Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji (90) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve spent any time at Lombardi Ave, you’re surely aware that the Green Bay Packers are set to negotiate three major contract extensions – B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews, and Aaron Rodgers – over the next 12 months. Those extensions have been treated as a package deal in many ways, as all three players are represented by the same agent, David Dunn.

Because Raji and Matthews were drafted in the first round of the same year, they’re entering the final year of their rookie deals. Rodgers, having signed an extension midway through his first year as a starter, is under contract through 2014. Thus, the expectation for several years has been that Raji and Matthews will receive their new deals first, and then Rodgers’ extension will fall soon thereafter.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

However, if recent reports are to be believed, a Rodgers extension could be in the works now prior to any extension for Matthews or Raji. This may be very telling, as even though Rodgers is by far the team’s most valuable and indispensable asset, he has two years left on his contract. He’s not the biggest worry the Packers have in terms of contract negotiations. So why would the Packers hammer out an extension with Rodgers ahead of the sooner expiring Matthews and Raji deals?

The answer may very well be that Green Bay doesn’t anticipate room for all three contracts, and thus will let Raji test the open market.

As currently constituted, the Packers have about $20 million in cap space. Part of that figure is already earmarked for the incoming rookie class with some space reserved for free agency and emergencies. However, most of that figure will go toward extensions. Next year’s salary cap doesn’t figure to increase very significantly, and with even more contract negotiations coming into view after 2013 – James Jones, Bryan Bulaga, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb chief among them – the Packers already have an idea of which deals they want to pursue and which ones they’ll pass on.

As we discussed as part of this week’s mock draft analysis, Raji presents all sorts of problems for Green Bay. His dominant 2010 season suggested he’d be one of the league’s best nose tackles for the foreseeable future, but Raji struggled to repeat that performance in 2011. This past year was even more confusing, as Raji returned to a high level of play but did so at the five technique position rather than the nose.

While there is value in a 3-4 end, a nose tackle is considerably more important to Green Bay’s defense. Furthermore, Raji will likely demand to be paid like a fulltime nose tackle rather than an end.

With just as much good tape as bad, no defined position, and limited cap space, how much can the Packers afford to invest in a Raji extension?

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) talk with outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Reading the tea leafs, it appears that Green Bay is letting their other extensions decide that question for them. Depending on how much it takes to re-sign Rodgers and Matthews, the Packers will know if a lengthy extension with Raji is reasonable.

They don’t want to be caught in a situation where they’ve extended Raji and don’t have enough cap space for either Matthews or Rodgers. Thus, Green Bay has prioritized their negotiations to prevent that scenario.

It’s unclear at this time what the end result will be, but it’s time to start wondering if this is Raji’s last season in the Green and Gold.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Greg Jennings is a free agent this offseason and has probably played his last game for the Green Bay Packers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I was hoping this article wouldn’t have to be written for a few more weeks, but here we are after the Green Bay Packers‘ divisional round loss. A multitude of major personnel decisions loom on the horizon, any of which could be the difference for the Packers in 2013.

Let’s quickly dispense with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. I’ve seen any number of tweets, comments, and emails about how Green Bay “needs to find the money to pay Jennings” and “Driver needs another season to shore up his hall of fame credentials.”

In regards to Jennings, paying him would put Clay Matthews, B.J. Raji, and/or Aaron Rodgers in jeopardy of not re-signing. All of those are more integral to Green Bay’s future success than Jennings, especially with Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones under contract. As for Driver, it became evident very early on this season that he could no longer separate from defenders. It would be coaching malpractice to have him on the field next year.

Finally, as much as Driver is loved and cherished by Packer fans such as our fearless leader, Ray, he will be in the Packers’ Hall of Fame, but not the one in Canton.

The following are the big decisions the Packers will be pondering as they enter the offseason.

Can the Packers afford to keep Sam Shields?

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) intercepts a pass during the third quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: Sam Shields completed the final year of his three-year rookie deal in fine fashion. After becoming the starter in week 2, Shields proved reliable as the wide corner in all the defensive formations. He also demonstrated the ability to make plays on the ball, as evidenced by his three interceptions. Really, the only black mark against Shields this year was penalty count, and much of that came during the reign of the replacement refs, thus skewing results.

Why they should keep him: Shields is the fastest player in the secondary. No other corner can handle the speed matchups nearly as well, and it’s unlikely to find another corner that can reproduce that ability.

