NFL Free Agency: Is it Wise for the Packers to Bring Back Yosh Nijman?
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers face decisions on 12 unrestricted free agents, including Yosh Nijman, the former starting offensive tackle. In the third part of a series, we examine the NFL free agency prospects for Nijman, an experienced player at a position where the Packers have limited depth.
Why the Packers Should Keep Yosh Nijman:
The Packers are likely to part ways with David Bakhtiari, leaving Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom as starters with little proven depth. Nijman offers experience, having started 21 games at tackle between 2021 and 2022. Despite potential early draft picks at tackle, Nijman provides a reliable option. In terms of performance, Nijman compares favorably to Walker in pass protection, indicating his value.
Why the Packers Should Not Re-Sign Yosh Nijman:
There comes a time to move on, and Nijman’s inability to secure a starting role in training camp suggests a decline in standing. Despite being a backup, Nijman’s playing time decreased towards the end of the season, culminating in a rough outing in the playoff loss to San Francisco.
The Decision:
While drafting a tackle seems likely, finding an immediate contributor is uncertain. Retaining Nijman ensures depth and reduces the risk of starting inexperienced players. Additionally, Nijman expressed a desire to remain in Green Bay, citing loyalty to the team. Therefore, re-signing him would be a prudent move for the Packers.
