One thing is clear, Ted Thompson will not make many splashes in the NFL’s Free Agency period this offseason. However, Thompson could make a Julius Peppers-type free agency move and sign a player that could push the Packers over the top. The Packers need to add a bit more talent to compete for another Super Bowl appearance.
Green Bay Packers Free Agency: Five Free Agents to Target
Ted Thompson and the Packers have a decision on Casey Hayward. They are either going to let the slot corner walk or sign him to a good value contract. The Packers would be crazy to let Hayward walk. It is rare to find a young, great slot corner in the NFL and a team can never have enough cornerbacks. However, if Thompson lets Hayward find business elsewhere Jayron Hosley would be a great fit.
The 25 year-old cornerback is a versatile prospect. The Virginia Tech alum definitely has room to improve in many aspects of his game, however he did a fine job filling in for Prince Amukamara in New York. He would fit great in Dom Caper’s defense despite his dearth of height.
4) Mark Barron LB/S
It seems as if every team now needs a linebacker/safety hybrid on their roster and the Packers had one. Sean Richardson, from Vanderbilt, was a coverage safety who could also step up to the front seven and stop the run. He did both very well, however a neck injury may sideline him for the rest of his career. So the Packers are lacking a Deone Bucannon-like presence in their defense. Mark Barron could help in that aspect of Dom Caper’s plans to mold this defense into a championship defense.
Barron’s 2015 season was a project and a challenge for the former defensive back. The Rams asked Barron to convert into a linebacker. Although he struggled in coverage, which they thought would be a strength during the transition, he excelled in stopping the run. According to Pro Football Focus, the 26 year-old was in the top third of all linebackers when it came to stopping the run. Barron could help bring some physicality to the Packers’ defensive front.
Packers special teams improved in the 2015 season after a horrid 2014 season. However, one thing still seemed to remain the same, inconsistency at the punting position. Tim Masthay, long time Packers punter has been bad the past couple seasons. He continues to be inconsistent, which is not the best trait as a punter in the NFL, and does not flip the field at all for the Packers defense. It showed time and time again this season, especially when the offense went three-and-out and Masthay shanked a kick to give the opposition great field position. Ted Thompson should be finished with Masthay. Next to Jeff Locke, Masthay is the worst punter in the NFL. One way to solve the problem is to bring in a good punter, much better than Masthay.
Marquette King is a solid punter, plus he proves that he can flip the field, whether he is pinned inside his own 1o or on the 50, attempting to pin the opposition deep inside their own 10. Not only does King have tremendous leg strength, but he also has great kicking accuracy which is crucial when high winds are involved. If Green Bay has the opportunity to sign Marquette King, they need to pounce on that opportunity right away.
Everyone knows the Packers one weakness on offense is their lack of production at the tight end position. Everyone who follows the NFL also knows most teams have two viable options at tight end. The Packers must add playmaking ability to the position and Ladarius Green is the playmaker they need.
Green is one of three tight ends that is about to hit the open market on the Chargers roster, along with future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates. The Chargers would be crazy to let Green walk and keep Gates. Green is the fastest tight end in the league and that attribute makes him a deep threat and a mismatch against opposing linebackers and safeties. Aaron Rodgers would make Green a top tight end in the NFL. If Green hits the open market Ted Thompson should be ecstatic.
The Packers biggest need is inside linebacker. It has been for the last couple of seasons. Although the presence of Sam Barrington was missed due to injury last season, the Packers are still missing a playmaker in the middle. They need a tackler, a run stuffer. Someone who the quarterback fears as he looks over the line of scrimmage.
Danny Trevathan was a great tackler for the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos. The Broncos face a tough decision, sign either Brandon Marshall or Trevathan. At this point it does seem like Trevathan is the odd man out. Trevathan is a terrific run stopper and a captain for any defense. He would be a great addition to the Packers defense, helping them in the pursuit of another Lombardi Trophy.
