Packers 2014 Free Agents: Pickett, Raji, Jolly All to Hit Free Agency

It's not hard to acknowledge the fact that the Green Bay Packers dealt with some pretty unfavorable circumstances in 2013. The defense had to shoulder an even more significant burden during their periods without the likes of players like Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews, and often it was ineffective in trying to do so.

To the naked eye, one of the biggest problems at times for the defense seemed to be getting pressure on the opposing quarterback. However, this group managed to accumulate 44 sacks, which was good for eighth in the NFL. Conversely, this was the same defense that was gashed time and time again throughout the regular season, giving up 125 rushing yards per game (25th).

A big part of this season and the way it progressed - for better or for worse - was the defense. Now, the Packers have some decisions to make with four players (three of whom started at least half of the team's games in 2013) up for free agency.

Here is a look at these four linemen, their contracts and their production in 2013.

DE C.J. Wilson

2013 Stats
8 games played
8 tackles (5 solo)

2013 Contract
Final year of four-year, $1.9 million dollar rookie contract
2013 compensation: $630,000 base salary

Career Stats
50 games played, 11 starts
79 tackles (54 solo), 3.5 sacks, one pass defended

How Acquired
2010 NFL Draft: Seventh round (#230 overall)

DT Ryan Pickett

2013 Stats
16 games played, 16 starts
26 tackles (19 solo), 2 passes defended

2013 Contract
Final year of four-year, $24.75 million dollar contract
2013 Compensation: $5.4 million base salary, $800,000 in bonuses and incentives

Career Stats
192 games played, 174 starts
557 tackles (381 solo), 9.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 30 passes defended

How Acquired
Signed with Packers as an unrestricted free agent in the 2006 offseason

DT Johnny Jolly

2013 Stats
13 games played, eight starts
21 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, one pass defended

2013 Contract
Veteran minimum - one year, $715,000

Career Stats
61 games played, 47 starts
135 tackles (89 solo), three sacks, one interception, 18 passes defended

How Acquired
2006 NFL Draft: Sixth round (#183 overall)

DT B.J. Raji

2013 Stats
16 games played, 16 starts
19 tackles (13 solo)

2013 Contract
Final year of five-year, $26.9 million contract
2013 Compensation: $4.49 million base salary, $225,000 in bonuses

Career Stats
76 games played, 63 starts
133 tackles (91 solo), 10.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, 8 passes defended

How Acquired
2009 NFL Draft: First round (# 9 overall)