As expected, the Packers are looking at potential free agent linebackers who can come in and compete with Brady Poppinga for the strong side position.
One of those free agents is St. Louis' Brandon Chillar, one of the better prospects available. According to a source close to Chillar, the Packers inquired about him and are interested in bringing him in for a visit next week.
However, they have competition. Chillar is scheduled to visit an unidentified team on Monday and it's possible he could be scooped up early.
The 6-3, 242-pound Chillar was a fourth-round draft choice of the Rams' out of UCLA in 2004. He has been used both inside and outside and played as the nickel backer early in his career. He has been more of a two-down player of late whose strength is playing the run.
Chillar has good enough athletic ability to fit the Packers' although he's far from a speed burner. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.71 seconds at the 2004 combine, which is decent for his size.
The Rams don't appear very interested in re-signing Chillar, in part because they have a lot of money sunk into their other two linebackers Will Witherspoon and Pisa Tinoisamoa. Still, there's a good chance the price for Chillar won't be cheap.
Last year, Chillar started 14 of the 15 games in which he played and had 85 tackles, two sacks, four passes defended and three forced fumbles.
