Let's face reality here.
Free Agency for the Green Bay Packers is not as simple as for some other teams. There are very few reasons to come to Green Bay outside of a large lucrative contract. Most people either do not originate from the Wisconsin area, dislike all that cold and the outdoor stadium, or have no interest in the "nightlife" in Green Bay when they can enjoy NY. One of the reasons that people did come here was to play with Favre, but that reason's now replaced with playing in a 3-4 defense. But then, this will be our first season in a 3-4 and likely that many players would be wary of whether we can be successful or not in the scheme. Why would they take that chance with us?
Hence, the only way to lure a free agent to Green Bay is to overpay relative to the potential amount that we could have paid for that player, if we were in a bigger market.
It is no secret that Ted Thompson likes to build through the draft and spend a minimal amount on players. Considering the potential for an uncapped 2010 season when player salaries could skyrocket, it certainly is a good idea not to be stuck in a salary cap problem heading into that season.
I'm not unhappy that Cole has left or Canty wasn't signed. As I mentioned earlier, I believe this could imply that we'll be taking a stronger look at BJ Raji, who I'd take in a heartbeat over those two.