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Green Bay Packers: Which free agents re-sign, walk in 2016?

By Freddie Boston

Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) celebrates after sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) in the second half during a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. The Packers won 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) celebrates after sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) in the second half during a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. The Packers won 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs the ball against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (44) during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs the ball against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (44) during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

RB James Starks

James Starks’ future will be giving Ted Thompson headaches. How much is Thompson willing to pay to retain Starks’ services in Green Bay?

Starks is an excellent complementary piece to the running game for the Packers, and he even took over the reigns from Eddie Lacy for parts of the 2015 season. He’s a talented, experienced runner who would be a valuable asset for any football team.

Here’s the downside: Starks will be 30-years-old at the start of the 2016 season, which rules out the possibility of a long-term deal. Fumbling was also a major issue for the veteran in 2015; Starks gave it up four times. Those critical errors could cost him a new deal in Green Bay.

If Starks leaves, the Packers will need a replacement. Maybe that player is already on the roster, such as John Crockett. If not, the draft would come into play, or day I say it, free agency. Matt Forte’s available Ted, just saying.

It’s possible Starks returns on a similar contract to the two-year, $3.25 million deal he signed in 2014, but perhaps his play will tempt a running back-needy team to pay him like a starter.

Prediction: Walks

Next: B.J. Raji

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