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Soon, the fun begins. Whenever a new CBA is struck, a league-wide shopping spree will commence.
The owners have reportedly dropped their demands for the right of first refusal in free agency. Thus, players with at least four years of experience will become free agents. Teams will have a 72-hour window to re-sign their own guys.
It’s a win for the players and a loss for the Packers, who now have some tough decisions to make. Here’s a quick lowdown on Green Bay’s potential free agents to-be. Have at it...
Cullen Jenkins
2010: 11 games, 29 tackles, seven sacks
Injuries dogged Jenkins again last year, but he still managed to put together one his finest seasons. After missing a month of action with a nagging calf injury, Jenkins returned for Green Bay’s postseason run. Was a force in Green Bay’s NFC title win in Chicago with a tackle for loss, a half-sack, two QB hits and a pressure. Suffice to say, he earned himself a big payday somewhere. With some extensions in order down the line — Clay Matthews, Jermichael Finley, Josh Sitton, Jordy Nelson, even Aaron Rodgers again — Jenkins probably will cost too much for Ted Thompson. Known for re-upping contracts ahead of time, nothing was done here. Look for the Packers to count on one of their young ends to emerge as a starter in camp. It’s smarter. It’s cheaper. Chances of staying: 5 percent
James Jones
2010: 50 rec., 679 yards, 5 TD
A true Jekyll-and-Hyde receiver. Has served an invaluable role in Green Bay’s offense but is prone to maddening drops. Despite boasting natural pass-receiving ability — think Atlanta Divisional Playoff game — Jones let deep, potential touchdown grabs slip through his fingers against Miami, the Jets, the Giants, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. With Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb around, the Packers may not be willing to shell out much dough here, either. Chances: 20 percent
Daryn Colledge
Started every game last three years
Model of durability with Packers. Allowed only three sacks a year ago. Still, Colledge struggles against premier defensive tackles in the run game and is so-so in pass protection. Another team is likely to value Colledge higher than Green Bay. Look for the Packers to let T.J. Lang and Nick McDonald duke it out at camp for the left-guard spot. Chances: 30 percent
Brandon Jackson
2010: 703 rush yards, 342 rec. yards, 4 TD
Twice in his career had a golden opportunity to win starting job and didn’t seize it. Is hesitant and lacks wiggle. Jackson isn’t a No. 1 back. but still serves a valuable role. He never fumbles, is a rock in pass protection and is a sneaky receiver out of the backfield. It’s very hard to predict what the market price will be for Jackson and how management deals with its crowded backfield. Chances: 45 percent
Mason Crosby
’10 stats: 22-of-28 FG (78.6 percent), 56 long, 112 points
Ranked 26th in FG percentage but has specific value in Green Bay. Crosby’s strong leg is suited for Lambeau Field. It’s difficult to find and keep a reliable kicker in this league. Look for Green Bay to lock Crosby up. He's a keeper. Chances: 90 percent
Korey Hall
A core special teams player. Has made sacrifices for team. While Thompson has shown a propensity to keep an extra fullback on the 53-man roster, it’s hard to see him doing it again this year. Chances: 50 percent
John Kuhn
Iced a Packers win over Detroit in Week Four and gained momentum throughout season. A gamer. Versatility works in his favor. Chances: 60 percent
Anthony Smith
Backup safety that knows system, comes cheap. Chances: 50 percent
Jason Spitz
Career has taken a nosedive since solid 2008 season. Spitz hasn’t been the same player since back surgery. Chances: 15 percent
Matt Wilhelm
Hard to see this bargain-bin acquisition from October returning with so many inside linebackers around. Chances: 10 percent
Atari Bigby
There isn’t a spot in Green Bay for Bigby. Best for both sides to part ways. Chances: 5 percent
Brett Swain/Spencer Havner
These two exclusive rights free agents face an uphill climb with newcomers joining both of their positions.
