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Packers Draft Needs: Defensive Back

This is the final post where I'm looking at some of the available unrestricted free agents by position, while also looking at the Green Bay Packers own free agents.

They had four restricted free agents in the secondary, but SS Derrick Martin was recently resigned, and I expect the contracts tendered to FS Nick Collins, SS Atari Bigby, and CB Will Blackmon will be high enough that each one will return next season. 

This is the position where I expect you'll hear most of the free agent rumors. Last year, they pursued a veteran safety to provide depth. They talked with SS Mike Adams, before he was resigned by the BrownsThey did sign FS Anthony Smith, who looked good during the preseason, but he was cut and effectively replaced with Martin. But with the early season release of SS Aaron Rouse, and my general dislike of Martin, they still need another safety for depth. It won't be a starter like FS Darren Sharper, who looks like he'll at least explore the market, but he should be well paid in 2010. Also, if GM Ted Thompson decided he wasn't going to be part of their plans back in 2005, I can't imagine he's changed his mind 5 years later. Here's a list of free agent defensive backs from Football's Future. I don't know who they'll be looking at, but I expect they'll be pursuing some backup free agent safety for depth.

It's also likely they're looking for a safety and not a cornerback. And it's very unlikely they'd pursue a high priced cornerback like CB Dunta Robinson. He's certain to receive a contract in 2010 for around $12 million, which was the amount he was paid in 2009. Texans's fans sure are not sorry to see the guy go. Plus, the Packers are expecting 3 cornerbacks to return from injury in 2010. CB Al Harris, if his rehab is going well enough to avoid being released next month, CB Pat Lee, and CB Will Blackmon. Maybe they'll look to add another cornerback at some point in the draft, but they might be comfortable with waiting for everyone to return healthy.