2018 after a collegiate career with the Iowa State Cyclones. He had just one catch as a rookie, but played a bigger role in each of the next three seasons. In 2019, Lazard had 35 receptions for 477 yards and three touchdowns. During the 2020 season, he had 33 receptions for 451 yards and three touchdowns. This past season, though, Lazard enjoyed career-highs in every receiving category.
During the 2021 season, Lazard caught 40 passes on 60 targets for 513 yards and eight touchdowns. He emerged as a valuable threat for Aaron Rodgers in the Green Bay offense. The Packers are clearly trying to do everything they can to retain Lazard. Green Bay is looking for more weapons to surround Rodgers with, and retaining Lazard would be a good start. Especially considering that Valdes-Scantling is likely to price out of Green Bay’s range.