The Green Bay Packers dip into the free agent waters with the selectivity of Daniel Day Lewis. It's not a frequent occurrence, but when it does happen, it usually yields positive results.
So should the Packers consider getting into the free agent fray this offseason?
Overall, the team doesn't have many glaring weaknesses. Green Bay ranked in the top half of most major statistical categories, including passing yards per game (266.3), rushing yards (119.8) and pass defense (226.4). The team could probably use some help stopping the run, but this a strong roster from top to bottom. However, there is one splashy move the Packers could make that could potentially revamp the offense: signing tight end Julius Thomas.
Thomas is set to hit the open market next month. While the Denver Broncos have expressed interest in bringing him back, the team must also re-sign star wideout Demaryius Thomas. There may not be enough salary cap space for both players.
Tom Gower of Football Outsiders believes the Packers should go after Thomas if he becomes available.
"When the Packers won the Super Bowl in 2010 and were the best team in the league in 2011, Aaron Rodgers had a plethora of receiving options," Gower wrote. "Four wide receivers were major contributors, plus Jermichael Finley was one of the most efficient tight ends. This year, Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson dominated the passing game, but tight ends Andrew Quarless and Richard Rodgers were both below average, according to DVOA.
"The Packers' receiving problems were most apparent in the red zone. Rodgers was outstanding on most of the field but had a below-average, minus-13.9 percent DVOA in goal-to-go situations. Adding an elite red zone target like Thomas would help solve those issues. He scored 12 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons, and led all tight ends in red zone DYAR in both 2013 and 2014. Adding him would make an already very good Green Bay offense even better, and maybe even help the Packers score touchdowns instead of field goals the next time they face the Seahawks. Thomas might not hit the open market if the Broncos lock him up to a long-term deal or use the franchise tag on him, but if he does, Green Bay should aggressively move with an offer."
Thomas may be seeking a deal in the vicinity of what the New Orleans Saints gave Jimmy Graham (four-years, $40 million). The Packers are expected to have around $25 million in salary room, according to spotrac.com, making such a contract feasible for 2015.
Would Green Bay make such an expensive move? It would certainly be a bit out of character. However, general manager Ted Thompson knows he has to capitalize on Rodgers' prime, and signing Thomas would be one way to do that.
