San Francisco's Ricky Jean Francois is the latest candidate to surface as a possible replacement for injured Jerel Worthy in the Green Bay Packers' defensive-line rotation next season. A source said the Packers have expressed interest in Jean Francois, who would become an unrestricted free agent March 12 if he isn't re-signed by the 49ers. Jean Francois, 26, was the 49ers' top backup at all three defensive line positions last season. In Green Bay, he would probably provide better run defense than Mike Neal or Mike Daniels behind starters B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett and C.J. Wilson. His pass rush is adequate, too. "Solid in-line run defender," an executive in personnel for an NFL team said last week. "Average pass rusher. He'd add good 3-4 defensive end depth and potential base-down starter as a five-technique 'dirty work' player. I'd prefer him more in the rotation than as a (starter)." Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
