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NFC North 2017 Offseason Predictions

By Eric Robinson

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) against the New England Patriots at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) against the New England Patriots at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Green Bay Packers 

Prediction: The team will make a serious run at a free agent cornerback 

Under the tutelage of general manager Ted Thompson, the Packers have not been known as consistent free agent players.

Yet, based on this past season, the team is in need of an upgrade at cornerback. Injuries to Quinton Rollins, Damarious Rollins, and Sam Shields forced the Packers to place their 4th corner, Ladarius Gunter, on assignment to cover receivers Odell Beckham Jr and Julio Jones during the playoffs. The team has already moved on from Shields by cutting him recently. It’s safe to say that the position has yet to be properly addressed.

So despite history indicating it likely won’t happen, I feel the team will buck the trend and pursue a veteran corner this offseason. Especially with the team already moving on from their best corner in Shields.

Buffalo’s Stephon Gilmore is the first name to come to mind in this matter. There’s a decent chance that the 26-year-old corner is released by Buffalo and if so, he will be highly sought after. Dallas CB Morris Claiborne is another name to closely monitor as is Cincinnati CB Dre Kirkpatrick. It will be interesting to see if the Packers are able to reel in one of the veteran corners. With a projected cap number near $45 million, the Packers will have the funds to make a bid.

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