Fooch's Note: Wes is looking at free agency for each of the 49ers 2012 opponents. He wrapped up the divisional foes over the weekend (Story Archives) and is moving on to non-divisional opponents.
The Packers are in an odd Free Agency position. After an extremely successful regular season and a quick exit from the playoffs, they are going to have to balance the tension between keeping the team a similar as possible in order to replicate that success with fixing some serious needs.
This situation is compounded by the fact that they have, like, almost no Free Agents. In actuality, they have eight (follow after the jump for the list). The two big names on that list are Matt Flynn and Jermichael Finley. Flynn is obviously a big name in a somewhat similar role to the whole Kevin Kolb thing last year. Finley, on the other hand, is actually a huge cog in that offense (even if he does drop the ball on occasion). I would imagine that the Packers will try to bring him back.
In terms of making moves by acquiring FAs, I can only really think of one area of that offense that needs help: the o-line. If you are going to win games by having an awesome QB, you better keep him upright. For awhile there, that offensive line was crumbling due to some serious injury problems and Rodgers was getting nailed.
For the most part, though, the Packers have greater needs on their defense. While Clay Matthews is a great pass rusher, it's really hard to generate any sort of impact when you are being double-teamed. If they were to find a couple of pass rush options in FA it would go a long way in helping the defense.
Moreover, their secondary could use some work. They should look toward FA for help there, especially at safety. With the whole Nick Collins neck issue up in the air (and I think we can all hope that it isn't career ending and he makes a full recovery, it might be wise for them to start shopping around.
Unrestricted Free Agents: QB Matt Flynn, RB Ryan Grant, TE Jermichael Finley, OC Scott Wells, DT Howard Green, LB Erik Walden, CB Patrick Lee, S Jarrett Bush.