2. Christian Kirksey
It will important to see how both Christian Kirksey and Kamal Martin finish the year at inside linebacker. Kirksey has already missed a number of games due to injuries–coming back last week–and that’s been a theme for three years running now. Martin, a rookie with upside, could flash enough playmaking ability to make Green Bay comfortable moving on from Kirksey after just one season.
The Packers owe Kirksey $8 million next year, but could save $6 million if they let him go. That’s an enticing offer for a player who has missed more than half the games and hasn’t been great when he’s been on the field. There’s a lot of ballgame left when it comes to Kirksey, but the writing could be on the wall.