The Green Bay Packers are one of the league’s top young teams, with a 9-3 record in 2024 and aspirations of a deep playoff run.
With five weeks remaining in the regular season, the focus is on the current campaign, but offseason discussions are already starting.
Bleacher Report published an article suggesting potential free-agent targets for all 32 teams, including defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale for the Packers. With TJ Slaton set to become a free agent this offseason, Ekuale could step in as his replacement.
The Packers could benefit from more strength on the interior defensive line, and Ekuale would be a solid run-stopper. The 30-year-old has accumulated 79 tackles, eight tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, and six sacks over his career.
This season with the New England Patriots, Ekuale has played 552 snaps, participating in over 60% of the team’s defensive plays in each game, demonstrating his consistency. He holds a 62.8 run defense grade from PFF.
On paper, Ekuale would be an upgrade over Slaton, who struggled in 2024 with a PFF overall grade of 44.9, ranking 168th among defensive linemen. Slaton has recorded 20 tackles and one tackle for loss.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers let Slaton go in free agency, and Ekuale would be an ideal replacement. With Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and Kenny Clark leading the defensive front, adding a run-stuffer like Ekuale could elevate the defense even further.