With NFL free agency about to heat up here is my take on the Packers’ 11 unrestricted and three restricted free agents. Of course everything begins with wide receiver Randall Cobb, so I will to.
| Wide receiver Randall Cobb – With the Packers not using the franchise tag on their “other” star receiver, Cobb’s days in Green Bay could very well be over. The Packers won’t overpay, in their minds, for anybody and Cobb may get offers in the $12-million a year range, which the Packers won’t pay. The fact that they didn’t franchise him is a hint that they don’t feel Cobb is worth that kind of money when Jordy Nelson is only making about $10 million a year.
Prediction: Gone.
| Right tackle Bryan Bulaga – The Packers’ offensive line is coming off its best season in the Mike McCarthy era and it would be nice to keep them all intact for another season. However, Bulaga could very well get an offer on the open market to play left tackle and thus make more money than the Packers will invest in a right tackle. I think the Packers believe that Don Barclay can do the job just as well, but that might be risky.
Prediction: Gone.
| Nose tackle B.J. Raji – Last year the Packers overcame the loss of Raji to injury because of the emergence of Letroy Guion. This year both of those players are free agents but Raji is clearly the better player when lined up at the nose. Raji returned last year on a one-year deal and the Packers should be able to get him to do the same again this year. Raji was the ultimate teammate last year after his injury, sticking around for the entire season and going to all the meetings and helping out wherever he could. That should count for something in negotiations.
Prediction: Back on a one-year deal.
| Nose tackle Letroy Guion – The Packers were in negotiations to resign the veteran before the start of free agency but that went out the window when he was busted with weed in Florida. He would be a good backup on the defensive line but could miss time due to a suspension. He certainly lost all bargaining power now so the price might be right.
Prediction: Back on a one-year veterans minimum salary.
| Cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Davon House – This one may come down to a choice between the two. In Williams the Packers know exactly what they have, in House there is huge potential but also a huge risk of injury. Williams certainly won’t command the big money he received in his previous contract so I think it would be wise to try and sign him first and then see if you can work something out with House. You can never have enough depth in the secondary but the Packers won’t get into a bidding war for the unproven House.
Prediction: Williams stays and House goes.
| Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien – The Packers kept three quarterbacks on the roster all season in 2014 but they may be a luxury they can no longer afford. In addition, in his limited action Flynn did not look at all like the guy who saved the Packers’ season in 2013. Tolzien only played in the preseason and for the most part outplayed Flynn. He is younger and will be inexpensive.
Prediction: Tolzien stays and Flynn is out. Packers may draft a QB in the late rounds.
| Linebacker Jamari Lattimore – Pretty much failed when given an opportunity last year before getting hurt. Certainly won’t command big money.
Prediction – Back with a two-year deal.
| Cornerback Jarrett Bush – The veteran special teams ace may finally be hitting the end of the line. Is really of no value in the secondary and his recent drunk and disorderly won’t help his cause.
Prediction: Gone.
| Fullback John Kuhn – Once again showed his value down the stretch. Actually carried the ball a few times and was a great pass protector for league MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Prediction: Back on another one-year deal.
| Restricted free agents tackle Don Barclay, safety Sean Richardson and wide receiver Jarrett Boykin – The Packers can ill afford to lose Barclay with Bulaga possibly on his way out. Barclay is versatile and the consummate pro. Richardson is a capable player who may have some upside yet after missing a calendar year with a neck injury. Boykin was a major disappointment after a promising 2013.
Prediction: All three will be back. Guessing two-year deals for Barclay and Richardson and one year for Boykin, who will be hard pressed to make the team anyway.