Forget about Julius Peppers. Don’t even tease yourself about Shawne Merriman. Some overzealous Packers fans have fooled themselves into thinking that Ted Thompson may actually make a move to grab one of these players this off-season. While it’s fun to dream and picture either one in the green and gold, it’s not going to happen.

Green Bay’s biggest needs appear to be at OT, CB and pass rushing LB. I’m hoping that Thompson does something to address these positions. But let’s pretend that Thompson feels especially frisky this off-season. What moves could he make that would be out of the box? Are there players that may not fill one of the Packers’ obvious needs, but still would make for an intriguing signing? I think there are a few:

Chester Taylor, RB, Minnesota
The Packers already have Ryan Grant (who will make $6.5 million next season) and Brandon Jackson, so why should the consider Taylor, a RB who will be 31 next season? Taylor would fit perfectly in the offense that the Packers played during the second half of 2009. He catches the ball, he’s a solid blocker and he does whatever you ask him to without complaining. Even though he’s 31, he’s only been the featured back for one season in his career (where he gained over 1,200 yards and caught 42 passes). His workload has been low and there’s a good chance he’s not declining like most running backs who hit 30. Finally, Grant picked up his play after the Packers signed Ahman Green last season. He seems to perform better when there’s someone pushing him. Taylor would push Grant much harder than Green or Jackson.

Larry Foote, MLB, Lions
Foote isn’t spectacular and the Packers have plenty of linebackers (especially if they resign Kampman), but I think Foote would be a nice addition. His 99 tackles with the Lions last season was a career high and he’s capable of providing adequate pass coverage. Remember how Ryan Grant sometimes needs the threat of another player to get him going? Perhaps a similar strategy would work with AJ Hawk. I love Hawk on one play and hate him on another. In addition to adding depth, perhaps Foote could force Hawk into being more consistent.

Chad Pennington, QB, Dolphins
A Packers starting QB hasn’t missed a start in a loooong time. I hate to even type this, but how long will that karma last? What if Thompson hands over the LT job to TJ Lang and he flops? Can Aaron Rodgers sustain another beating through the first half of the season and not get injured? Are you confident in Matt Flynn, a 7^th round pick, stepping in to try and salvage the season? That’s a lot of questions. I’d feel better if we had a more veteran backup in addition to Flynn. If we had Pennington on the roster, we’d still have to hit the panic button if Rodgers broke his leg, but at least we could turn to an accurate passer with somewhat of a track record.

Adam Czech is a PackerChatters Staff Op/Ed writer. He is a Packers fan living and working in the Twin Cities. You can also follow him on Twitter.

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