Jamari

Lattimore

Don’t expect him back in Green Bay after a disappointing season. Brad Jones and Jamari Lattimore, a free agent from Middle Tennessee State, are expected to see expanded roles, including time at inside linebacker. Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that the Packers plan to add at least one outside linebacker this offseason.

It’s a bit surprising because Lattimore has been an effective special teamer and super-sub on defense, but the Packers believe he’s worth closer to the NFL minimum ($645,000) than the lowest RFA tender price ($1.389 million). The Packers haven’t ruled out re-signing Lattimore, but he’s headed to the market.

The former Packer lasted one season with the Jets, managing just two tackles on 57 defensive snaps. The Bills have one of the thinnest linebacking corps in the league, so it is not out of the question Lattimore earns a role. He also brings some value on special teams.

Brad Jones is expected to keep his starting job next to A.J. Hawk, but his role in base packages could be reduced. Lattimore made four starts filling in for Jones last year and was an upgrade against the run. He could see semi-regular snaps as a rotational player this season. The Packers were among the worst teams in the league at defending the run in 2013, allowing 125 rushing yards per game.

Lattimore is a key special teams player who could be given a chance to earn a bigger role on the defensive side of the ball this summer. More than likely, his main contributions will come on coverage units and as a backup inside ‘backer.

Lattimore, a core special teamer and backup linebacker, will earn $1.431 million in 2014. Most expected the Packers to let him walk in free agency. Lattimore was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State.

Lattimore, 26, started five games at inside linebacker for the Packers last season, but was mostly a special teamer during his four-year Green Bay career. He’d be a top backup in New York and cover kicks and punts for Gang Green.

Lattimore was mostly limited to special teams in Green Bay, but started five games at inside linebacker in 2014. He could provide depth behind Clay Matthews with A.J. Hawk gone. Lattimore has also been linked to the Jets.

Lattimore, 26, will give the Jets much-needed depth at inside linebacker and has good special teams value. He played 285 defensive snaps with Green Bay last year, making five starts. Lattimore projects as the top backup behind David Harris and Demario Davis.

Lattimore didn’t play last week and was already ruled out for Sunday’s game. He had 38 tackles and an interception in 11 games (five starts). 26-year-old Lattimore will be a free agent this offseason.