Packers Should Bring Jared Veldheer Back After Veteran OL Declares He's Returning to NFL for 2020

Jared Veldheer's career isn't over just yet. The 32-year-old offensive lineman has decided to play another season, and the Green Bay Packers need to jump at the chance to bring him back after he walked off the couch last year and nearly saved their season.

Veldheer notified teams he would play another season after coming out of retirement to finish the 2019 campaign with the Packers.

OT Jared Veldheer, who came out of retirement last year to finish the season with the Packers, plans to play this season, per source. Multiple teams inquired about him at the combine and were told he wants to play again this season, per source. Veldheer is a free agent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2020

Veldheer announced his retirement after signing with the New England Patriots, but considered a return to playing immediately, playing two regular season contests for the Pack before saving their bacon in the postseason.

Veldheer's a massive 6-8, 321 pound lineman, and he's still the same guy who was a a playoff starter for Green Bay. He stepped in for an injured Bryan Bulaga and held it down for their offensive line.

Would have to think the Packers would like him back, especially if they let Bryan Bulaga walk. https://t.co/6NqWbPGYsO
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 4, 2020

Bryan Bulaga is not guaranteed to stick around in Wisconsin, but even if he does, the Packers should still aggressively pursue bringing back Veldheer. He was able to start in place of Bulaga, and he's a very capable replacement if there are any other injuries.

He helped them win their first round match-up against the Seattle Seahawks, in which the Seahawks were only able to break through the offensive line for two sacks.

It would be a mistake to not re-sign Veldheer after the flexibility he offered the Packers as a right or left tackle in 2019.