GREEN BAY, Wis. -- It looks like the Green Bay Packers have two solid choices behind Aaron Rodgers, and one of those backup quarterbacks might have options of his own.
Scott Tolzien, who served as Rodgers’ top backup this past season, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March and might have done enough to entice another team to give him a chance to compete for a starting job.
If that happens, the Packers likely would feel comfortable elevating Brett Hundley from the No. 3 spot.
“I just finished my fifth year, which I can’t believe,” Tolzien said last week as he cleaned out his locker. “That time just flies. I’ve had some awesome experiences: five seasons and five times to the playoffs, three NFC championships, a Super Bowl [with the 49ers]. I’ve been extremely lucky and fortunate. And so, like I said, I really haven’t thought much about the future, I’ve been so caught up thinking about what just happened.”
Here's a look at the Packers' free-agents-to-be on offense (to be followed later by the defensive and special-teams players with expiring contracts):
Unrestricted
Tolzien: Although Hundley was the most impressive of the Packers quarterbacks last summer (with seven touchdowns, one interception and a 129.6 passer rating in the preseason), Tolzien showed he’s progressed significantly from his three-game stint in 2013 (including two starts) while Rodgers was out with the broken collarbone. Tolzien was 28-of-46 passing for 250 yards with two touchdowns and one interception (an 80.9 passer rating) in the preseason. He took only 10 snaps during the regular season, none of them in a meaningful competitive situation. 2015 pay: $1.35 million in base salary and bonuses.
James Starks, RB: When the Packers soured on Eddie Lacy for his poor conditioning, they made Starks their starter once again. Although he set a career high with 601 yards (on a 4.1-yard average per carry), he fumbled his way out of the job. His five fumbles doubled his career total. Plus, he’ll be 30 next month, which makes it unlikely any team will sign him to be a starter. 2015 pay: $1.475 million in base salary and bonuses.
John Kuhn, FB: Just when it looked like the Packers were ready to phase the Pro Bowler out of their offense (they even drafted a fullback, Aaron Ripkowski, last spring), Kuhn found himself back in a starting role late in the season. Although he played only 28 percent of the offensive snaps this season, he played 61.3 percent of his total snaps in the last six games (including playoffs), when coach Mike McCarthy committed to a two-back running plan. Still, he’ll be 34 in September and Ripkowski is waiting in the wings. 2015 pay: $920,000 in base salary and bonuses.
James Jones, WR: The veteran receiver who rejoined the Packers after Jordy Nelson’s season-ending knee injury said he would like to finish his career in Green Bay. He made a case for another deal with a career-high 890 yards (on 50 catches with eight touchdowns). But Jones will be 32 in March and his lack of speed was apparent when he faced press man coverage. With Nelson expected to make a full recovery and the rest of the receivers returning, there might not be a need for Jones. 2015 pay: $870,000 base salary, no bonuses.
Andrew Quarless, TE: It was a lost year for the sixth-year veteran. He suffered a knee injury in Week 3 and went on the temporary IR list. He returned for the final two games plus the playoff opener before his knee flared up again and finished on injured reserve. With the Packers looking for a major upgrade at this position, the fifth-round pick in 2010 might have to find work with another team next season. 2015 pay: $1.575 million in base salary and bonuses.
Don Barclay, T: A serviceable fill-in at right tackle, he bombed in his only start at left tackle (Week 16 at Arizona, where he allowed four sacks). JC Tretter might have replaced Barclay as the Packers’ top utility offensive lineman. Tretter can play all five positions. 2015 pay: $1.542 million in base salary and bonuses.
Restricted
Lane Taylor, G: The former undrafted free agent did not see the field on offense until Week 13 at Detroit, when right guard T.J. Lang was inactive. Taylor held up well against the Lions and then again in Week 17 at left guard when Josh Sitton moved over to tackle. There’s a good chance the Packers will offer him the low tender. 2015 pay: $585,000 base salary, no bonuses.
Exclusive rights
Justin Perillo, TE: For the second straight season, he was promoted from the practice squad during the year. A solid receiver. Played 121 snaps, including six in the playoffs, and had 11 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. 2015 pay: $510,000 base salary, no bonuses.