NFL Free Agency: Packers Sign Former Badger, Linebacker

GREEN BAY, WI — NFL free agency began Monday morning and the Green Bay Packers are already making moves to upgrade their 2020 roster.

Packers Sign Linebacker

On Monday morning, news came that the Packers signed free-agent linebacker Christian Kirksey to a two-year, $16 million deal.

Kirksey, 27, was cut by the Cleveland Browns last week and had been visiting teams to find a new landing place. Kirksey made 286 total tackles for the Browns over 2016 and 2017 and is considered a key fit for the Packers, who are expected to lose middle linebacker Blake Martinez in free agency.

For the Packers to really benefit, Kirksey will have to log consistent playing time in Green Bay. Kirksey played a total of nine games over the past two seasons because of injury.

Packers Sign Right Tackle

Green Bay's second move on Monday also corresponds with an impending player departure from Green Bay.

The Packers signed free agent tackle Rick Wagner to play the position of right tackle in Green Bay - the same position as stalwart Bryan Bulaga. The move signals that Bulaga, who's due a hefty free-agent deal, is likely headed out the door and to a new team.

In Wagner, the Packers invest $11 million over two years. Rumors were that Bulaga would be owed at least that much - if not significantly more - per year in whatever deal he ends up signing. Wagner played for the Wisconsin Badgers and was drafted in the fifth round in 2013 by the Baltimore Ravens.

"A native of Wisconsin and an 87-game starter in the NFL, Wagner could provide the Packers with a cost-effective option for replacing Bulaga, who is heading for unrestricted free agency and likely to cash-in after an impressive 2019 season," according to a USA Today report.