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Green Bay Packers: Ten players to target in free agency

By Kenn Korb

Nov 8, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Akiem Hicks (72) reacts after recovering a fumble and returning for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Akiem Hicks (72) reacts after recovering a fumble and returning for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Akiem Hicks

Hicks is more of an interesting case.

Hicks has been an underrated contributor throughout his career. New Orleans got some decent production from him early on, but made the ludicrous decision to move on from one of their few decent defensive players and trade him off to the Patriots.

While with New England this year, he showed off that skill as a key contributor more and more as the season progressed. It would be a done deal for him to return to them, but as it stands right now New England may not even be able afford him; as it stands, they have less than $1 million in cap space and plenty of people they need to consider re-signing and extending.

Hicks may not seem a perfect fit due to the fact that New England has more and more been a 4-3 team, but he played in 3-4 defenses with the Saints and should be able to transition back to that style seamlessly.

He is a well-rounded contributor, providing good production against both the run (73.5) and pass (75.3).

The best thing may be that he isn’t a big name; being an under-the-radar name could keep his price lower – but likely not low enough for a Patriots return.

This is the kind of pickup that would make sense on a ton of levels for the Packers – and unlike some of the bigger-name players, one that feels like it could actually happen should Green Bay pursue him.

Secondary Option: Cedric Thornton

Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Cedric Thornton (72) tackles Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) for a loss during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Cedric Thornton (72) tackles Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) for a loss during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Thornton isn’t the well-rounded player Hicks is, but he does have similar parallels in terms of other aspects.

He is a player who should work in both 4-3 and 3-4 defenses, and the Eagles may not be able to bring him back to to investments elsewhere on the roster.

They spent big on fellow defensive linemen Vinny Curry and still must likely pay a big portion of their remaining cap space on a quarterback — whether it be Sam Bradford or someone else.

Green Bay should at least give him a look.

Next: Bolstering the backfield

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