Those who choose to wait on drafting a tight end in fantasy drafts might find a good fit with Green Bay's starter. It seems certain they'll start somebody who didn't do much in 2013, but will be a breakout candidate in 2014.
Jermichael Finley was lost for the season last year with a herniated disc in his neck. It now sounds promising that he'll be cleared to play again, perhaps as soon as next week. That's important, because it's the start of free agency, and if healthy he's the top tight end on the market. It doesn't sound like Green Bay will be the team to pay for him.
There are other "name" tight ends available, including Brandon Pettigrew, but when have the Packers gone after big-name free agents? Seldom in the Ted Thompson era. Pettigrew also looks like somebody who will get overpaid, a mediocre receiver who benefited from playing in a pass-happy Lions offense.
It's more likely the Packers go after an under-the-radar free agent, perhaps their own Andrew Quarless. They've had more contact with him of late, it appears, than Finley.
Houston's Garrett Graham, Buffalo's Scott Chandler, and former Viking John Carlson are other free agents the Packers could target. Each of those players could immediately become fantasy relevant catching passes from Aaron Rodgers.
A year ago, Finley caught 25 passes for 300 yards and 3 TDs in his 5 starts, while Quarless caught 32 for 312 yards and 2 TDs in his 10. The Packers are also expected to let James Jones go in free agency, and while that will primarily benefit Jarrett Boykin, it could result in more looks for the tight end, as well.
Should both Finley and Quarless sign elsewhere, Green Bay could take a long look at Brandon Bostick. Down the stretch, playing behind Quarless, Bostick caught 7 passes for 120 yards and 1 TD before being lost for the season to a foot injury. Bostick is a former undrafted free agent who saw his first NFL action last year.
Somebody is going to breakout and have a good season for the Packers next year. Make Quarless the favorite; we'll see once free agency kicks off next week.
--Andy Richardson