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Packers top NFL in retaining offensive players

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- No one in the NFL had a more potent offense last season than the Green Bay Packers, and no one in the league retained more of its firepower, either.

That should bode well for the 2015 season.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Packers retained 95 percent of their offensive snaps played last season, when they led the NFL in scoring at 30.4 points per game.

Only four other teams topped the 90 percent retention rate on offense. They were: the Pittsburgh Steelers (94 percent), Carolina Panthers (92 percent), Cincinnati Bengals (91 percent) and Washington Redskins (91 percent).

By re-signing key free agents like receiver Randall Cobb and right tackle Bryan Bulaga, the Packers ensured that all of their losses on offense were players well down the depth chart.

Here's a look at the retention rate by position group on offense:

Quarterback

  • Retention rate: 94 percent

  • NFL rank: 21st

  • Key players lost: Backup Matt Flynn (67 total snaps)

Running back

  • Retention rate: 95 percent

  • NFL rank: Seventh

  • Key players lost: No. 3 halfback DuJuan Harris (51 total snaps)

Receiver

  • Retention rate: 93 percent

  • NFL rank: Ninth

  • Key players lost: No. 4 receiver Jarrett Boykin (238 total snaps)

Tight end

Offensive line

  • Retention rate: 97 percent

  • NFL rank: Fifth

  • Key players lost: Backup tackle Derek Sherrod (140 snaps)

On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers' biggest losses came at linebacker and cornerback. As a unit, the Packers retained 76 percent of their defensive snaps from last season, which ranked tied for 13th in the league.

Here's a look at the retention rate by position group on defense:

Defensive line

  • Retention rate: 98 percent

  • NFL rank: Third

  • Key players lost: Backup defensive tackle Luther Robinson (65 snaps)

Linebackers

  • Retention rate: 65 percent

  • NFL rank: 27th

  • Key players lost: Starting inside linebacker A.J. Hawk (872 snaps) and part-time starters Jamari Lattimore (281 snaps) and Brad Jones (217 snaps)

Defensive backs

  • Retention rate: 73 percent

  • NFL rank: Tied for 15th

  • Key players lost: Starting cornerback Tramon Williams (1,134 snaps) and backup cornerback Davon House (405 snaps)

ESPN Stats & Information also calculated snap counts added by teams this offseason. Of course, the Packers had none given that they did not sign a single player who took a snap for another NFL team last season.