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Green Bay Packers: Ten free agents worth looking at

By Freddie Boston

Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) runs in to the end zone for a touchdown during the second half the game against the Detroit Lions at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) runs in to the end zone for a touchdown during the second half the game against the Detroit Lions at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs past Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55), defensive end Randy Gregor (94) and safety Barry Church (42) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs past Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55), defensive end Randy Gregor (94) and safety Barry Church (42) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

ILB Rolando McClain, Dallas Cowboys

There’s no greater need on defense for the Packers than at inside linebacker. After releasing A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones a year ago, it was expected Green Bay would be active in searching for a replacement. Jake Ryan was selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, but this was the only move they made.

Clay Matthews was forced to play inside linebacker as he did at the backend of the 2014 season. He performed well inside, but the Packers missed having him pressuring quarterbacks from outside linebacker. That’s set to change, as head coach Mike McCarthy has revealed his intentions to move Matthews back outside.

That leaves a vacancy inside, and it’s one the Cowboys’ Rolando McClain could fill. McClain would give the Packers an instant boost in coverage, which Matthews did a lot of. Ryan is a solid run-stuffer, and pairing him with a player capable of dropping back and hanging with tight ends and running backs is important.

McClain was ranked 28th among all linebackers by Pro Football Focus, earning a 71.1 grade overall. His 83.3 grade in coverage was 11th best in the league. He would be a definite upgrade for the Packers.

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