The Green Bay Packers adjusted their free agency strategy this spring, bringing in two grizzled veterans to help boost a team hoping to contend for a Super Bowl title in 2026.
Traditionally, general manager Brian Gutekunst had preferred to pursue free agents whose arrow was still pointing up. Second contract players with their best football theoretically ahead of them.
The signing of 33-year-old defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and trade for soon-to-be 30-year-old linebacker Zaire Franklin was therefore notable and seemed to signal an increased sense of urgency for Green Bay to compete in the here and now.
OTAs presented the first opportunity to see the experienced defensive duo out on the field, and speaking to the media before practice last week, head coach Matt LaFleur expressed his appreciation for having Hargrave and Franklin in the fold.
Asked about his experience with the pair so far, he said: “It’s been great. Both of those guys have played a lot of football, (Franklin) was a captain in Indy and you can see why because you can feel his presence.
“Having Hargrave in the mix, a guy that I’ve got a lot of respect for, having gone against (him), then you start to get to know him as a person and it’s not a surprise as to why he’s had so much success.”
Both players are reuniting with new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, under whom Hargrave had some of the most productive seasons of his long career in Philadelphia.
While his numbers have not been as gaudy in recent years, Green Bay is betting on Hargrave having a resurgent season with Gannon. He spent last year with the Vikings, and was impressed by what he saw from the division rival he now plays for.
He said of the Packers: “We knew they had a lot of talent. They’re always in the hunt, I don’t know the last time they’ve not been in the playoffs. I thought highly of them every year.”
Hargrave is the de facto replacement for Kenny Clark, who was traded away last year in the Micah Parsons trade, and Green Bay will hope he can bring the same kind of leadership to the defensive line.
On that leadership role, Hargrave said: “(My teammates) call me the old head. I just appreciate seeing how hungry they are to learn and try to get better every day. It reminds me of when I came in the league and just not knowing much but just going so hard every day.”
Franklin’s history with Gannon is not as extensive, having been together for a short time with the Colts, when the coach was lower down the organizational chart. However, the veteran linebacker explained the important role Gannon played early in his career.
He said: “Me and JG go back to when he was corners coach in Indy. He was one of the coaches, even when I wasn’t playing, that went out of their way to let me know he believed in me, and that he appreciated how I work and how I approach the game.
“At the time, when you’re a young player, in a position where you may not feel like you’re appreciated, having somebody come and tell you they recognize your work, it means a lot. He gave me a battery in my back when I really needed it, so it’s pretty cool that we’re here together.”
Since the trade which sent Colby Wooden to the Colts in exchange for Franklin, Gutekunst and the player have both revealed the Packers had pursued him for multiple years.
On finally becoming a Packer, Franklin said: “It’s a blessing. Obviously you want to be somewhere you’re wanted and appreciated. Everything happens for a reason, I think it was a bit of fate.”
Having spent the first eight years of his career in Indy, Franklin admitted it feels “weird” to suddenly be the new player in town.
He said: “I was (in Indy) so long that I was always the guy that tried to help the new guys come in and figure everything out, now I’m the guy that’s looking for the help”. Franklin credited Xavier McKinney, Jordan Love, Tucker Kraft and Edgerrin Cooper for helping him make the transition.
Franklin is in the unusual position of being the new guy, but also being relied upon to lead both on and off the field, wearing the green dot on defense.
Asked about his role as a leader, Franklin said he’s seen a lot from being “a late round pick to a full-time special-teamer, to one of the highest paid (players) at my position.
“I understand what it means to have to make a team and prove yourself at OTAs, and I also understand what it means when the team is looking for you to lead and stand out in front and be an example, both in the locker room and in the community.”
Building an effective partnership with fellow linebacker Cooper will be vital, and Franklin feels they complement each other well.
He said: “I feel like our games truly marry perfectly. He’s long, he’s rangy, he’s running and I’m striking, but I’m also setting the front, getting everything together, allowing him to be the best version of himself. It feels good, we’ve been working, we’ve been building.”
With Green Bay’s aims of winning a title in 2026, there is little time for assimilation or growing pains, and Franklin is well aware of the lofty goals in front of the Packers this season.
“I understand where this team is and what’s expected,” he said.
“Everything about this building, this organization (represents) excellence. I’m a person that really believes in the history of the game and that was special for me when I first walked in. That’s like an invisible standard that’s holding you accountable.”
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers relying on veterans Javon Hargrave, Zaire Franklin in crucial season
Reporting by Mark Oldacres, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mark Oldacres, Packers Wire | USA TODAY Network
