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Terrance Knighton: Solution for the Green Bay Packers?

By Freddie Boston

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Dec 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back

Jeremy Hill

(32) runs the ball away from Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

As expected, he’s expensive

As always in free agency, talented players are in high demand. Knighton is one of the top defensive lineman set to hit the market, so it could be a challenge for the Packers to lure his signature.

Knighton has said that should he depart Denver, he would want to talk with the Oakland Raiders. The connection there is with his former coach Jack Del Rio. ESPN’s Josina Anderson posted this quote from the defensive tackle:

"“There’s been a lot of talk about me going to Oakland because of coach (Jack) Del Rio. He and I have a great relationship. I know his defense. I know exactly how he wants his nose tackles to play and I am a very loyal person. He stuck with me..and he is a big part of me being in Denver. So if things don’t work out he is definitely the first person I would like to talk to.”"

The Raiders certainly have the cap space to make a move. They currently stand $66.52 million under the 2015 salary cap–second-highest in the NFL.

Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post believes his sights are set on an expensive contract:

"“In Knighton’s case, it’s likely to create a chasm in what suitors offer and the Broncos’ price point. His market could settle between $7 million-$10 million annually.”"

Would the Packers be willing to pay that? Recent history would suggest not, though Ted Thompson has occasionally splashed out on big-name free agents – the obvious being Charles Woodson, who signed a seven-year, $52 million contract back in 2006.

The Packers can likely afford the deal, with $32.5 million available in cap space according to Over The Cap. However, signing Knighton may require the Packers to let important players like Tramon Williams, B.J. Raji or dare I say it… Randall Cobb … leave.

Is it worth it?

It’s tough to say.

All that is for sure is that Terrance Knighton is a talented player who could seriously improve the Packers 23rd-ranked run defense of 2014. If the money is right for Ted Thompson, maybe he will make a splash …

Terrance Knighton Career Stats

Games Def Interceptions Fumbles Sacks & Tackles
Year Age Tm G GS Sk Int Yds TD Lng PD FF Fmb FR Yds TD Tkl Ast AV
2009 23 JAX 16 16 1.5 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 34 11 7
2010 24 JAX 16 16 4.0 1 -3 0 -3 4 24 10 6
2011 25 JAX 13 13 17 12 6
2012 26 JAX 16 4 2.0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 20 12 3
2013 27 DEN 16 16 3.0 1 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 13 0 28 15 8
2014 28 DEN 16 16 2.0 0 0 0 0 3 19 14 7
Career 93 81 12.5 2 -1 0 2 10 3 0 2 20 0 142 74 37
4 yrs JAX 61 49 7.5 1 -3 0 0 6 3 0 1 7 0 95 45 22
2 yrs DEN 32 32 5.0 1 2 0 2 4 0 0 1 13 0 47 29 15

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/7/2015.

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