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Green Bay Packers: Playing devil’s advocate on pending free agents

By Freddie Boston

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Cary Edmondson-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 /

B.J. Raji

B.J. Raji has been a fan favorite since being selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. A torn bicep wiped out his 2014 season, but he returned in 2015, missing just one game.

Why he should re-sign: It’s tough to find big guys, and Raji is one of them. With the exception of 2014, he’s rarely missed time and has been a force up front.

Having depth along the defensive line is of high importance, and bringing Raji back would ensure the Packers have largely the same personnel up front as they did last year (excluding Mike Pennel’s four-game suspension). If Raji is willing to sign a similar team-friendly deal to Guion, it will be worthwhile.

Why he should walk: After making a hot start to the season, Raji’s performances dropped off and he was far from the player we saw in 2010. While he can still contribute, Raji went missing too often in 2015.

The Packers might turn to a deep pool of defensive linemen in the 2016 NFL Draft, which could spell the end for Raji. Raji may seek a bigger contract than Green Bay are willing to offer. In such a case, they should let him move on.

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