What Happens If The Packers Don’t Re-Sign Eddie Lacy?

The Green Bay Packers have a decision to make on whether or not to re-sign Eddie Lacy. The common sentiment is that Lacy will be Packer in 2017. But, what happens if he isn’t?

Packers GM Ted Thompson has always placed a priority on retaining the players he drafted and developed in the system. Sometimes, he is willing to overpay to maintain continuity across the organization.

No one can argue that this system has brought sustained success in the regular season. But with one of the league’s top quarterbacks, fans are looking to see the Packers take the next step into the Super Bowl.

In free-agency, the GM must decide who will be the primary running back heading into 2017? Most fans believe that Thompson should and will end up re-signing Eddie Lacy. Coming off ankle surgery and the ever present weight issues, most believe he will be signed to an affordable contract. While there is a good chance of the situation unfolding this way, it only takes one team to overpay for Lacy to move on.

So, how should the Packers move on if Lacy happens to be playing elsewhere? First, Ty Montgomery will be a guarantee to remain at running back. In all likelihood, he will remain in the backfield anyways, but Lacy’s departure seals the deal. As a backup, Montgomery would be a great change of pace runner, with the ability to catch passes and run up the middle.

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However, Thompson would be a fool to not find a true number one running back for 2017. He could find this player in the draft, but this is dependent on who is available and offers no guarantee for helping the team win next season.

This leaves the Packers to jump into free agency and find another playmaker at an affordable price. Affordability is extremely important because a majority of the team’s resources should be used to improve the defense.

Unfortunately, Ted Thompson is unlikely to find a top running back in back in this year’s free-agent class. According to Spotrac Some of the big names include Reggie Bush (31), Darren McFadden (29), DeAngelo Williams (33), C.J. Spiller (29) and LeGarrette Blount (30). While Green Bay would be able to sign these players at an affordable price, they are all closer to ending their careers and have histories with injuries.

The team could take a chance on younger players like Ronnie Hillman, Jacquizz Rodgers or Latavius Murray but would fall short of bringing in a true weapon for the offense.

While this list of players proves that the Packers should re-sign Eddie Lacy, it also means that he will also be one of the top free-agent options for other teams. Therefore, if Lacy is plucked away, Thompson should consider signing one of the veteran running backs to split time with Ty Montgomery.

Coach Mike McCarrthy can then avoid naming a number one running back and let playing time be determined by the game plan and scenarios. Even though this is not the best case scenario, Rodgers proved that a top-flight running back is not necessary for the team to put up points. Instead, having an athletic tight end and time to throw the ball should be enough for the unit to be successful.

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Heading into 2017 free agency, fans are expecting the Packers to re-sign Eddie Lacy to a team friendly deal. While there is a good chance of this happening, another team may be willing to outbid Green Bay and leave Ted Thompson in a bind. Will he sign a veteran? Or, will he find another running back in the draft? His decisions in the coming weeks will determine the backfield personnel for 2017.