The NFLs free-agent signing period begins at 11 p.m. Thursday.

Because of the leagues labor situation, more than 200 fifth- and sixth-year players who could have become unrestricted free agents instead will be restricted, meaning teams that extend a qualifying offer retain the right to match any offer sheet and receive compensation if they dont.

There also are restrictions on free-agent signings among teams who reached at least the divisional playoff round last season, and there is no salary cap or floor.

Heres a look at some notable free agents and the Packers needs....

Running backs

Unrestricted: Chester Taylor (Vikings) is 30, but he has low mileage and reportedly wants $3.5M annually. Willie Parker (Steelers) and Larry Johnson (Bengals) are in decline.

Restricted: If little Darren Sproles (Chargers) is nontendered as expected, hell be hotly pursued as a third-down back and return man Pierre Thomas (Saints) has a career 5.1-per-carry average and received a second-round tender, as did Leon Washington (Jets), who is coming off a compound leg fracture. Jerome Harrison (Browns) is the presumed starter in Cleveland. Ronnie Brown (Dolphins) and Cadillac Williams (Buccaneers) got first-round tenders, while LenDale White (Titans) got a second.

On the street: Thomas Jones (Jets), Jamal Lewis (Browns), LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers), Brian Westbrook (Eagles).

Packers outlook: Starter Ryan Grant put up solid numbers last season, but hes not an elite back and escalators could force the Packers to address his contract after the season. Brandon Jackson has emerged on third downs, and theres no clear No. 3.

Tackles

Unrestricted: Though his body has broken down, LT Chad Clifton (Packers) remains a top pass blocker when healthy and is the best UFA. LT Mike Gandy (Cardinals) and RT Tony Pashos (49ers) ended last season on injured reserve. RT Mark Tauscher (Packers) returned from an ACL injury last October and was adequate.

Restricted: LT Jermon Bushrod (Saints) got the second-round tender after performing well in place of injured former first-round pick LT Jammal Brown, who received the high tender. LT Marcus McNeill (Chargers), LT Jared Gaither (Ravens), LT Donald Penn (Buccaneers), RT Tyson Clabo (Falcons) and RT Willie Colon (Steelers) all are expected to get the high or first-round tender, while LT Alex Barron (Rams) and RT Jeremy Trueblood (Buccaneers) reportedly will receive the second-rounder. LT Charlie Johnson (Colts) might be better suited for guard.

On the street: LT Orlando Pace (Bears), LT Tra Thomas (Jaguars).

Packers outlook: There is no clear succession plan at left tackle, so unless the Packers pull a surprise move by throwing picks and a huge contract to lure a top RFA, theyll probably try to re-sign Clifton and draft a future replacement. T.J. Lang is expected to get the first shot at right tackle if Tauscher isnt re-signed.

Defensive ends

Franchised: Richard Seymour (Raiders, $12.398M).

Unrestricted: Julius Peppers (Panthers) is the biggest name at any position and reportedly turned down a $14M-per-year offer to stay in Carolina. Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington are possible destinations for Peppers and Kyle Vanden Bosch (Titans), whose old coach, Jim Schwartz, might try to lure him to Detroit. Adewale Ogunleye (Bears) and Jason Taylor (Dolphins) are nearing the end.

Restricted: Ray Edwards (Vikings) received the first-round tender, and Marcus Spears (Cowboys) likely will get the same.

Packers outlook: RE Cullen Jenkins contract is up after this season, and LE Johnny Jolly is an RFA who faces felony drug charges. Even with Raji rotating in and Jarius Wynn perhaps taking on a larger role, there are long-term questions.

Outside linebackers

Unrestricted: Keith Bulluck (Titans) and Pisa Tinoisamoa (Bears) are coming off major knee injuries. Scott Fujita (Saints) seems likely to stay put. Aaron Kampman (Packers) is about three months removed from ACL surgery, would prefer to be a 3-4 end and has been linked to Chicago. Tully Banta-Cain (Patriots) had a career-high 10 sacks last season, while fellow 3-4 veterans Mike Vrabel (Chiefs) and Chike Okeafor (Cardinals) are on the downslide in their mid-30s.

Restricted: Shawne Merriman (Chargers) and Elvis Dumervil (Broncos) got the high tender. Thomas Howard (Raiders), Clint Ingram (Jaguars) and Rocky McIntosh (Redskins) are established starters. So is Thomas Davis (Panthers), but hes coming off a torn ACL.

Packers outlook: ROLB Clay Matthews made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, but unless Kampman returns, there is a hole on the left side. Brad Jones needs to get stronger, Jeremy Thompsons neck injury has his future up in the air and Brady Poppinga isnt a good fit.

Cornerbacks

Unrestricted: Franchised last year, Dunta Robinson (Texans) is a solid starter, if not a star. Physical Leigh Bodden (Patriots) might be headed for a fourth team in four years. Nick Harper (Titans) is coming off shoulder surgery and, at 35, probably isnt a starter anymore. Dre Bly (49ers), Walt Harris (49ers), Ty Law (Broncos) and Deshea Townsend (Steelers) arent getting younger either.

Restricted: Richard Marshall (Panthers) likely will draw a lot of interest after receiving only the second-round tender. Carlos Rogers (Redskins) and Fabian Washington (Ravens) never have met expectations and would cost a first-round pick. William Gay (Steelers) has played a lot in a zone-based scheme but lost his starting job last season. Stanford Routt (Raiders), a backup, reportedly will receive the high tender.

Packers outlook: Charles Woodson is the reigning defensive player of the year. Al Harris is coming off ACL reconstruction and isnt signed beyond 2010, and the Packers have only one other established cover man, Tramon Williams.

Safeties

Unrestricted: FS Darren Sharper (Saints) made a big impact on a one-year deal but appears destined to test the market again. SS Jermaine Phillips (Buccaneers) has ended up on IR two straight years and was arrested for domestic battery in January. FS Ryan Clark (Steelers) is 30 and never has stayed healthy but is coming off one of his best seasons.

Restricted: FS O.J. Atogwe (Rams) and FS Nick Collins (Packers) are expected to get the high tender. FS Antoine Bethea (Colts) got the first-round tender, while Dawan Landry (Ravens) likely will get the second-rounder.

On the street: FS Antrel Rolle (Cardinals) is expected to be released.

Packers outlook: Collins may refuse to sign his tender in hopes of getting his long-awaited long-term deal. The team still believes in SS Atari Bigby but likely will bring in competition.

Specialists

Franchised: K Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh, $2.814M), K Olindo Mare (Seattle, $2.814M).

Unrestricted: Shaky playoff performances by K Neil Rackers (Cardinals) and K Shayne Graham (Bengals) might help send them elsewhere. K Jay Feely (Jets) has expressed interest in staying. P Mitch Berger (Broncos), P Jeff Feagles (Giants) and P Matt Turk (Texans) have been around forever.

Restricted: K Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots), P Michael Koenen (Falcons) and P Sam Koch (Ravens) all are expected to get at least the second-round tender.

Packers outlook: K Mason Crosby is expected to be back despite taking a step back last season. P Jeremy Kapinos didnt receive an exclusive-rights tender, leaving only P Tim Masthay, whos never punted in an NFL game.