Packers 2015 Free Agents: Raji and Guion Hit the Market Again

Over the next two weeks, we will take a look at each position group on the Packers and provide grades and insight on how they performed in the 2014 season. Today, we'll be looking at the defensive line. Follow along with all of our positional breakdowns here.

Of the nine defensive linemen under contract with the Green Bay Packers as of the end of the 2014 season, two have contracts expiring as of March 10th, 2015. Those two, both in Green Bay on one-year contracts, will hit unrestricted free agency for the second year in a row. However, these two nose tackles appear to be trending in opposite directions at this stage in their careers.

Here's our preview for the free agents-to-be on the Packers' defensive line.

B.J. Raji

Years in NFL: 6
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Expiring Contract: one year, $4 million
Contract Details: $3.1 million base salary; $500,000 signing bonus; $100,000 workout bonus; $300,000 in roster bonuses
2014 Stats: None (spent entire season on Injured Reserve)

One year ago, many Packers fans expected Raji to get a multi-year contract from another NFL team and for him to depart Green Bay following the expiration of his rookie contract. Instead, Raji found the market for his services weak, and he returned to the Packers on a one-year, "prove it" deal. Instead of proving his worth to the team by returning to his natural nose tackle position, Raji suffered a torn biceps injury and missed the entirety of the 2014 regular season.

In 2015, his compensation will likely take an even bigger cut. Now in addition to a few seasons of subpar play, he has an entire season lost to injury on his record. It would not be unreasonable for him to return to Green Bay once again on a short-term deal and get one more shot to be a productive member of the line.

Letroy Guion

Years in NFL: 7
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Expiring Contract: one year, $985,000
Contract Details: $730,000 base salary; $100,000 signing bonus; $50,000 workout bonus; $105,000 in roster bonuses
2014 Stats: 16 games played, 16 starts; 41 total tackles (26 solo), 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup

And of course, when Raji went down, Guion was there to help pick up the slack and at the very least bring stability to the nose tackle position. He finished fifth on the team in sacks while playing in approximately half the team's defensive snaps. Though he's no superstar, he was a quiet reason for the team's ability to get inside pressure on quarterbacks, and he was at least capable against the run.

With his presence in the locker room greatly appreciated by the team as well, the Packers have already expressed interest in bringing Guion back for 2015. Barring some drastic difference of opinion in how much value he brings to the line, expect him in Green and Gold once again next season, as an extension could very well be signed prior to the start of free agency.

UPDATE: Guion was arrested on Tuesday evening for possession of marijuana and a firearm. Time will tell how this incident will affect his upcoming contract negotiations.