Green Bay Packers Free Agency: Players on the Market Who Could Make Sense in GB

Free agency will certainly be interesting this year, especially with the lockout and all that.

Until the CBA is reached, there will be no free agency, which could lead to some notable players being left on the market for a while.

Now, as for the Packers, that doesn't mean as much to them as it does to the rest of the league.

Ted Thompson prefers to build through the draft and doesn't make a big move in free agency too often.

But that doesn't mean we can't speculate, as there are a couple of players on the market who could make sense in Green Bay.

James Jones, WR, Green Bay

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers runs for yards after the catch against James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won 3

This one should be obvious.

Fresh off a Super Bowl win, the Packers should try to maintain as many players as possible.

Jones caught 50 balls for 679 yards and five touchdowns. He isn't going to be the No.1 receiver, but those are still quality numbers for a No. 3 wideout.

The only problem that the Packers may encounter in bringing him back would be if he demands more money.

If he wants a pay raise, expect him out of Green Bay.

Jason Babin, DE, Tennessee Titans

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HONOLULU - JANUARY 30: Drew Brees, #9 of the New Orleans Saints, looks for an open receiver while Jason Babin, #93 of the Tennessee Titans, defends during the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. NFC won 55-41 over

As evidenced by the jersey above, Babin had a Pro Bowl quality year.

The thing that stands out most is his pass rushing ability, as he recorded 12.5 sacks. For comparison, Clay Matthews recorded 13.5.

In addition to his sacks, Babin stripped opponents of the ball twice.

At 260 pounds, the one-year-wonder from Tennessee won't be large enough to play defensive end in the Packers 3-4 defense. He'd have to play opposite Matthews.

The only things that would scare Green Bay off would be his price tag and one year of production.

Carl Nicks, OG, New Orleans Saints

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Carl Nicks #77 of the New Orleans Saints against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Daryn Colledge is all but gone, leaving the guard position not occupied by Josh Sitton open.

Nicks is a young, 26-year-old guard who is one of the top at his position open for free agency.

His 2010 Pro Bowl selection is a testament to his great play. The former Saint isn't pushed around easily.

That leads to a concern with Nicks. He is 343 pounds, because weight may become an issue if he can't slim down.

Even if the Packers need to fork over some cash, this would certainly be a worthy investment if they can sign Nicks to a multi-year contract.

Ray Edwards, DE, Minnesota Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 7: Defensive end Ray Edwards #91 of the Minnesota Vikings grabs the jersey of quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 7, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won 27-

One of the various young possibilities on this list, Edwards is a fantastic player.

By signing him, the Packers could in a way get back at NFC North Rival Minnesota for signing former Packer Brett Favre.

And that's not the only benefit to the signing.

Edwards played defensive end in Minnesota but would have to transfer to outside linebacker. He recorded eight sacks on the season and would benefit from playing with Clay Matthews.

Acquiring Edwards off the market would only improve the linebacker unit and take pressure off the Packers' long-haired beast.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

In all likelihood, this probably won't happen given that the Packers drafted Alex Green.

Williams is an explosive runner who, at the moment, is seemingly keeping his options open.

With the Packers' offensive threats through the air, it would open up holes for Williams and vice-versa.

If the Packers decide to get rid of Ryan Grant after his injury season, then having Williams or another running back like Bradshaw makes a load of sense.

Shaun Ellis, DE, New York Jets

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Defensive end Shaun Ellis #92 of the New York Jets rushes the passer against Bobby Eldridge #81 of the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis,

Finally, a defensive end that won't have to transfer to linebacker in the Packers' 3-4 defense.

Ellis has been an anchor for the Jets for years, and they may not be so willing as to let him go.

The long-time Jet was a great pass rusher in his prime and is still an adequate one at that.

If there is one downside to signing Ellis, it would be his age. He'll be coming up on 34 this season, which in football terms is old.

Because of his age, the Packers would be inclined to sign him to a one- or two-year contract where he could mentor the young defensive lineman on the squad.

Marc Schiechl, LB, Colorado School of Mines

Don't forget about all the undrafted free agents. They get their turn.

If the Packers don't want to sign a big name outside linebacker, then they might want to grab Schiechl.

The All-Time Division II sack leader is a master pass rusher. He combines pure strength with speed.

At 251 pounds, Schiechl would play outside linebacker and need to learn the ropes of an outside linebacker. His immediate contributions would be on special teams.

The Packers were reportedly interested in him before the draft, and why wouldn't you be after he recorded 38 reps on the bench press to go with a 4.65 40-yard dash?

Cedric Thornton, DE, Southern Arkansas

Like Schiechl, many rumors arose that Thornton was going to go to Green Bay.

I mean, it makes sense.

Thornton is a relatively unknown prospect, something Ted Thompson seems to love. He is also a defensive end, something the Packers need.

At 6'3", 309 pounds, Thornton certainly has the size to play defensive end in the Packers 3-4 scheme.

Though some had the Packers taking him as early as round four, they may just get him in free agency.

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders sits on the bench during the closing minutes of their loss to the Miami Dolphins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Ge

Don't act like you didn't see this one coming.

This is a far-fetched possibility, but it could happen.

Asomugha is the top free agent on the market, so the Packers would have to pay a great sum of money in order to land Asomugha.

Also, with Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields and now Davon House on the roster, it doesn't seem like cornerback is a position of need.

However, their are several upsides to signing the shutdown corner.

Charles Woodson would have the option to move to safety, creating flexibility. Woodson said he would be willing to do this, as it is well known the two are good friends.

Signing Asomugha would also create an absolute nightmare of a secondary.

While the price to pay is a lot, the potential greatness may be worth it.