The Green Bay Packers have team needs at defensive line and running back this offseason, and they could look to fill both voids through free agency. According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net, defensive tackle Shaun Smith and running back Shonn Greene are among the most prominent names being mentioned in connection with the Green and Gold.
Packers rumors: Shonn Greene, Shaun Smith drawing Green Bay’s interest
The Packers could look to free agency to fill team needs at running back and defensive line. According to reports, the Chiefs’ Shaun Smith and the Jets’ Shonn Greene may be at the top of Green Bay’s list.
Jonathan Daniel
Behind B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett, the Packers don't have a lot of of quality depth along the defensive line. Jerel Worthy is still recovering from a knee injury, and in the mean time Green Bay can't risk having too few bodies to rotate when going up against the likes of Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte at least four times a season. Smith isn't an elite name in free agency, but he has the size and strength to be a capable run stuffer on a defense that gave up 4.5 yards per carry in 2005.
Greene, meanwhile, would fulfill the Packers' perpetual need for a starting running back. Cedric Benson may be on his way out after his 2012 season ended prematurely due to a foot injury, and Alex Green and James Starks were unreliable last season. DuJuan Harris brought some excitement out of the backfield late in the season, but his slight frame makes him a hard sell as a feature back. Greene averaged just 3.9 yards per carry last year with the New York Jets, but at least he would give the Packers some consistency. He appeared in 32 games over his last two seasons.
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