Packers: Three players already on roster who can make a difference

1. Lucas Patrick/Billy Turner

One of the major decisions the Packers have to make is what to do with Bryan Bulaga. The Packers’ starting right tackle since the 2010 season, Bulaga is looking set to hit free agency and could be on his way out.

Should that happen, the Packers don’t appear, at least on paper, to have a ready-made sub.

But look a little closer and you could see they do. Billy Turner has played both guard and tackle and could be a candidate to slide one spot over to right tackle.

That’s where Lucas Patrick comes into play and could step right in at right guard.

Patrick signed a two-year, $2.98 million extension during the season and has played well in relief of both Corey Linsley as well as at both guard positions over the last two years.

The tandem of Turner and Patrick could give the Packers a younger yet veteran line on the right side and be a cost-efficient move if Bulaga is allowed to walk.

This would free up more cap space to be spent elsewhere like at wide receiver or tight end.

Patrick’s signing alone should tell you the Packers have plans for him. While $2.98 million isn’t a lot of money in the NFL, it is still a substantial investment for a backup guard. It’s possible that signing Turner as well as Patrick’s extension was done with this in mind.