Green Bay Packers: Who should be re-signed? Who should walk?
The remaining offensive free agents
Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end
Mike Daniels(76) congratulates fullback John Kuhn (30) for scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
John Kuhn: Walk
Dec 22, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn (30) during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field. Pittsburgh won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
This won’t go down well.
John Kuhn is one of most popular names on the Green Bay Packers roster, and he has been a rock on the offense for a while now.
Kuhn has many roles as fullback: he occasionally works as a ball-carrier, but focuses more on blocking.
One of his most memorable plays was the block on a blitzing Julius Peppers (then with the Chicago Bears) in week 17 of the 2013 season, allowing Aaron Rodgers to escape the pressure and fire to Randall Cobb on 4th-and-8 for a division-clinching touchdown, sending the Packers to the playoffs.
As a ball-carrier in 2014, Kuhn ran for 85 yards from his 24 attempts with one touchdown.
However, Kuhn only played on 18.3 percent of the offensive snaps for the Packers in 2014, per Sporting Charts.
With that mind, he could well depart Green Bay this offseason.
Don Barclay: Re-sign
Offensive tackle Don Barclay missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. His versatility fortunately wasn’t missed due to Bryan Bulaga being the only starting offensive lineman to miss time, and he only missed one game.
Next year, the Packers might not be so lucky. That’s why he should be re-signed. He can play all across the line and providing he stays healthy, can step up at any time.
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Barclay only counted for $570,833 against the cap in 2014, and a similar contract could be given to him this year.
DuJuan Harris: Walk
Unfortunately for running back DuJuan Harris, he’s struggled to get on the field. This is mainly due to the dangerous duo of Eddie Lacy and James Starks in front of him on the depth chart. Harris only played 4.9 percent of offensive snaps all year, and spent most of his time on special teams.
Even there, he had an average season.
Harris returned 22 kickoffs for 456 yards, averaging 20.7 yards per return. His longest return was 41 yards.
Unless he’s brought back for depth, it’s possible he walks.
A running back could be targeted in the draft, and the likes of Rajion Neal will compete to step up.
Jarrett Boykin: Walk
Jarrett Boykin showed promise heading into the 2014 season, and was third on the depth chart at wide receiver, behind Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.
Boykin struggle, however, only making three receptions for 23 yards.
With the emergence of Davante Adams and the development of Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis, it’s hard to see Boykin returning.
Next: The remaining defensive free agents