Green Bay Packers Top 10 offseason storylines

Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Green Bay Packers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2.  Re-signing Bryan Bulaga.

RT Bryan Bulaga is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and retaining him should be one of Ted Thompson’s top priorities over the coming months.  A first round pick in 2010, Bulaga missed much of 2012 with a hip injury and 2013 with a knee injury.  Playing at full health this past season, he helped bookend a very talented young line for Green Bay.

If Green Bay’s doctors feel confident in Bulaga’s medicals, the Packers may be able to keep their RT on a contract that is relatively affordable given his struggles with injuries.  He could even be tempted to gamble on himself by signing a 2-3 year deal, setting him up for a final contract in his late-20s.  A healthy Bulaga still has his best football ahead of him, and the Packers should do their best to make sure that happens within the state of Wisconsin.

Aaron Rodgers is not getting any younger, and maintaining protection around the franchise player is a must.  Playing with an injured calf in the NFC Championship game, the offensive line formed a nearly impenetrable wall against a very good Seahawks’ defense.  Bulaga’s presence is also key to Eddie Lacy, who should be in green and gold for most of Rodgers’ remaining seasons.

Ted Thompson has a long history of drafting, developing and keeping his own personnel around.  I fully expect Bulaga to be the starting RT for Green Bay next season on a line that looks identical to 2014’s.  If this does not happen, though, tackle becomes an immediate and glaring need.

Next: Keep the #1 weapon in town