Since Ted Thompson became general manager of the Green Bay Packers in 2005, the team has rarely gone after non-team free agents in the offseason.

In January, reports surfaced that claimed head coach Mike McCarthy was "fed up" with Thompson's unwillingness to spend money on free agents.

However, last week at the NFL Combine McCarthy hinted that the Packers may make some noise in free agency this year. “We’ll see how it shakes out,” McCarthy said. “We might shock you this year.”

Before everyone expects a big signing, let's just remember that this comment doesn't guarantee anything and it goes completely against the Packers history. Thompson's strategy has always been build through the draft and to resign the team's own free agents.

There have been only two major signings since in the Thompson era. Charles Woodson with a seven-year deal worth $52 million in 2006 and Julius Peppers with a three-year deal worth $26 million in 2014.

Both players ended up working out well for the Packers, especially Woodson who was elected to the pro bowl four times and won defensive MVP in 2009.

However, two players in the last 11 year's shouldn't exactly give Packers fans much hope this offseason. Green Bay does have many holes to fill this offseason, especially if their own free agents don't get resigned.

A first tier need will be linebacker if Nick Perry walks in free agency & Julius Peppers retires. Also the offensive line could use some help at tackle because Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari are not cutting it.

Cornerback will be a need if the Packers don't re-sign Casey Hayward and the defensive line could use another end and tackle if B.J. Raji doesn't get re-signed.


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