FanHouse Kabeer Gbaja Biamila

Remember when Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila was one of the best pass rushers in the league? He hasn't registered double-digit sack totals since 2004, lost his starting job in 2007, and now, nine weeks into the 2008 season, he's out of a job (via PFT).

Green Bay released the nine-year veteran who, during a four-year stretch starting in '08, sacked the quarterback 49 times.

"We want to thank Kabeer for his contributions to the Green Bay Packers," Thompson said. "During his time here, he has been a big part of our organization and our community. We wish Kabeer and his family well."

Perhaps well aware of Gbaja-Biamila's slipping production, the Packers have taken measures to shore up the defensive line. A year ago, they used a first-round pick on Justin Harrell, who promptly was injured -- and stayed that way till, well, today, when he was finally activated.

To get you ready for Week 16, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is your Packers/Bears preview.

2007 Records:

Green Bay Packers: 12-2 (NFC North Champions)
Chicago Bears: 5-9 (Last in NFC North)

Last Week:

Packers 33, Rams 14
Vikings 20, Bears 13

When the Packers have the ball: Green Bay's first choice is to attack through the air but they aren't totally reliant on the pass. Ryan Grant has the second-most yards in the league since Week Eight and has found great success running behind a very good Packer line. With Tommie Harris and Darwin Walker ailing, the middle of the Bears defensive line should yield good gains for Grant and force the Bears to adjust their defense forward. When they do that Favre can take advantage. Tight end Donald Lee is a force in play action and Donald Driver, James Jones and Greg Jennings down the field. Nathan Vasher played for the first time in ages last week and made some plays in Minnesota, but he's missed practice all week and Tarvaris Jackson isn't exactly of Favre's caliber.

According to a report by Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press Gazette, in addition to tight end Bubba Franks, the Green Bay Packers could release defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and wide receiver Robert Ferguson.

Gbaja-Biamila (KGB for short) had an awful year last season and apparently the Packers are going to show him no patience. From 2001 to 2004 he was arguably one of the better defensive ends in the league but has slipped significantly since then.

Robert Ferguson seems like a more risk-less release. He's played in fewer games each of the last five seasons and his ability has dwindled with the playing time. That culminated last season when he managed to play in only four games while collecting five catches for 31 yards and a single touchdown.

Along with Bubba Franks and strong safety Marquand Manuel, who may also be released, the four take up around 11% of the Packers entire salary.

Note: While I am no G.M., I think the Packers would be better off if they attempted to trade KGB and Manuel before releasing them. Even if they only managed to get a late round draft choice, it's better then nothing.