Ranking Green Bay Packers' Best Remaining Free-Agency Options
The first week of free agency has concluded, and in typical fashion the Green Bay Packers have secured some of their own free agents, re-signing Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga and tendering Sean Richardson, Chris Banjo and Don Barclay.
But the second wave of free agency is where things could get a little interesting for the Packers, as Ted Thompson rarely makes early moves but has picked up over a dozen players since 2006 before the end of free agency.
Green Bay has $21 million in cap space after the first wave, and while a few more of its own free agents are on its list to re-sign, it could have enough money to go after an outside player as well.
Let's break down five players the Packers could still target in free agency.
5. NT Vince Wilfork
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Vince Wilfork could be an immense boost to Green Bay's run defense and a solid anchor on the defensive line, but his estimated cost is what keeps him at No. 5 on this list.
As part of the New England Patriots' hybrid defense last season, Pro Football Focus graded Wilfork among 3-4 defensive ends. He finished the season ranked sixth against the run, with 47 combined tackles, 23 assists, two passes defended and an interception.
Wilfork missed 12 games in 2013 with a torn Achilles tendon. But he bounced back in 2014, and injury concerns should not be an issue.
However, Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported on March 12 that Wilfork had three two-year, $10 million deals on the table.
The Packers have not yet been reported as a team in the race for Wilfork, but it could also be because they are reserving their cap space until Tramon Williams signs with a team, Green Bay or otherwise.
Wilfork would be a huge upgrade for Green Bay's defense, but it also has the option of re-signing B.J. Raji or Letroy Guion—or both—to anchor the line, so it's hard to see Ted Thompson getting into a bidding war for Wilfork.
4. ILB Brandon Spikes
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Brandon Spikes wouldn't be a three-down starting linebacker for Green Bay, but he could be a solid run-stuffer with either Micah Hyde or a rookie inside linebacker rotating in on third downs.
Spikes had a cap hit of $3.25 million in 2014 after he signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Buffalo Bills coming off his rookie contract with the New England Patriots. But given how much money Green Bay freed up at the position after cutting A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones—and the complete lack of depth—Spikes could be worth a look.
In Buffalo, Spikes played 46.3 percent of the defensive snaps, per Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston, and started 10 games. He had 33 total tackles, a sack and three passes defended, but he was a key part in improving Buffalo's run defense.
The Bills ranked 11th in run defense in 2014. Green Bay was 23rd. That's where Spikes could make an impact. He may not be the complete three-down linebacker Green Bay is seeking—in the draft that could be UCLA's Eric Kendricks or Clemson's Stephone Anthony—but he could certainly add some veteran experience and strength against the run in the middle.
3. NT B.J. Raji
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Though Bill Huber of Packer Report reported on February 27 that the Packers plan to re-sign free agent B.J. Raji this offseason, it seems the two sides have yet to agree on a price.
On March 10, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that Raji's preference is to return to the Packers, but he's "weighing offers."
It's unclear if the Packers will be able to re-sign Raji to another one-year deal for less than they did last offseason, when they gave him $4 million.
Raji's case is helped by the fact that his rehab has gone extremely well. His trainer, Joe Carini, told Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Raji's post-surgery strength is "phenomenal."
"He’s actually better now than he’s ever been," said Carini, via Dunne. "He has to have a monster year. He knows it. And he’s just looking forward to the opportunity.”
Though Raji's play declined when Dom Capers moved him from nose tackle to defensive end three years ago, he was excelling when returned to his best position, nose tackle, in training camp prior to his injury.
"B.J. Raji, he was in the best shape and having the best camp of his career," head coach Mike McCarthy said after the injury, via The Associated Press' Todd McMahon.
However, the top prospect on the market, Terrance Knighton, signed with Washington for exactly what Raji did last year with Green Bay—one-year, $4 million, per Ian Rapoport. So perhaps the Packers will be able to bring Raji back at a value.
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2. ILB Mason Foster
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Inside linebacker Mason Foster could be a great signing for the Packers as they continue to overhaul the inside linebacker position.
Foster could be a needed veteran presence at a young position that will get even younger with the influx of one or two rookies the Packers are expected to draft at inside linebacker. He could give Green Bay options at the second starting position opposite Sam Barrington for opening day, depending on how the development of its draft selections goes through training camp.
The 6'1", 241-pound middle linebacker called the plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season and increased his coverage ability. He can play three downs or rotate in depending on whom else Green Bay adds at the position.
Foster missed six games in 2014 with injuries to his shoulder and Achilles, but he had a productive season in 2013, with 63 total tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, three interceptions for two touchdowns and seven passes defended.
However, other teams' interest in Foster could drive his price to a point Ted Thompson may not be willing to go. Jen Lada of CSN Chicago reported early on in free agency that the Chicago Bears were targeting Foster on a three-year deal, but no such signing has happened yet.
1. CB Tramon Williams
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Once again, the player the Packers will try hardest to sign in free agency is one of their own.
If Williams is the only player on this list the Packers sign, free agency will still be a massive win for them. It's incredibly difficult to find a Day 1 starting cornerback in the draft, and Williams is coming off two solid seasons.
Williams had 153 combined tackles over the last two seasons, the most in any two-year stretch in his career. In 2013, he had 2.5 sacks, the most in a season in his career. He also had 24 passes defended, six interceptions and two forced fumbles from 2013-14.
Though Williams rejected the Packers' initial offer of $8 million over two years, per Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Green Bay is still in play for Williams, according to ESPN.com's Rob Demovksy.
Williams visited the New Orleans Saints last week but left without a deal, per ESPN.com's Mike Triplett. He visited the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, though it's possible if they do make him an offer he could ask Green Bay to match or improve on it.
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