Expect Major Changes On Green Bay's Roster

Each and every year, there's changeover on professional rosters, whether that's basketball, baseball, football or hockey.

In the National Football League, things are no different for the Green Bay Packers. Players come (through trade, draft or free agent acquisitions) and players go.

To be honest, I don't think I've ever seen this large a class of unrestricted free agents in the Green and Gold.

There's 19 (yes, 19; that's over a third of the roster) that are free agents. Some will be back, some won't. My thoughts on the list, with offensive players in italics:

RT Bryan Bulaga -- solid veteran. Let's face it, health is always a concern with him. I would only bring him back at a reasonable salary as a backup.
K Mason Crosby -- had one of his best season in his 13th year as a Packer. Steady, consistent and worth the price of his contract. Kicking in Lambeau Field in December is no picnic.
FB Danny Vitale -- worth signing to a budget deal.
ILB Blake Martinez -- played his last game for Green Bay, I believe. Packers need to improve at the position. While a good tackler, Martinez was a liability as a pass defender.
WR Geronimo Allison -- not sure I would bring him back. Too many drops and his production certainly doesn't warrant it.
RT Jared Veldheer -- signed out of retirement, was a solid pro for Green Bay. IF he wants to come back, I would sign him on the cheap.
RB Tyler Ervin -- bring him back just on his special teams play alone (his issues in the NFC title game not withstanding).
OLB Kyler Fackrell -- has shown flashes. If the dollar amount is reasonable, sign him.
ILB B.J. Goodson -- not sure his production calls for it. Another player who, if the cost is minimal, may be worth it.
TE Marcedes Lewis -- don't think he'll be back. Getting up there in years of service.
WR Ryan Grant -- won't be back.
S Will Redmond -- worth it if the contract is reasonable.
WR Allen Lazard -- seemed to get better and better as the season wore on, and QB Aaron Rodgers seems to trust him. While there will be many changes in the receiver room this year, Lazard is worth the contract.
CB Chandon Sullivan -- worth it if the contract is reasonable.
WR Jake Kumerow -- UW-Whitewater alum is a fan favorite. A reasonable contract brings him back.
TE Robert Tonyan -- spotty performer. On the bubble.
DT Tyler Lancaster -- On the bubble, but will probably return.
FB Malcolm Johnson -- On the bubble.

The Packers ARE bringing back defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. A good move, in my opinion. With the exception of two games, his unit was prepared and his game plan solid. Unfortunately, those two exceptions were both against San Francisco, and that NFC title game was embarrassing. But clearly, Green Bay's defense was better in 2019 than 2018. It's fair to expect more improvement in 2020.