The most talented player on the Green Bay Packers has signed a new contract with a different team due to an error in judgment.
When the 2024 offseason rolls around, the Green Bay Packers will have 17 players whose contracts expire, including 12 unrestricted free agents.
This series will go over every unrestricted free agent the Packers have this offseason, examine the reasons Green Bay could decide to re-sign each player or move on, and conclude with my prediction for what the team will do.
Josiah Deguara, the H-back, will go next. Ben Sims and rookie tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, along with their eventual rise, allowed Deguara to assume the crucial but distinct position of H-back in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
Deguara’s offensive snap count decreased as the season progressed, averaging little over 12 per game. Mostly used as a blocker, he ended with eight receptions for 65 yards and ranked third on the team in special teams snaps.
The preceding articles in this series are listed below in case you missed them:
Nixon, Keisean Dillon
Nijman Yosh
Darnell Savage, Jon Runyan
Wilson Eric
Why Josiah Deguara will be re-signed by the Packers
On September 10, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, Green Bay Packers tight end Josiah Deguara (age 81) is primed for kickoff at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Dan Powers
As mentioned previously, Josiah Deguara plays a crucial role as the Packers’ H-back but doesn’t have a significant impact on the offense with just over 12 snaps per game. The H-back’s primary responsibility is blocking, but he also adds versatility to the offense by moving around the formation to influence the passing and running games and force mismatches.
The presence of a versatile H-back on the team helps to create what Matt LaFleur refers to as the “illusion of complexity.” In other words, by running a variety of plays from a small number of personnel groups, along with like-plays or plays that start similarly but end quite differently, the offense keeps defenses guessing and off-balance.
In addition to having extensive knowledge of the offense, Deguara is capable of handling traditional tight end duties should the Packers ever find themselves shorthanded at the position. He was a vital member of the special teams squad as well, finishing third in the team in snaps while participating in all five phases.
The phrase “the more you can do” is well-suited for Deguara, who in addition to being a formidable locker room presence, has a lot to offer this Packers team. Tucker Kraft had nothing but positive things to say about Deguara, especially the standards he helps set in the tight end room with his leadership and work ethic.
Why Josiah Deguara won’t be re-signed by the Packers
Nov. 6, 2022, Detroit, Michigan, USA: In the second half at Ford Field, Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs (39), of the Detroit Lions, attempts to tackle Green Bay Packers tight end Josiah Deguara (81). Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Junfu Han
This is a specific role that needs to be filled, with or without Deguara, but if the Packers decide to move on, this is a position where they could try to upgrade. During the previous season, Deguara was mostly used as a blocker and only caught eight passes.
As a blocker, there were high points and low points in the run game. While it’s important to always take grades with a grain of salt, I believe Deguara’s run-blocking grade from PFF, which placed him 41st out of 83 tight ends in 2023, pretty accurately captures his performance: he was fine.
Deguara was rated 49th on the Packers in terms of special teams and 120th out of 124 tight ends as a pass-blocker.
Henry Pearson, a 2023 undrafted tight end out of Appalachian State who was essentially Deguara’s backup, may already be the Packers’ replacement on the roster. During training camp, Pearson made some excellent catches out of the backfield and performed admirably as a blocker. After being promoted from the practice squad, he also participated in 22 special teams snaps during Weeks 12 and 13.
Pearson won’t just be given the job if Deguara signs elsewhere; he will need to prove himself. In my opinion, the Packers will add another player to this position—either in the draft or by signing an undrafted rookie.
