It’s official. The Green Bay Packers need help along the offensive line. At least, they need more depth. Former starting guard Jon Runyan Jr. recently joined the New York Giants on a three-year deal. Additionally, the Packers have released franchise legend David Bakhtiari, and fellow free agent tackle Yosh Nijman is still looking for a home. So, not only are the Packers looking specifically for guard help, but they are looking for more experience too.

This is where former Packers offensive lineman Lucas Patrick, who was most recently a member of the Chicago Bears, could come into play. Patrick is a free agent and could be very useful for Matt LaFleur. Here is why a deal for him makes sense:

Familiarity With Green Bay

Patrick got his start in the NFL with the Packers as an undrafted rookie out of Duke. He would go on to carve out a solid role for himself over the next five seasons before joining Chicago on a two-year deal. Now a free agent again, the Tennessee native is looking for his next destination. Why shouldn’t he return to Green Bay?

From 2016 to 2021, Patrick had a prominent role as both a guard and a center for a time while protecting Aaron Rodgers. He also played a small portion of special teams snaps. 345 of them in Green Bay to be exact. Patrick played in a total of 73 games and started in 34 of them for Mike McCarthy and Matt LaFleur. He was a member of many playoff and division championship teams. The Packers need some of that experience back. Remember, two-time Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins (28) is the most experienced offensive lineman that Green Bay has.

Where He’d Fit

Patrick, 30, could really become a great role player for Green Bay again. The belief around Green Bay is that young guard Sean Rhyan is expected to take over for Runyan Jr. at right guard. But why not bring in some insurance just in case? Sign Patrick to a two-year deal to help provide more protection for Jordan Love. His versatility could be a key too. If Josh Myers ever gets shaky at center, Patrick could step in there, as well. GM Brian Gutekunst loves drafting and signing players who can play multiple positions along the trenches. Lucas Patrick is someone they know all too well who can bring plenty of experience to the group.