A "roller coaster of emotions” would be an understatement in describing the 2013 season for the Green Bay Packers that ended - somehow - with them winning the NFC North.

At the top of the roller coaster was a 5-2 start with cannot let Sam Shields walk away. While Thompson reportedly said he would let Shields test the market, that will only drive up the price for the young cornerback. In a division where the Packers see Jeffery, Marshall, Calvin Johnson, and Cordarrelle Patterson twice a year, cornerbacks are a premium. Tramon Williams is showing his age (and is expensive), and Shields is ready to be the top cornerback on the team. If the Packers can’t agree (and all signs are pointing to they can), the defensive ranking from above might drop to dead last.

Thompson can’t overpay for Shields though either. James Jones is set to test the market and starting center Evan Dietrich-Smith (EDS) could be allowed to see what offers he gets as well. The team doesn’t seem as concerned with letting Jones go since Jarrett Boykin is waiting in the wings, but having to plug in a new center next year could deal a blow to the chemistry the offensive line seemed to have last year.

Drafting will be key this year, especially if Thompson doesn’t make any splashes in free agency – which wouldn’t be much of a surprise anyway. The safety position will be addressed but linebacker depth is needed too. The Packers pride themselves on drafting and developing so depth is needed for a premium position in Capers’ defense.

The money is there for Thompson to keep some of his top free agents. In a perfect world, he would extend EDS and Shields (which would take up $12 to $16 million of the cap), extend veteran minimums to Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, Neal, and Flynn, and offer restricted free agent tenders to M.D. Jennings and Jamari Lattimore. I don't expect all of those moves to happen, but at least $13 million would be left over after all those moves allowing TT to still make some big free agency splashes.

With Aaron Rodgers and now Eddie Lacy, the Packers will always be in contention to make the playoffs. But Thompson might not get another opportunity to strengthen multiple areas of the team at once. With the right moves, Thompson won't have to keep experiencing roller coaster seasons and be able to see the Packers continue to be perennial Super Bowl contenders.