Cory's Corner: Give Credit to Gutey For Being Assertive
These aren’t your daddy’s Green Bay Packers is a pretty cliché thing to say.
But it’s also 100 percent true. This is Brian Gutekunst’s third run at free agency and he has taken plenty of swings — which is exactly what many wanted him to do. Is it a gamble to sign free agents? Sure, but with one of the game’s best at quarterback, it’s a gamble that’s worth taking.
In his first year, the Packers brought in Davon House, Tramon Williams, Muhammed Wilkerson and Jimmy Graham. Last year he upped the ante by signing offensive lineman Billy Turner, linebacker Za’Darius Smith, safety Adrian Amos and linebacker Preston Smith.
And on Monday, the Packers took some swings again by getting linebacker Christian Kirksey and right tackle Ricky Wagner.
The best part about both contracts is that they have an option year in 2021. Kirksey has only played nine games the last two seasons, but when he does play, he can do it all. And that one thing that Blake Martinez just cannot do is cover — and after seeing opposing teams abuse the Packers with screens and swing passes, the 27-year-old Kirksey is a solid addition. Now, is Kirskey is as good of a leader as Martinez? That’s a lot to ask because Martinez was the quarterback of the defense and had the trust of the entire group. The biggest thing that defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will need to address with this group is leadership. What leaders will bubble to the surface? (I’m looking at you Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander.)
The Ricky Wagner addition I’m not so high on. The 30-year-old former fifth-round pick has only missed five games the last two years, but it should be noted that 2019 was arguably on of his worst seasons. Pro Football Focus graded him a 59 last year compared to a 74, 75.2 and 71.6 from 2016-2018. The Lions apparently saw enough by releasing him and saving $9 million. Deep down, I’d rather have Bryan Bulaga back, but I wouldn’t want him back at an enormous price tag, which is what it will likely cost.
So Gutekunst swallowed hard and made a tough choice. Bulaga had an excellent year last season and will command about $12 million per year. He got a bargain for two guys that could make a sizable impact next year.
Even if you don’t really like either guy, you’ve got to be happy that Gutekunst hasn’t been content. He has been taking his shot and up until Monday night, rumors were swirling around Amari Cooper before he opted to come back to Dallas. There is still an outside chance that Gutekunst could land receiver Robby Anderson, which would be very interesting and would also mean that the Packers could go in any direction come the draft.
Just because the Packers will be signing two free agents on Wednesday, doesn’t mean Gutekunst is all done shopping. Tight end Jacob Hollister raised some eyebrows when he filled in for Will Dissly last year — and the Packers would be able to get him at a bargain price. Many wanted Gutekunst to spend some dough on Austin Hooper, but Gutekunst wasn’t willing to make him the highest paid tight end in the game.
Gutekunst has been assertive in free agency in his short time as GM and the rest of the league is still shocked that Green Bay continues to dive into free agency with so much vigor.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (104)
Lphill
March 17, 2020 at 06:11 am
I have been on board the Gute train but these were two bad signings , should have been aggressive for Kwitakowski, he was a Vikings killer watch his highlights against the Vikings , these two signings were a waste of money that could have been better used.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 07:20 am
I can’t agree with you on that given the realities of the cap. We simply have too many holes to pay the big bucks. I feel similarly to The author except that ILB still needs more. Clark needs to be resigned, we can’t rely on rookies and these signings give us some leeway to address further needs in FA while also giving us flexibility in the draft.
greengold
March 18, 2020 at 03:05 pm
Totally agree with you, Coldy... Damn, Gutekunst showed himself to be a very prudent, sly dog early in FA, securing both Kirksey and Wagner before 11am day 1.
There is so much left to be played out too, in FA. It always works this way, with a 1st wave, mostly the biggest contracts. Gutekunst essentially stole both players from the market for a fraction of what Bulaga or Martinez will be paid first year of one of their contracts!
That is some nice work! He proved himself a master of adding VALUE to his team, highest rewards for the lowest price in 2019. Sure, there is risk associated, but there is with any FA signing. Big upside to both players, with cash remaining left to allocate where needed.