Why they should let him go: One of the great discoveries of the 2012 season was that Green Bay is stacked at corner. In addition to pro-bowler Tramon Williams, Davon House and rookie Casey Hayward demonstrated starting ability. Hayward in particular was the Packers’ best corner this year. While none have the foot speed of Shields, the Packers have the replacement already in the building. The funds Shields would require could be reallocated to another position.

Prediction: As of right now I think Shields is re-signed. He’s a restricted free agent which should somewhat deflate his salary, and after a lousy 2011 season, Shields looks like a rising star again.

Is there a place for Brad Jones at inside linebacker?

Dec 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Brad Jones (59) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: After the preseason claimed Desmond Bishop, the regular season took his backup D.J. Smith. At that point it was Brad Jones’s turn, and after a shaky start Jones became a pillar of the pass defense. Jones covers slot receivers and especially tight ends better than any of the other linebackers can. While inside linebackers Bishop, A.J. Hawk, and even Smith are all comparable to superior players, they cannot be relied on in the nickel and dime packages to stop passes to the middle of the field. Jones was also passable in run defense, allowing him to play on all downs.

Why they should keep him: Coverage linebackers are hard to find, and generally speaking those players are awful against the run. Jones provides some semblance of balance in these regards, and in the modern NFL where athletic tight ends and read-option quarterbacks are commonplace, players like Jones are only going to become more difficult to find.

Why they should let him go: Jones won’t start over Bishop or Hawk, and unless one of them gets hurt the Packers would be paying Jones for three downs when they’re probably only getting one or two out of him.

Prediction: Brad Jones has probably played his last down as a Packer. There’s just too many good players at his position and as an unrestricted free agent Jones’s price tag is too high to justify retention.

Will Charles Woodson take a pay cut? Will he be cut if he doesn’t?

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson (21) reacts after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: 2012 proved a challenging year for Charles Woodson. The coaches determined in the preseason that he was no longer capable of covering as a wide corner, only allowing him to play the slot corner in the nickel. Complicating matters, we don’t truly know what kind of safety he is. For the first seven games he was adjusting to a new position. Before he could complete the transition, a collarbone injury knocked him out. Woodson never got a chance to shake off the rust once he returned in the playoffs. What Woodson’s exact role will be in 2013 remains shrouded in mystery.

Why they should keep him: Woodson is the most versatile player the Packers have at safety. Woodson has enough speed left to play deep and enough pass rushing ability to play around the line of scrimmage. Woodson was used mostly as a pseudo-linebacker when he came back from injury, a fine usage of his size and coverage ability. His ability to play this role will become even more vital if Brad Jones departs this offseason.

Why they should let him go: M.D. Jennings proved a more than capable option at safety, improving steadily after a poor showing against the 49ers in week 1. More impressive still was Jerron McMillian. McMillian is by far the most physical presence in the secondary, which when coupled with his 4.42 speed allows the Packers to do get very creative. Both Jennings and McMillian would benefit greatly from a full-time role which can only happen if Woodson is out of the picture.

Prediction: The Packers will probably ask Woodson to restructure his deal and I expect him to oblige. No team is going to offer Woodson more money or a greater opportunity for football success, and Jennings and McMillian could benefit from another year of coaching before either takes on the job full-time.

What to do with Jermichael Finley?

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) is unable to make a catch in the end zone against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: No player on Green Bay’s roster is more polarizing than Jermichael Finley. No other tight end or wide receiver on the team is as talented a pass catcher, but Finley has not lived up to his potential. While many fans can’t see past his shortcomings, Finley has quietly been setting team records for the position. It’s been rumored for some time now that the Packers plan to cut the tight end this offseason. Finley is entering the second year of a lucrative two-year deal. If he remains under contract, Finley will count $8.75 million against the cap. However, if he’s cut before the fifteenth day of the league year, Finley will only count $500,000 against the cap for a net savings of $8.25 million.

Why they should keep him: Finley’s been a record-setter for the Packers. In 2011, he produced the most receiving yards for a tight end in team history. This season, Finley set the team mark for most receptions by a tight end. Anyone the Packers replace him with will be a step down, and with Greg Jennings departing the Packers shouldn’t be looking to give away talented pass catchers. Even if Finley doesn’t have a breakthrough season in 2013, the Packers will have a year to develop replacements for him and Jennings. Finley could either be re-signed or he could walk next offseason.

