The safety market in NFL free agency has exploded over the past couple days. We already knew that Earl Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks would be available. Then in the last day, Landon Collins, a top safety, is now on the market for some reason, and veteran Eric Weddle joined the party as well. A case could be made for any of the three to be part of the Packers next season. Safety was a position that some thought Green Bay could take care of in the draft, but it is apparent that Green Bay can get a good one this offseason who will help their team immediately. The question is which one?

Collins is the popular name for Packers fans and Packers Twitter at the moment. We mentioned him yesterday in a blog post as well. He is a solid NFL player that has made the Pro Bowl and can fill the run yet there are some issues with him covering running backs and tight ends. Collins does not rank well according to Pro Football Focus in those departments. That’s a concern to say the least, but Mike Pettine is a wizard making me think that he can find a way to keep Collins from being exposed plus get his full potential. Collins will likely garner a major deal though. Spotrac sees his contract being a five year, 46 million dollar deal. That’s a heavy price tag for a position that the NFL currently sees in little regard.

When debating these three players, some might forget that Thomas and Weddle play a different position. Both Thomas and Weddle are free safeties while Collins plays the strong safety. Thomas is a bonafide playmaker. He speaks his mind which might ruffles feathers in Green Bay, but I could argue they need more veteran leaders on this team. He loves playing centerfield in a defense more than any free safety in the sport. Thomas would be an instant upgrade for Green Bay. The problem with him is he seems to have his heart set on Dallas. Now, the rumor is the Cowboys are not interested in him, so we’ll see what happens with that storyline.

Weddle is an interesting one. He is easily the cheapest of the bunch due to his age, 34. But unlike Tramon Williams, he can still play at his old age. Weddle made a Pro Bowl last season and played on the number one defense in the National Football League as well. He is a leader and would bring a ton of energy to the locker room. If the Packers went the direction of Weddle, they would have room to sign other, bigger free agents that they might not be able to acquire if they get Collins or Thomas.

Green Bay should end up with a top tier free agent safety when this is all said and done. If the Packers do not this offseason, it’s a failure by Brian Gutekunst’s team.

Charlie.