Razer
March 17, 2020 at 07:26 am
I agree with you on this Lphill. Sideways moves at best. A linebacker who has a significant injury history and a RT who will have trouble protecting Rodgers.
The only way we got better is with the Graham, Cousins and Diggs signings.
Razer
March 17, 2020 at 09:03 am
Now that I see what Minnesota got for Diggs, I must retract my assessment of the trade. They got a 1st rounder and other picks. Those are good players off the board before we pick.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 10:26 am
Maybe. Spielman has been as hit-and-miss in drafting as other GMs if not more. He's struggled on early picks on the offensive side of the ball in particular.
scullyitsme
March 17, 2020 at 09:08 am
Couldn’t disagree more. We upgraded linebacker, and saved a ton of dough on a decent right tackle. I like bulaga but last year was his only healthy one. Can’t pay him 12mil. He’ll be on injured reserve by the end of the year for someone most likely.
MITM
March 17, 2020 at 03:51 pm
Ricky Wagner sucks. Turner will start at right tackle and Taylor will go back to guard. Kirksey will get hurt putting his shoulder pads on and then we have ZILCH AS USUAL at ILB. Kwiatkoski signed for 3 years 21 million we could have easily given him that. Huge huge mistake.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 06:50 pm
Doesn't it tell people anything that the Bears, with Roquan Smith already in place, opted to give virtually the same money on an extension to 30-year-old Danny Trevathan--who has his own injury issues--rather than engaging the 26-year-old Kwiatkoski?
Bure9620
March 18, 2020 at 04:38 am
You may want to turn on the tape of Billy Turner playing RT in Denver, it isn't pretty........
Guam
March 17, 2020 at 09:56 am
I think it is too early to make that assessment LP. They have the potential to be bad signings, but it could also go the other way. Coldworld said it - these are cap signings. We couldn't afford Littleton and Bulaga and these are what Gute could do to fill holes. I think we need to draft behind these signings, but they give Gute time to draft and develop and if we are lucky, they may work out like the Smiths signings.
murf7777
March 17, 2020 at 02:50 pm
This conversation is so, so contradictory for many of you. So much talk that we cannot afford to sign big names this year. Last year I explained that with the 4 big signings this would happen (lack of future SC $) and Gutey better hit on 3 out of 4 of the FA’s or we could be in trouble. Of course, back then many, not all, were down voting me or worse disputing my logic with false info. We’ll look what happened! Fortunately, Gutey did hit on 3 out of 4 with Turner just being alright, but not worth the contract IMO. And we still have to sign Clark at some point along with others next year. You cannot spend without consequences is the rationale of my write up.
RCPackerFan
March 17, 2020 at 07:05 am
I think we will see Gutey going for some more cheaper options. Guys like Kirksey and Wagner.
Delanie Walker might be someone he will look to go for.
I also think he will make one bigger signing. Maybe Littleton or Schobert.
Maybe a WR like Robby Anderson or Breshad Perriman.
Another option maybe is DL. Maybe Michael Pierce, Derek Wolfe, Linval Joseph, Damon Harrison.
Maybe a Safety? Vonn Bell, Reshad Jones
I'm looking forward to seeing what Gutey does! Maybe he even makes a trade?
jeremyjjbrown
March 17, 2020 at 08:45 am
I'm wondering if he trades Lane Taylor.
scullyitsme
March 17, 2020 at 09:11 am
I don’t understand why this keeps coming up. We are paying Taylor what? 5 mil? Why would we dump a halfway decent starter anywhere on the line for 5mil? He’s worth 5 mil as a reliable backup.
Razer
March 17, 2020 at 09:26 am
Because he is not worth 5 million. The difference between Taylor and Elgton Jenkins is massive and the latter, our starter, is a rookie. The big point is that we should be improving the O-line NOT adding average talent to the mix. This includes Lane Taylor, Billy Turner and Wagner. More forward not sideways.
scullyitsme
March 17, 2020 at 09:37 am
Really? How many teams have a backup of his caliber? I don’t need him to play for Elton, I need him to come in and be serviceable if Elton gets hurt. That’s worth 5 mil. You make it sound so easy. Just draft another stud. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Why didn’t I think of that? But hey, let’s not stop there, let’s draft a stud at every position. Dam dynasty.