Why they should let him go: While cutting Finley won’t provide enough savings to keep Greg Jennings, he could allow the team to keep other would-be cap casualties. Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji’s extensions can’t wait any longer, and both players are more valuable than Finley.

Prediction: Given how strong Finley finished the year, and how well the quarterback spoke of him, I think Finley comes back for 2013.

Has A.J. Hawk played his last down for the Packers?

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) is tackled by Green Bay Packers inside linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) during the third quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: 2012 was probably A.J. Hawk’s best year as a Packer. He tied his career best for total tackles, nearly matched his season record for sacks, and had over double his previous best for tackles for loss. However, Hawk still doesn’t play well in coverage and will return to a reduced role when Desmond Bishop returns in 2013. Hawk’s contract lasts through 2015, and cutting him now would incur a $4.8 million cap hit immediately while saving $17.85 million over the next three seasons.

Why they should keep him: Hawk is a steady producer who handles the play calls. Being able to communicate the calls is a skill, one that others in the past (Nick Barnett) have struggled with. If Hawk goes, this duty probably falls on Desmond Bishop who’s never had that responsibility at any time during his career.

Why they should let him go: The savings from Hawk’s contract would be like Finley’s contract on steroids. It would guarantee both Raji and Matthews are fit comfortably under the salary cap while also provided tons of breathing room for Rodgers’ deal. There are tangential benefits too. Brad Jones suddenly looks very affordable, and between him, Desmond Bishop and D.J. Smith, the Packers would have a very versatile inside linebacker group.

Prediction: I’m taking a bold stance here and predicting Hawk goes this offseason. I haven’t heard any talk of Hawk being a cut candidate, but the benefits of such a move are obvious and overwhelming. Furthermore, Hawk turns 30 next season, and Ted Thompson tends to veer away from those types of players. While Hawk could offer to restructure his deal, that wouldn’t change the fact Hawk isn’t a strong coverage linebacker or that Jones is probably more useful for the team at this point.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass as offensive guard Louis Vasquez (65) and center Nick Hardwick (61) block Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji (90) and defensive end Jerel Worthy (99) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

For once, the Green Bay Packers are deep at defensive line – and that’s despite the Friday release of Anthony Hargrove.

The improvement of the Packers 2011 32nd place ranking starts with the front and Ted Thompson clearly understands that fact. This past offseason he strengthened the team’s depth at the position by drafting Jerel Worthy and Mike Daniels, picking up Daniel Muir and Phillip Merling in free agency to add to veterans Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, C.J. Wilson, and Mike Neal. Throw in Lawrence Guy, the lineman who was on IR all last season, and you’ve got a base of players who will vie for spots on the 53-man roster.

With Raji, Pickett and Worthy as the only linemen who I would consider locks, it’s going to be very interesting the next couple of weeks as Ted Thompson and company have some really difficult choices.

I once heard there were two free agent periods – the first one in March and the second one when the Packers reduce their roster before the start of the regular season. That could be the case this year as there will be several quality players who will be snatched up quickly by teams across the league. Though Hargrove probably won’t be one who gets picked up any time soon because of his bountygate suspension, he might be of value to a team that’s looking to boost its defensive line midway through the season – that’s when Hargrove would become available.

In fact, I wouldn’t even count the Packers out at that point. We all know how injuries to a couple key players at a position can put a team at a huge disadvantage. If the Packers do suffer from a lack of depth on the line, Thompson might take a look back at Hargrove … but that’s pure speculation at this point.

Right now, the Packers are deep at the position and should be well-stocked for the regular season.

Packers cornerback Charles Woodson could be moved to safety in 2012. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers have had to move on from the Nick Collins days … he has been cut due to the major question about whether he will ever play again in the NFL.

So, who will replace Nick Collins?

Charles Woodson is the first candidate to replace Collins as Woodson no longer has the speed to be effective at cornerback but still has the ball-hawking abilities to be an effective safety. Woodson’s skills will allow him to be a very effective safety that quarterbacks will have to watch. This move is a realistic possibility due to the fact that the Packers added Casey Hayward to the group of cornerbacks they already have in the fold as Tramon Williams and Sam Shields can both be NFL starters. Woodson seems like the best fit to move from cornerback to safety for the Packers.

