If you could sign only one upper tier Free Agent for the defensive backfield, would you pick Shields or a safety? Because that's a realistic scenario for management.

I could claim that we are loaded at CB. Williams, Hyde, Hayward is a pretty decent top 3. Shields makes that group as deep as anyone in the league. So maybe we can do without Shields?

But how do you let a #1 CB walk? I couldn't. Even if it meant more draft and develop at S.

I think "neither" may be as likely from management, given the part of me that expects Shields to be asking big money. But I think there is a possibility that the Packers will shell out big money for Shields. I think the chances are slim and none that they will shell out big bucks for a FA safety.

But, to answer your question, if it boils down to either/or, I'd say "Shields."

Reasoning: (i) I think you need three really good corners, and I'd rather have a CB playing nickel than a S. (ii) if the front seven gets their act together (big if, I know), they can cover up more S problems than corner problems. (iii) if the front seven doesn't get their act together, it doesn't matter.

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DJ ward

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Poor Premise. We EASILY have the ability/cap room to sign both Shields and another DB FA and more if we needed to.

Shields is my answer to the question, of course.

I concur that Ward would be good to get - probably ahead of Byrd unless Byrd both is healthy and gets cheaper. I also would consider Alterraun Verner or some other good Corner, and shifting Hayward or Tramon to Safety.

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Keep in mind, Rosenhaus is representing Shields now.

I think Hyde will be fine at safety, and if he's not, it will be because they figured something else out there. I'm not sure Tramon would be an ideal fit there, but I could see Heyward being moved. Although he's awful good in that slot.

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Absolutely. As long as you don't want Nelson or Sitton on the team beyond 2014.

Creative capology ain't that difficult.

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