Green Bay Packers’ general manager Ted Thompson is notorious for not spending much money in free agency from year to year, especially on top-tier talent; choosing instead to build through the draft.  On the rare occasions that the Packers do make a splash, it’s usually when an available player’s value meets a team need extremely well.  The Packers have some clear needs heading into free agency this year and there just so happens to be some talented players available that fit those needs quite well.  That said, this list is a mix of dream scenarios and more practical fits from a financial perspective. 

1.  Jake Long, Offensive Tackle

With the Dolphins not using the franchise tag on Long, he becomes the best available offensive tackle this offseason.  While his asking price may end up being way higher than the Packers are willing to spend, Long would instantly solidify Green Bay’s offensive line and could be used at left or right tackle. 

2.  Ricky Jean-Francois, Defensive Lineman

Francois did a great job in his four years with the San Francisco 49ers.  While he never became a stand-out starter, Francois was considered the 49ers’ fourth defensive lineman because of his ability to rotate in at all three positions along the 3-4 front.  Francois could be the nose tackle the Packers have been sorely lacking, and could also rotate to spell players at all three positions.  Francois is younger, cheaper and less of an injury risk than top free-agent candidates like Chris Canty and Cullen Jenkins and would be a very good fit for both the Packers’ scheme and financial situation. 

3.  Steven Jackson, Running Back

Jackson is probably at the top of every Packers fan’s wish list this offseason, and rightly so.  Green Bay hasn’t had a dependable, every-down back like Jackson in a long time.  An addition like Jackson would instantly solidify the offense; making the passing game more potent and giving the Packers a solid running game for the first time in what seems like eternity.  The big caveat here though, is that Jackson is still under contract with the St. Louis Rams.  There has been wide speculation that Jackson would void the last year of his contract and look to move on to a winning team, but until he officially does so; this is wishful thinking at it’s finest. 

4.  Evan Dietrich-Smith, Offensive Lineman (Restricted Free Agent)

When head coach Mike McCarthy decided to bench veteran center Jeff Saturday half way through the season last year, Dietrich-Smith did a decent job of filling the role.  In the past, he’s done a good job of filling in at either guard position, so his mediocre performance in 2012 could be attributed to his lack of play at the center position.  Dietrich-Smith is currently a restricted free agent and Thompson needs to get him re-signed, no matter if Green Bay looks to move ahead with him as the starting center or a reserve lineman.  Dietrich-Smith could draw interest from other teams, but it’s unlikely they’d be willing to give up the draft pick compensation necessary to steal him away from the Packers.  Either way, they need to retain his services moving forward. 

5.  Brad Jones, Inside Linebacker  (Restricted Free Agent)

Jones stepped up big in 2012, playing in all 16 regular season games after the Packers inside linebacker corp was decimated by injury early in the year.  Even with Desmond Bishop and D.J. Smith returning from injury, Green Bay needs all of the depth they can get at the linebacker position and need to bring Jones back for next season.