Is RG Jahri Evans Worth Considering in Free Agency?

Thought the importance of a right guard to the offense shouldn’t be overstated, the Packers would no doubt like to have as few questions about the group of players protecting Aaron Rodgers.

That’s why the Packers should be in the market for a plug and play starter at the position, whether they choose to spend a draft pick on a guard or not.

Jahri Evans could be that kind of player. Though his best days are (long) behind him, he would be more than serviceable should he decide to return for a twelfth NFL season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Evans was a top-20 pass protecting right guard in 2016. Even taken with the appropriate grain of salt, that's considerably higher than any other guard currently on the Packers’ roster. Most importantly, it doubles the overall rating of the current presumptive starter Don Barclay.

What’s more, Evans would likely be even cheaper than Barclay. His last two contracts with the Saints have paid him $1 million on the dot, a cool $300,000 cheaper than the less productive Barclay. Though he wouldn’t be anything more than a stopgap solution, Evans is worth a look.

Green Bay missed on Evans in the 2006 draft

Three selections after Green Bay selected TCU wide receiver Cory Rodgers in the 4th round, the Saints selected Evans. Rodgers was a high-risk, high-reward selection for the Packers.

Earlier, in the second round, Chicago turned heads by selected returner Devin Hester from Miami (FL). Rodgers, a speed demon for TCU, averaged 30.3 yards per kick return in his final year of college and returned two for touchdowns. Things never clicked for this Rodgers in Green Bay, and he was released before the 2006 season started.

Earlier in the 2006 draft, Green Bay selected center Jason Spitz, who in his Packer career played a handful of games at offensive guard. That year, Green Bay started rookie Tony Moll in 10 games.

A version of this article originally appeared on AcmePackingCompany.com