Rodgers: Packers' defense needs 'a couple more pieces'
Aaron Rodgers is confident the Green Bay Packers' offense will be among the best in the league this upcoming season, but admitted the team has more to do on the other side of the ball.
With the Packers losing several defensive pieces in free agency, including pass-rusher Julius Peppers, versatile defensive back Micah Hyde, and defensive lineman Mike Pennel and Datone Jones, Rodgers said Thursday more is needed to improve the 22nd-ranked unit.
"We probably need a couple more pieces on defense before the season starts, but we're going to be really tough to stop on offense," Rodgers said on 'The Sidelines' podcast, according to Aaron Nagler of Packersnews.com. "(Coach) Mike (McCarthy) has a great system that's ever evolving and changing, and I put my stamp on it once we get it down on paper."
Green Bay has already added veteran free agents Ricky Jean Francois and Davon House to bolster the defensive line and secondary, respectively.
The Packers also paid out big to retain linebacker Nick Perry after he produced a breakout, 11-sack season in 2016, signing him to a five-year, $59-million contract.
With the Packers unlikely to dip any more into the free-agent market, Rodgers' reinforcements will likely come from a defense-heavy draft.
- With h/t to NFL.com