The Green Bay Packers have never been a team to make a huge splash in free agency. While GM Brian Gutekunst has been more active than his predecessor, the team still doesn’t pay out huge contracts during free agency. However, this does not mean they just sit on their hands and do nothing. This offseason, the Green Bay Packers free agency plans are clear. Improve the special teams.

Packers News: Rich Bisaccia named assistant head coach, staff announced - Acme Packing Company

Green Bay Packers STC Rich Bisaccia – Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Green Bay Packers Special Teams

Special teams have long been a thorn in the side of the Packers. It has long been ignored and it has shown. This all changed with the hiring of Rich Bisaccia. His influence caused the team to invest in the special teams and it paid off. While the unit was by no means one of the best in the league, they were not the worst. There were also signs of improvement, especially in the kick return game. In the first couple of weeks of free agency, the Packers have been prioritizing the special teams.

Keisean Nixon provides a jolt to Packers return teams

Green Bay Packers Returner Keisean Nixon (25) – Dan Powers/USA Today Network

Free Agency Signings

When I say prioritizing, I mean that the only signings the Packers have made in free agency have helped the special teams. The most high-profile signing was Keisean Nixon. The first-team All-Pro returner will play another season for the Packers. His impact for a first-year starter in Jordan Love cannot be understated. If he gives the offense an extra 10 yards a possession, that is huge. If he can skip an offensive possession altogether by scoring a touchdown, that is another huge boost.

The other two signings have not been exciting but they are necessary. TE Tyler Davis was re-signed and he played 80% of the special teams’ snaps last year. While Packers fans found him frustrating the last preseason on the offensive side of the ball, his impact as a special teams veteran will be huge.

S Tarvarius Moore was signed from the 49ers. The speedy sixth-year veteran could play some safety for the team but most likely will live on special teams. Finally, LS Matt Orzech was signed from the Rams. He won a Super Bowl with the Rams and long snapper is one of those positions where if you know the name of the person on the team, it probably is not a good thing. Orzech will hopefully bring some stability to the position.

A Unit To Watch In 2023

This unit will be one to watch in 2023. It will be fun to see what Nixon can do with a full year as the full-time returner. Kicker is another position that the team will have to figure out. There is a rumor that Mason Crosby could return for another year after he had a good season. The Packers could also look towards the draft and try to nab Jake Moody from Michigan as the next kicker for the team. Whatever the team decides to do, the kicker position should be intact with the long snapper and holder Pat O’Donnell already set.

The Rich Bisaccia effect is real. The team is finally investing in a unit that was neglected for too long. In a season where there is so much unknown with Love taking over at quarterback, it might be this unit that can offer some stability and familiarity. As a Packers fan, that is very weird to type but I for one, am excited to watch this unit next season.