The Green Bay Packers' front office rarely make big-dollar free agent splashes during the offseason, but that doesn't mean that they won't survey the landscape and pick out a few potential gems from the available players on the market. With that being said, here's our list of 3 Realistic (Potential) 2016 Free Agents The Packers Could Target.
DT Terrance Knighton
Knighton is unlikely to return to the Washington Redskins unless they "can't find another nose tackle and if he loses weight," per ESPN's John Keim. He was an unquestionable free-agent bust for Washington in his first (and likely last) year with the team, posting just 29 tackles and 1.5 sacks, along with dealing with overarching weight struggles. However, he's still a very talented tackle who could benefit from Green Bay's 'accountability first' atmosphere. He's also going to come at a bargain price, considering his lack of production/consistency in 2015.
DT Akiem Hicks
Hicks would be a better overall value than Knighton, but there's questions about how he'd be able to acclimate returning to a 3-4 (like he played in with the Saints) after building his star as a 4-3 standout with the New England Patriots. His lack of "brand value" could put him right in the Packers' cost wheelhouse, and his blanket effectiveness as both a run stopper and passing game disruptor would make him a steal if his price tag stays in manageable range.
RB Matt Forte
*Cue suspenseful music* Forte's the type of back who'd complement Eddie Lacy to near perfection -- a receiving back who can expand his traditional carry load on a whim to both give Lacy breathers and give the coaching staff the ability to evolve their game plan around opposing defenses' tendencies. At 31 years old, Forte is more of a stopgap option than a long-term investment. But, he'd be a fantastic short-term boost at the right price.
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