Not counting offensive lineman Greg Van Roten, who was released Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers have 19 total free agents. Of those 19, nine are offensive players. Ted Thompson is historically very stingy when it comes to handing out cash in free agency, but there are a few names that should return if the price is right.
Matt Flynn: Flynn (28) was signed to a one-year deal and served as a crucial stop-gap at the quarterback position in 2013, winning two games in four starts. He fooled several teams into thinking he was more than a system-quarterback in his first trip to free agency, signing a 3-year $26 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
After losing his job to Russell Wilson, Flynn bounced around to the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills before winding up back in Green Bay. This time around, there likely won't be as many teams chomping at the bit for a QB whose 6-TD game is looking more like a fluke than a sign of promise.
Nevertheless, in Mike McCarthy's system, Flynn showed he can control the offense and finish drives. With the mishandling of the backup quarterback position that took place in 2013, Thompson could avoid a similar snafu in 2014 by re-signing Flynn.
Prediction: Re-signed, 2-year deal
James Starks: Starks (27) had a quietly productive 2013 season, rushing for 493 yards while serving as Eddie Lacy's primary backup. With injury issues appearing to be a thing of the past, Starks provided a shifty compliment to Lacy's downhill running style. His 89 carries may not have been a large enough sample size to draw significant free agent dollars however, which bodes well for his chances staying in Green Bay for 2014.
After being a position of weakness just a season ago, the Packers backfield will be multi-faceted with speedster DuJuan Harris, second-year pro Johnathan Franklin, and the powerful Lacy. Adding Starks to that mix will ensure the Packers will have fresh legs to help make a deep playoff run in 2014.
Prediction: Re-signed, 3-year deal
Jermichael Finley: Finley (26) was beginning to show signs of taking the next step to becoming an elite tight end in 2013 before an unfortunate spine injury ended his season. The Packers elected not to extend Finley last offseason, who figures to ask for much more than his flashy resume may warrant. His agent Blake Baratz says that Finley should be fully healed and cleared to resume football activity in the next 4-8 weeks.
The lingering injury risk combined with the likelihood that Finley will not accept a discount to remain in Green Bay could very well mean his days as a Packer are numbered.
Prediction: Unsigned
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