Razer
March 17, 2020 at 09:42 am
Sorry Scullyitsme but you don't need to take that tone with me. I respectfully stated that Taylor isn't worth 5 million and these guys are sideways moves. There are guys on our roster and a decent draft coming up that can yield the backups. I don't see the point in paying big bucks to guys who are not really improving the Oline.
scullyitsme
March 17, 2020 at 09:50 am
Every team needs cheap veteran help. Serviceable people to fill holes. Keeping Taylor on the roster doesn’t effect our draft capital one bit. If someone younger and better beats him out in camp awesome. Make him a camp causality. Don’t cut him now and pull a Ted Thompson and have to go into the season with an unrestricted free agent.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 05:26 pm
Madison will take Taylor's job and Patrick is the #one off the bench for the center and guard spots. If they can swing a trade for Taylor, I would be amazed.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 06:53 pm
Madison blew out his ACL in late November. I think it will be an uphill climb for him to take Taylor's job. I would expect a PUP list stop for him.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 11:14 pm
PUP no doubt, just placing him in the long term picture for the Oline. Taylor is going to be a CAP casualty. OT with a high pick and another O lineman in the fifth.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 18, 2020 at 06:31 am
Except Patrick struggled mightily at guard. Did well at center. Sometimes centers can't play guard. So while Madison is on the PUP, there is no backup OG unless it is a rookie.
jannesbjornson
March 18, 2020 at 07:38 pm
Do they like Light as a guard?
Leatherhead
March 17, 2020 at 09:41 am
This is mostly nonsense. Not worth $5 million? According to what professional personnel person in the NFL?
We suit up 7, possibly 8, offensive linemen so having a guy that can help at multiple positions helps. He’s our #6 offensive lineman.
Two different organizations have thought Turner was an NFL starter. We had one of the better offensive lines in the league by most objective measures.
IMO, you overestimate your acumen in this matter. Gute is doing his job a lot better than you or I would.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 09:51 am
The new CBA has a provision in it that you can activate more players on game day so long as you're activating extra OL...I think 46 if you have 7 OL active, 48 if you have more than 7.
This makes player flexibility a little less important on the OL, so a C-only or G-only backup might have a better chance of being active on game day.
Taylor's cap hit in 2020 is just shy of $6M. The Packers get about $4.5M back if they let Taylor go. As I've said: unless you actually have a need for the cap space, there's no need to cut him now. He likely doesn't net the Packers any value in compensatory picks after he walks, so dealing him to get the cap space and potential pick if you can find a suitor AND feel good about your depth, is smart.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 11:19 am
Absolutely no point in cutting right now, I agree. He is easily our third best guard and i would think Jenkins is our number 2 Center this year and Taylor would also quite possibly come in If a tackle goes down and a starter kicks outside.
As to the roster changes, I would think you would see him suited up every game. That said, if Gute can trade him for an upgrade overall, I would not be surprised. Draft day will likely precede anything like that though.
stockholder
March 17, 2020 at 09:57 am
He'll keep him as long as the market is over-pricing. Trade Coming!
jeremyjjbrown
March 17, 2020 at 11:05 am
He doesn't fit the blocking scheme. And, he's not a starter in GB. He's a 5mil backup.
scullyitsme
March 17, 2020 at 11:25 am
People are acting like 5 million for a serviceable former starter backup is a lot of money. In my opinion it’s not. Have you seen the contacts dished out lately? He even played well at left tackle in a pinch. I’m happy Elton beat him out, we got better. seems odd to throw him to the curb though. All it takes is one starter to go down to create disaster. Anyone else see the game we started Alex light?
