Packers urged to sign eight-year veteran to address 'biggest weakness' on defense

There's been plenty of good and plenty of bad already for the Green Bay Packers in 2024.

On the plus side, the Packers are in the driver's seat for a playoff spot, thanks to their 3-2 record and the subpar performances of some of their NFC foes. Jordan Love even got his first win of the season at quarterback on Sunday, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 24-19.

The Packers defense, though, has been somewhat puzzling. They're allowing the 11th-most yards per game, with 345.8, and there have been uncharacteristic lapses both in the passing and rushing phases of the game.

Though Green Bay expects to be competing for an NFC title this January, they may not be finished adding to this roster. If one is looking for roster spots the Packers could seek upgrades, one possibility is defensive tackle.

Such is the belief of Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, who named former San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos defensive tackle Mike Purcell as an "add now" candidate for the Packers to shore up their interior.

"Defensive tackle has been a sore spot for the Packers to begin the season, especially T.J. Slaton who posted an ugly 35.0 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus through four games," the authors said.

"So, the front office might want to look into bringing in some reinforcements and Purcell would be one of the best options. The 33-year-old has made an eight-year career out of plugging gaps in the trenches."

Purcell, 33, has played in 90 career NFL games, including 16 for the Broncos last season. He has registered 208 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, three-and-a-half sacks, and three fumble recoveries.

Though Purcell might not be a game-changing athlete at this stage of his career, he provides a veteran presence compared to someone like Slaton, who is 27. Signing Purcell could even create an increased sense of urgency for Slaton to improve his game and perform better during games.

Purcell had a brief stint with the New England Patriots in the preseason, but was released in late August. The Packers would have to make sure his motor is still operating at a high level before bringing him into the fold.

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