Packers safety Charlie Peprah could be tapped to replace Nick Collins. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Veteran safety Charlie Peprah replaced Collins this past season and seems like another realistic candidate to be the starter to replace Nick Collins. Peprah already knows how to play safety and has the ball-hawking skills that would make him a good replacement for Collins. However, Woodson has the potential to be a really good safety and Peprah might not be able to beat out Woodson in training camp as Woodson will start somewhere in the secondary next season.

Jerron McMillian is a long but has the upside to be really good. McMillian is very agreesive and knows how to shut down the running game from his time at Maine. However, McMillian is a raw prospect and needs some time to develop before the Packers think about putting him into the starting lineup.

Nick Collins will be difficult to replace but the Packers will find someone who can be at least as good as Collins.

The loss of Nick Collins this season has caused all kinds of problems in the defensive backfield. Some say Charles Woodson should be moved to safety. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

There’s been a lot of speculation lately, especially today, that there may be a groundswell of enthusiasm about the idea of moving cornerback Charles Woodson to safety.

I’m not so sure about the move, but given the fact that Charlie Peprah was not the answer this past season, coupled with the fact that Nick Collins is probably done playing football for life, it is an option that may be considered.

Is he big and durable enough to move into the position? He would be counted on to move to the line of scrimmage to help stop the run, in addition to having to cover a lot of ground in the defensive backfield … is he too old for a move like that?

Only the Packers coaching staff have the answer and will have the final say, but at least we can sound off on it.

Take the poll and let’s see how the numbers stack up.

Nick Barnet will either be cut or traded. Getty images

“Just met with G.M. Ted [Thompson]. Thanks for the great 8 years. Very blessed 2 be apart of such a great tradition and great fans. Happy I was able to be here for the great xlv run … I will always keep a Special place in my heart for this team and city.”

Those are the words of Nick Barnett, the Packers inside linebacker, who according to Pro Football Talk, has been informed that his services will no longer be needed.

It’s not surprising that Barnett will be moving on. After being injured and placed on injured reserve last season, inside linebackers Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk played remarkably well in helping lead the Packers to a Super Bowl title.

The fandom also took exception to Barnett’s behavior just before the Super Bowl when he demanded, via Twitter, that the Packers move the day and time of the team’s photograph so that he and other injured players could be included. While he may have had a point, fans felt he should have gone about it much differently and not have been a distraction just before the biggest game of the year.

Always somewhat of a showboat, Barnett has also been a steady player for the Packers. His speed and agility were his strengths, though he wasn’t superior in pass coverage and would also get blown up by blocks and lost in traffic when trying to make tackles.

Either way, Packers fans don’t have to worry about that anymore. He’s gone. Whether he is traded or cut is yet to be determined. As one Packers fan, I think it would be nice to get something in return for him.

Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers (left) will probably have a few new faces on his squad this fall. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It’s no secret that Nick Barnett, Johnny Jolly, Brandon Chillar, and Justin Harrell are on the bubble with the Green Bay Packers, but it became even more evident that others, including Gregg Rosenthal of Pro Football Talk, are also seeing the writing on the wall.

In his post this morning, Rosenthal tabbed all four of those Packers as either already being on the chopping block or at least describing them as potentially being cut by the team.

We find it difficult to disagree with this assessment. It’s clear that Jolly has dug his own hole with his legal issues, something neither Mike McCarthy, nor Ted Thompson, will tolerate. We all know they want a locker room without character issues.

Harrell may get a chance to redeem himself by staying healthy, but it’s rather unlikely. Ted Thompson’s worst first round draft choice will probably be gone sooner than later.

That brings us to Chillar and Barnett. They have both been productive in the past, with Barnett being a mainstay in the Packers inside defense for a number of years. Chillar, a relative newcomer to the team, may have more of an upside than Barnett, so it’s probable that if the Packers decide to keep one of them, the nod will go to Chillar. We all know what Barnett did during the week leading up to the Super Bowl and his whining about not being in the team picture … that didn’t sit well with coaches and administration. That alone could be enough to tip the balance toward Chillar.

However, Chillar has had his own problems with staying on the field, but the Packers will most likely keep him if they are to keep any one of the four listed here.

And depending on how the rules read about the protection of veterans when the CBA is unveiled, this might all change.

Either way, the Packers defense is definitely going to have some new names listed on the roster this coming season and some old names scratched off of it.