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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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Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end B.J. Raji (90) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end B.J. Raji (90) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

DE B.J. Raji

After Letroy Guion was re-signed to a three-year deal, B.J. Raji’s status suddenly became unclear. Is Raji on his way out of Green Bay, or can the Packers convince him to stay?

Raji played well in 2015 after missing the entire 2014 season with a torn bicep. He wasn’t the dominant player the Packers had hoped for, but he was an important cog up front in stopping the run. Bringing him back would help the Packers, but will it happen?

There a couple of factors here. First off, what’s Raji’s value? The Packers won’t want to overspend on him, but it’s possible he feels he’s worth a bigger contract and wants to test the market. The other factor is how confident Ted Thompson is with the current crop of defensive linemen.

Guion’s return will provide valuable depth along the line, and Mike Pennel could be young player in line to step up and take over Raji’s duties. Pennel has received plenty of praise and put together a strong season in 2015, playing a limited role.

It’s also possible the Packers decide to move on from Raji and turn to the draft to find a young player to replace him. Raji will be 30 at the start of next season.

Prediction: Walks

Next: Casey Hayward

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