Stroh
March 17, 2020 at 05:15 pm
Apparently you don't understand the difference in blocking schemes from McCarthy to LaFleur. Taylor is a terrible fit in the new blocking scheme.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 05:32 pm
If I remember correctly, he was displaced by a rookie. I expect the same for the RT position. Get Better.
greengold
March 18, 2020 at 02:58 pm
I heavily suspect Michael Pierce is a part of their plans moving forward, and he would be a PHENOMENAL add to help fix our RUN D!!!!
Just hoping it happens. Z would probably LOVE it! Having a chance to play with his former teammate... Pierce, to me, is the prize for GB in FA.
Handsback
March 17, 2020 at 07:28 am
I suspect that the next player that Gutsey signs is a DL guy. Can't draft a rookie and expect him to make an impact, and you can't have teams run on you like San Fran did in the playoffs.
4thand10
March 17, 2020 at 04:18 pm
Your right, because it didnt even seem like we had enough DL to run base last yr
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 07:24 pm
Veterans still on the board: Pierce, Q.Jefferson, Danny Shelton.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 05:30 pm
Pull in a veteran and draft two.
Packer_Fan
March 17, 2020 at 07:31 am
Remember we are all wanna be pundits. BG did well last year. This year because of less money, these two picks have more risk. If Kirksey doesn't get hurt, the choice will be worth more than what BG paid. Another let's see with Wagner. For certain, he should be better than Alex Light. And this is a stopgap measure.
So BG still has some money. He still has options of releasing Taylor or someone else. And in the draft, ILB, WR and OT are still needs.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 08:20 am
Agreed. In general, these are the kinds of signings we begged TT to make over the years: veteran signings that filled holes and created roster flexibility. This was only day 1 and there's still cap room to sign an impact free agent IF that's the plan. The Packer roster for 2020 was not set on March 16.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 11:27 am
Agree with you both. These are shrewd signings given our cap. Whether they work or not remains to be seen, but the alternatives were to either hamstring us on an old expensive tackle and a costly ILB that they seemingly felt wasn’t what they really wanted Or just trust in development of an internal replacement.
For me Gute pulled off the best alternative. Like all three it’s a gamble, but it seems one that allows the team options to retain/ sign others unlike straight resigning and isn’t the hope and prayer that a player leaps forward over the off season.
PackfanNY
March 17, 2020 at 08:21 am
These are good, roster protection signings. The Packers don’t have loads of cap space to throw at big free agents. They did that last year. That is the reality of the salary cap. However, prior to the draft the Packers have signed a couple of decent veteran players to help plug some of the weaknesses. Both have some upside. I do hope that they consider a reasonably priced defensive lineman like Pierce or Harrison. After that, Gute will be able to draft for a playmaker (WR?, TE?) and some other players at ILB or OT who can be brought along more slowly.
NickPerry
March 17, 2020 at 08:22 am
Personally I'm okay with both signings. Kirksey's injuries weren't of the variety that will normally come back and haunt a player year after year. He had a hamstring injury in 2018 and a torn pectoral injury in 2019. Obviously if he hadn't had these injuries that would be a plus, but his contracts numbers would be a hell of a lot more too.
I'm sure Pettine had something to say in this but most importantly the Packers Doctors did too. Gute is trusting what the Packers team doctors said after checking him out and hoping to get a upgrade on the field over what he had which if healthy is a pretty good possibility.
Wagner may not be as good as Bulaga but he's not terrible either. Yes he had a down year last season but when your on the Lions without your starting QB and RB I'd imagine an O-Linemans PFF grade might suffer at least a little. Look at it this way...At least Gute isn't trying to do what Ted Thompson would try and that's sticking an rookie or 2nd year UDFA out there to protect Rodgers (Don Barclay).
Gute STILL has money to play with and with the new CBA he can still do anything he wants to in FA. But MOST importantly he's added two pieces at positions of need. He's also put the Packers in a more favorable position during the draft. He could still take an ILB if one he loves above everyone else in round. Same can be said about a RT or WR. Gute has a plan...Lets wait to see it totally unfold.
