Green Bay Packers: Ranking the top five offseason needs

2. Pass rusher

Despite posting 40 sacks in the regular season, good for No. 6 in the NFL, the Packers were let down by their pass rush in the postseason. Matt Ryan could sit and drink coffee while he waited for his receivers to get open. When Dom Capers couldn’t win with three and four man pressures, he sent the house. That proved to be a mistake.

Nick Perry led the way with 11 sacks this year, but his future is uncertain. Perry, a free agent to be, raises health concerns after a career plagued with injuries. Should he wish to test the market, a team may be willing to go above and beyond to sign him. Even if Green Bay keeps him in the building, adding more talent is essential.

Julius Peppers, who accounted for almost a quarter of the Packers’ sacks (7.5) is unlikely to return, and may retire from football completely. Clay Matthews, meanwhile, isn’t the same player he once was. Matthews dealt with a slew of injuries this year, clearly affecting his game. Nonexistent down the stretch, a pay cut or move back inside could be in Matthews’ future.

The Packers will expect a jump from second-year pass rusher Kyler Fackrell, but adding more talent is a top priority this offseason.