Right now, the Green Bay Packers are not in dire need of help along the edge. They have two quality starters in Rashan Gary, who just signed a four-year extension early last season, and Preston Smith. They also have a young, developmental player in Lukas Van Ness, who was a first-round pick out of Iowa last season. So, this team doesn’t absolutely need another quality pass-rusher. But, that doesn’t mean adding one would hurt.

However, in Green Bay’s wildcard round victory over the Dallas Cowboys in January, second-year edge-rusher Kinglsey Enagbare tore his ACL. It will be a process before he can get back to being 100% next season. So, should Green Bay add some veteran help? Someone like Chase Young, a former first-rounder and Pro-Bowl selection could be a nice fit. Here is why Green Bay should swing a deal:

Green Bay’s Edge-Rush Group is Mediocre

The problem with Green Bay’s weapons on the edge is that they don’t have an elite edge-rusher. Rashan Gary, who is getting paid like a star, still hasn’t recorded 10 or more sacks in a season. Preston Smith, who is productive, is more of a No. 2 edge-rusher. Van Ness is also still very raw. Green Bay finished tied-for-10th in sacks and 27th in run defense (ESPN Stats & Info).

It would be different if Gary, Smith, and Van Ness all recorded at least eight or nine sacks. There would be balance. But Gary isn’t playing elite ball right now and Van Ness is still very young. Some more ammo would be mighty nice for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Why Chase Young Fits in Green Bay

Young is currently searching for a new team, as he is a free agent. The former Buckeye hasn’t quite hit his stride yet in the NFL. He was voted to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2020 and named the NFL’s 2020 Rookie of the Year after recording 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. But he has only recorded nine sacks since then. He  is also yet to play a full season. So, there are production issues and injury concerns.

But the Packers might not need an elite edge-rusher. They just need a good role player. That’s what Young can be. Additionally, in 2019, Young played for Jeff Hafley at Ohio State when Hafley was the co-defensive coordinator. That season, the Buckeyes finished as the best total defense in college football. Signing him to a one-year prove-it deal makes sense for so many reasons.