Over the past few weeks, I have been analyzing each of the Packers’ unrestricted free agents by revisiting their 2021 seasons, assessing why they should or should not be re-signed, projecting possible contract terms, and making a prediction on whether or not the player will return in 2022.
Next up in the series, Tyler Lancaster has logged more than 1,400 snaps since being signed as an undrafted rookie in 2018. He started four games last season, including the playoffs. Will that be enough to get the defensive lineman a new contract?
Season In Review
Packers fans won’t ever forget Lancaster missing an assignment and allowing Mason Crosby’s field goal to be blocked in the divisional round of the playoffs, and that’s unfortunate because the former Northwestern star enjoyed one of his better seasons in 2021 (we can discuss why Lancaster was put in that position another time). He supplanted the much more talented Kingsley Keke in Week 16 and never looked back. Lancaster was adequate against the run at both end and nose tackle, and while he wasn’t much of a factor as a pass rusher, he worked hard and pushed the pocket on occasion.
Why Packers Should Re-Sign Him
A capable big man, even one with a limited skill set, is hard to find. Lancaster shouldn’t be a starter on a playoff team, but he’s an ideal backup. The 27-year-old is durable (two missed games in the past three seasons), and he’s versatile enough to play anywhere along the line, although nose tackle is his best position. Even if Dean Lowry returns and T.J. Slaton improves – neither is a certainty – the Packers will still need to add depth to the defensive line. Depth like Lancaster.
Why Packers Should Let Him Walk
For all of his positives, Lancaster is still one of those try-hard guys that a team should always be looking to replace with a more talented player. And while that’s often easier said than done, Brian Gutekunst hasn’t made much of an effort the past few years. He hasn’t drafted a defensive lineman before the fifth round since being named general manager in 2018. If that changes next month, Lancaster could be facing an uphill battle for a roster spot even if he re-signs with the Packers.
What A Contract Might Look Like
$1.75 million/1 year ($500K guaranteed)
Prediction
If another team sees Lancaster as a starting-caliber nose tackle, he could get a bigger than expected deal, and it could happen relatively early in free agency. However, it’s more likely he’ll have to wait a while, perhaps until after the draft when GMs are anxious to fill still existing holes with affordable veterans. That could be when Gutekunst makes his move.
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