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Green Bay Packers: Potential roster cuts for Packers to target in free agency

By Kenn Korb

Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) runs past Green Bay Packers free safety Micah Hyde (33) during his touchdown reception in the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) runs past Green Bay Packers free safety Micah Hyde (33) during his touchdown reception in the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi
Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi /

Potential cut: NaVorro Bowman, ILB (SF)

2015 statistics: 16 games played, 1,098 snaps (96.49 percent of team totals), 154 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 passes defensed

Pro Football Focus rankings: 61.1 (overall); 84.8 (run defense), 38.6 (coverage), 68.9 (pass rush)

This one would appear to have the lowest odds of occurring, but there is something here. Bowman has definitely not returned to his stellar overall play from before his ghastly knee injury against Seattle in the 2013 NFC Championship Game; there’s no doubting this fact.

In his first full season after that devastating blow, he was relied upon heavily after an offseason that saw the team purge off multiple veterans to retirement and move on from Jim Harbaugh; in doing so, he put up plenty of stats, but his overall play faltered. With another coaching change and a full plunge into rebuilding mode, expensive veterans are likely to go.

Bowman is unlikely to return to his All-Pro days, but he can still give a team an excellent influx of veteran leadership. His skills are basically the polar opposite of what Dansby does; his coverage was awful, but his run defense was superb.

In a situation where his team is actually decent around him, Bowman could again be a key part of a strong unit if used correctly. Green Bay could be that situation, and they have a perfect opening in the middle ready for him to step into.

Next: Another potential cut from the 49ers

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