Green Bay Packers: In-depth Free Agency guide

Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle

(right) lines up across from Green Bay Packers tackle

(left) during the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Bryan Bulaga

Bryan Bulaga was a major part of the best offensive line in the Aaron Rodgers era last term. The line gave up just 28 sacks on Rodgers, the lowest number of his career (with the exception of 2013, where he missed half the season with a broken collarbone).

It was also Bulaga’s healthiest year since his rookie season in 2010, and 2014 was the first time he started 15 games.

Bulaga was selected by the Packers in the first-round of the 2010 NFL Draft, but has struggled to stay healthy during his five years with the Packers.

Despite that, re-signing him is regarded as one of Ted Thompson‘s top priorities this offseason.

Head coach Mike McCarthy certainly thinks so:

Thompson opted not to designate the franchise tag on Bulaga, which would have meant signing him to a one-year, $12.92 million deal. That is steep for a right tackle, although it would have given the Packers extra time to agree a long-term deal.

Should Bulaga not re-sign, bringing back Don Barclay will be a priority, as he would be in a position to compete with J.C. Tretter for the right tackle vacancy. The depth is there for the Packers, but they won’t want to lose Bulaga.

Currently the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL is the Indianapolis Colts’ Gosder Cherilus, who averages around $7 million per year. If Bulaga’s price demands hit that region or higher, it would seem unlikely he will return.

Bulaga will remain near the top of the Packers’ offseason priorities, and Thompson will be hoping to negotiate a long-term deal with the 25-year-old.

Next: What about the defensive line?