The Packers, coming off yet another NFC North Championship, find themselves in an odd position heading into the 2014 offseason. This year, unlike many years prior, the Packers have quite a few needs to fill if they want to remain legitimate contenders in the NFC.
After losing former MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers for an elongated period of time during the season, the Packers were forced to play with the likes of Seneca Wallace, Scott Tolzien, and folk hero Matt Flynn in his absence. The Packers also struggled defensively with injuries to Clay Matthews, and under performing play by former first round pick BJ Raji.
In the unlikely event that Raji or Sam Shields return to the team, the Packers could look to the following pending free agents to fill big needs throughout their roster, both offensively and defensively.
Alterraun Verner - Cornerback
Verner, who’s spent the first four season of his career shutting down receivers across the AFC South, is likely to be the top free agent corner available come March, 11th. Verner, who’s recorded 11 interceptions during his time with the Titans, one returned for a touchdown, would be an immediate upgrade in Titletown, especially with the likely loss of veteran Sam Shields.
Linval Joseph - Defensive Tackle
As mentioned before, It’s unlikely that veteran BJ Raji returns to the Packers in any capacity, and Ryan Pickett likely won’t return either, for both will probably want to keep a salary close to the ones they had in 2013, numbers the Packers likely won’t offer to two players who underperformed regularly in 2013. Joseph would essentially kill two birds with one stone if picked up by Green Bay.
He’d save the Packers money, and provide immediate production. Coming off a season where Joseph recorded 33 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble, he could step in immediately in Green Bay and be a force on the interior of the defensive line.
Jairus Byrd - Safety
Byrd is the premiere free agent this spring, and will carry the highest price tag out of any free agent on the open market. Byrd has had quite the career in Buffalo, recording 22 interceptions in just five seasons, two in which he returned for touchdowns.
Byrd would be the perfect defensive “quarterback” the Packers are searching for, as we all know, they’ve got the quarterback of their offense solidified pretty well. However, Byrd could strap the Packers financially from bringing in players like Verner and/or Joseph, so it remains to be seen just how willing the Packers are to give up other needs to fill one big need with Byrd.
Tarvaris Jackson - Quarterback
Jackson is one of the most underrated back up quarterbacks in the entire league. Having played well as a backup in Seattle since being traded from Buffalo in 2012, Jackson would be an immediate upgrade over any quarterback on the roster currently backing up Aaron Rodgers; yes, even folk hero Matt Flynn.
Jackson is both mobile and smart in the pocket, and has accepted his role as a back up in the NFL. He’s a Super Bowl winner (hey, he did play) and could learn a lot about the position from a fellow Super Bowl winner in Rodgers.
John Kuhn - Running Back
While Kuhn won’t fill a need for the Packers or put them over the top, he’s a player who’s role is defined on the team, and is loved both in the lockerroom and by the fan base. Kuhn is a key re-signing for Green Bay in terms of locker room chemistry and on field protection for Aaron Rodgers (Julius Peppers and the Bears know this all too well…).
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