Packers sign Right Guard Jahri Evans, Bolster Offensive Line

The Packers on Wednesday afternoon gave one last whirl with the free agent market, helping bolster their offensive line in the process. Specifically after the departures of both J.C. Tretter and T.J. Lang.

NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported first that the Packers had signed right guard Jahri Evans, while the details of the deal weren't immediately made available.

Evans, who turns 34 in on the Tuesday following the Packers' second pre-season game, spent 11 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He was once regarded as the one of the top guards in the NFL, and his paycheck reflected it.

Before the 2010 campagin, Evans signed a seven-year, $56.7 million dollar deal that made him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history. 

Evans made the Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors in four straight seasons from 2009 through 2012 and continued his Pro Bowl streak through 2014. He has played in and started all 16 games in nine out of his 11 seasons with the Saints.

His brief stint in Seattle before the 2016 season that ultimately culminated in him being released and returning to New Orleans a month later in September was his last move.

But now, he's on his way to Green Bay to protect Aaron Rodgers.

Evans' impending signing turns a desperate need at the right guard position to one that the Packers could either address at the end of the upcoming draft or simply roll with who they currently have on the roster.

Prior to obtaining Evans, the Packers were prepared to start Don Barclay at right guard, as he is the most versatlie of the bunch. A concept that is criminally undervalued in Barclay's case. However, Evans is arguably presumed to be the starter entering camp based off of his veteran presence and skill that he's honed in on over a lengthy career.

As of right now, Justin McCray, Patrick Lucas and Barclay are the only guards on the Packers' roster; a trio that Rodgers has recently spoken highly of.

"I don't know that we need a guy in the draft, I really don't," Rodgers said on last Tuesday after the team's voluntary workouts. "I like the guys that we have.

"Obviously Donny's played a lot of football for us, I was really happy to see him come back. Not only is he a great friend, and a great locker room guy, but he can play." 

The Packers just recently re-signed Barclay to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million and plucked McCray from free agency, all within the same month of March.

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (11)

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Handsback's picture

April 26, 2017 at 03:50 pm

OK this is nice, but don't be shocked if he gets cut before the season starts. He's a great insurance policy, but competition may make him obsolete.

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Pack88's picture

April 26, 2017 at 04:12 pm

This is the signing I have been waiting for since TJ left. Evans is long done as a run blocker and that is the reason the Seasucks let him go but his one marketable skill is he can pass block and what do the Packers do, they pass the ball! Now Evans may now be too old but of the remaining offensive linemen he was most suited to play in GB!!

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OrganLeroy's picture

April 26, 2017 at 04:42 pm

I love how so many fans, writers and analysts consider Guard a "glaring hole", a "desperate need" and when Sitton was released it was the end of the world. Well, it's pretty clear to me that Ted Thompson & Aaron Rodgers aren't panicking. There's almost NO CHANCE that a Guard was going to be drafted as a rookie starter.

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ZacharyJacobson's picture

April 26, 2017 at 07:07 pm

Big difference between the situation after losing Sitton and losing Lang. The Packers had a back-up plan in Lane Taylor. They didn't have one after losing Lang, and that's been said several times in the media.

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jh9's picture

April 26, 2017 at 04:56 pm

I think this signing portends TT intends to trade his 4th round pick to move up in either the 2nd or 3rd round.

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Handsback's picture

April 26, 2017 at 06:49 pm

I think you may be right. This allows for a trade up if needed.

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Since'61's picture

April 26, 2017 at 07:33 pm

I think that this is a good signing by TT, unless the Packers overpaid, which I doubt. In any case Evans has been a solid player over his career and assuming that he is our starting guard it gives Murphy, Patrick and Spriggs another year to backup and develop. TT will probably still draft a Center or a Guard who can backup at Center but the OL should be solidified for 2017 with this signing.
Good job by TT. Thanks, Since '61

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croatpackfan's picture

April 27, 2017 at 02:58 am

Zach, you forgot Kyle Murphy. He is not drafted to play tackle, but guard...

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egbertsouse's picture

April 27, 2017 at 08:25 am

Thank God! At least Ted has one foot in reality. Turnstile Barclay is a stiff and Murphy isn't much better at this point. AR now has a chance to stay upright this season.

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SteveCheez's picture

April 27, 2017 at 01:03 pm

Kinda reminds me of the Jeff Saturday stopgap move...

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PatrickGB's picture

April 27, 2017 at 01:27 pm

Can he play CB?

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