5 Free-Agency Moves Green Bay Didn't Make That Will Haunt Them

In a recent interview, Mike McCarthy complained a bit about the present collective bargaining agreement's relatively late start to offseason programs, noting the Green Bay Packers have spent the past seven years building and rebuilding through the annual draft. Whether it's easier for veterans than rookies to adapt to new NFL teams is debatable, particularly considering the success Green Bay's rosters have had with relatively little influx of veteran talent, but McCarthy's philosophical point rings true to fans of Green Bay.

In this stage of the Thompson-McCarthy era, even a no-brainer like Green Bay's decision to sign veteran center Jeff Saturday after losing Scott Wells raised more than a few eyebrows. It flies in the face of the franchise's philosophy, after all, especially with the availability of touted interior offensive linemen like Wisconsin's Peter Konz, a rare center who carries a first-round value.

At least that's been the common pundit's response this offseason.

But expecting Green Bay to build purely through the NFL draft is naive, a bit like expecting Congress members to sign and honor a pledge written by Grover Norquist. If the Packers didn't have 12 (12!) draft picks this year, one would have expected more moves in free agency, perhaps, as will be argued, taking a page from the Miami Dolphins and pursuing the following five low-investment, quality-value free agents.

Jamaal Westerman, OLB: Signed with Miami Dolphins for One Year, $615,000

Green Bay's top priority in the 2012 offseason is upgrading a pass-rush that failed to live up to expectations last season. Aside from Clay Matthews, Green Bay lacks pass-rushing linebackers, a necessity in the 3-4, which features just three gap-stuffing defensive linemen.

Westerman, a former Jet, was originally touted for his ability to reach the passer. Signing with Miami, Westerman, who recorded 3.5 sacks last season, is likely to convert to his collegiate position, defensive end, but he might have looked better donning green again, opposite Clay Matthews. At the very least, the low-risk investment would have added depth to a position currently lacking.

Tracy Porter, CB: Signed with Denver Broncos for One Year, $4 Million

After watching Charles Woodson lose a step last season, prioritizing corner is critical to Green Bay's success moving forward. The Packers led the NFL in interceptions last season by a wide margin, but faced trouble against the Giants in the playoffs, losing the turnover margin by an embarrassing minus-three.

Porter, 26, didn't have a great 2011 campaign, but his age and past performance suggests greater potential. In 2009, he had four interceptions in 12 games, second only to teammate Darren Sharper. Provided an improved pass-rush, Porter might have thrived as a nickel corner in Green Bay; now, his career trajectory seems to be mimicking that of former Detroit Lions corner Andre Goodman.

Richard Marshall, CB: Signed with Dolphins for Three Years, $16 Million

Marshall has caught at least three interceptions in five of six NFL seasons, including 10 in the past three years. And then there's this: Marshall filled in at free safety for Kerry Rhodes last season, performing admirably when considering it is not his native position.

Given Green Bay's uncertainty at safety and mediocre depth at cornerback, Marshall makes a lot of sense. The versatile 27-year-old corner would have helped solidify the defensive backfield in an offseason featuring mostly hard-hitting free-agent safeties and little value to be found at safety in the draft.

Mike Brisiel, G: Signed with Oakland Raiders for Five Years, $20 Million

Brisiel, 29, would have shored up the interior of an offensive line that has faced consistent injury setbacks in recent seasons for a modest $4 million per year. As an experienced zone-blocking guard, his integration would have been a smooth one, easing Green Bay's glaring interior weaknesses into the near future. It also would have served to kill some of the rumors suggesting Green Bay will target an ex-Badgers offensive lineman in the first round. 

Steve Slaton, RB: Re-Signed with Dolphins for 1 Year

The third Dolphins signing on this list, Slaton has all the appearances of a one-hit wonder. But why not offer a one-year contract to a back who rushed for 1,282 yards as a rookie in 2008? Aside from past fumbling issues, Slaton exudes little downside. He's touched the ball just 49 times in the past three years (fumbling zero times, it may be noted), playing third fiddle in Houston and Miami.

But Slaton is a proven receiving back. In his first two NFL seasons, he racked up 94 receptions for 794 yards and five touchdowns. If nothing else, his value as a third-down and situational back would have dovetailed Green Bay's offensive scheme and left the team to pursue a run-focused back in the draft to complete a committee.