Interesting point. Bob McGinn wrote in an article towards the end that he expected the Packers to cut ties with both Hawk and Jones this off-season... I would think it is apparent to Ted / front-office both Hawk and Jones are way overpaid based on their play.
My guess on Ted's approach: FA signing and draft. I think Ted is going to target a sub-package player who is decent in coverage. A few years ago, he signed Brandon Chillar -- a relative unknown from the Rams drafted in the 4th round -- who (before his injury) covered TEs a lot better than any of our current ILB can. As for draft, Ted has not been shy targeting needs early on in the draft. An early pick would seem to make sense. Barrington, FA signing, pick, and holdover Carl Bradford should generate good competition. I imagine Clay will also be used at ILB in certain situations.
Outside the box solution: try and entice the 49ers to trade either Navorro Bowman or Patrick Willis. 49ers might want to do this to get something for a player at a position of strength (Chris Borland showed really well at ILB, and it'll be hard to get Bowman, Willis, and Borland regular snaps at ILB). 49ers likely don't want to trade a player to someone in the same conference, and I doubt they'd want to give up Bowman or Borland given both are so young... that leaves Willis, who is a risk given he is 30 and coming off an injury that ended his season. This is, pretty much, a pipe dream but it is something different than FA/Draft route.
Originally Posted by: all_about_da_packers