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The start of free agency arrives in less than two weeks, and the Green Bay Packers still have several important decisions to make regarding their pending free agents as well as those hitting the open market from other teams. Accordingly, NFL.com released its list of the top 101 free agents, and unsurprisingly multiple Green Bay players made appearances.
Pro Bowl guard T.J. Lang tops the list among Packers, coming in at No. 21. Lang ranks second among interior offensive lineman (behind only Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler), and could command a large salary due to his strong performances in recent seasons as well as his toughness. At the same time, injuries to his hip, foot and shoulders over the past two years could affect how much a team feels willing to invest in the soon-to-be 30-year-old.
Directly following Lang, edge rusher Nick Perry comes in at No. 22. Perry enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2016, reached double-digit sacks for the first time in his career. Injuries continue to dog the outside linebacker, with a broken hand costing him multiple games during the season. Still, with pass rushers always coveted, Perry should attract a lucrative multi-year deal from the Packers or another franchise.
Seven other Packers made the as well list. Within the top 50, versatile defensive back Micah Hyde (32nd overall), mammoth tailback Eddie Lacy (39th), and athletic tight end Jared Cook (40th) all make appearances. All could just as realistically return to Green Bay this offseason as they could depart for greener pastures. On the back half of the list, decorated-but-aging veteran Julius Peppers (51st), former first-round pick Datone Jones (74th), promising center JC Tretter (75th), and late-season pickup Christine Michael (92nd) also show up. Other than possibly Jones, their careers appear more likely to take them elsewhere.