Ranking 15 Packers free agents by likelihood they return
Packers’ free agent: Oren Burks
Oren Burks never turned into the versatile safety/linebacker Green Bay envisioned when they picked him in the third round. There’s no need for the Packers to bring him back at this point and the two sides can mutually move on.
Likelihood he returns: 3
Packers’ free agent: Tyler Lancaster
Tyler Lancaster is a little trickier than a lot of guys in this category, but it’s difficult to envison the Packers bringing him back. They have TJ Slaton and Jack Heflin waiting in the wings and don’t have money to spend even if those two youngsters aren’t quite ready to contribute.
Likelihood he returns: 3
Packers’ free agent: Patrick Lucas
The Packers have invested a ton of draft stock in recent years on the interior of their offensive line and it looks to be paying off. They will probably grab a couple more linemen in this year’s draft and won’t be able to afford bringing Lucas back.
Likelihood he returns: 3
Packers’ free agent: Whitney Mercilus
Whitney Mercilus was playing some good football for Green Bay following their midseason pickup. However, he suffered a torn bicep that cost him the rest of the year and his Packers’ tenure came to a screeching halt. The Packers are going to be thin at outside linebacker but probably can’t afford bringing Mercilus back.
Likelihood he returns: 3
Packers’ free agent: Rasul Douglas
The Packers would absolutely love to bring back breakout star Rasul Douglas, but he deserves to get paid handsomely for his work during the 2021 season. Besides, the Packers have Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes as their starting corners and re-signing Douglas is a luxury they can’t afford.