TarynsEyes
March 17, 2020 at 10:34 am
"Kirksey's injuries weren't of the variety that will normally come back and haunt a player year after year. He had a hamstring injury in 2018 and a torn pectoral injury in 2019."
Somebody should have told that to Clay Matthews, Mr Hamstring every 6 games it seemed like.
13TimeChamps
March 17, 2020 at 10:58 am
Just curious...
Do you EVER post anything positive?
TarynsEyes
March 17, 2020 at 11:27 am
Absolutely, yes. I just don't believe that agreeing for the sake of agreement with those that believe everything the Packers do is awesome, great, incredible and every player they sign is/will be same.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 11:30 am
Anyone can tear a hamstring. Some people have a congenital vulnerability to such injuries. Kirksey seems to have had no such prior pattern.
jeremyjjbrown
March 17, 2020 at 08:49 am
Given what BG has to work with I think these are decent signings.
"Focus graded him a 59 last year compared to a 74, 75.2 and 71.6 from 2016-2018."
I wonder if he was playing hurt last year. Also, I saw some clips of him where he looked like he was playing with poor technique last year. I think maybe the coaches saw some things there they think they can get right. If they do 4.5 cap hit for a ~75 grade tackle is a tremendous value.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 09:53 am
Milt Hendrickson helped draft him in Baltimore and watched him play through his first contract there. If there were obvious issues, I think he'd know. I suspect he was pushing for this signing.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 05:44 pm
Do not believe Wagner went under the knife for the knee injury. Maybe it was a meniscus tear? He earned the FA deal from the kittens, so maybe he recovers. In any event, if I'm pulling the trigger onthe one pick I move up if necessary to get a blue chip OT. Reviewing the draft they are the top end along with the two DTs. The Wides and QBs will be over-drafted. I really like Taylor for the Pack.
Lare
March 17, 2020 at 10:02 am
I agree. Although some posters and media act like they insider player knowledge, I think it's safe to assume that Gutekunst, his staff and the Packers coaches have a better idea on Wagners performance last year than any of us here.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 10:10 am
He held up against Mack last season...got eaten by Danielle Hunter.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 11:58 am
I read somewhere that he was having problems pushing off last season as he recovered from a prior injury. I can’t locate where though, sorry.
PS
Nearest I can find is over at Packerswire “ Gimpy knee in ’19 appeared to affect get-off and aiming points.”
per Lionswire “ Wagner is coming off his worst season, a subpar year marred by a knee injury and a revolving door on his inside shoulder at right guard. He was graded 47th out of 60 offensive tackles who played at least half the offensive snaps in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus. It was a rough year, no question.
But the prior years, when he was healthy and had a relatively stable presence at guard, Wagner was solid. He was 29th out of 62 tackles in 2018 and 14th out of 57 (and No. 3 in right tackles) in 2017 in PFF rankings.”
When signed by Detroit he became the then highest paid tackle in the league. SI had him down as a good value pickup this offseason, but it seems clear that this was the result of a crazy contract.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 05:48 pm
He has a hard time with speed rushers, not quick enough. Probably have to chip to help him out. Mack was dinged up a bit last season.
Dzehren
March 17, 2020 at 09:44 am
GUTE tendencies show that GB will double dip in the draft at both of these positionsn (ILB & OT). The BIG E took over for Taylor after week 4 last year. I expect an OT to be drafted early & possibly surplant Wagner later in the season. I can also see drafting a day 2 ILB to get on the field for meaningful snaps as well. These types of low risk signings allow flexibility in the draft.
GB needs to sign DT Pierce from Baltimore!
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 09:45 am
I think you're right on OT: Wagner is a stopgap on a team-friendly deal. With Bakhtiari coming up next year and no guarantee he doesn't want to test the market, they have to draft an OT. It's just that Wagner allows that guy to be less plug-and-play right now. I don't think they draft 2 ILB unless one of them is a very late flier.
Dzehren
March 17, 2020 at 10:01 am
Agreed. I think GUTE drafts 1 ILB on day 2 of the draft.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 05:55 pm
Bhaktiari is the priority free agent signing. Get it done.
flackcatcher
March 17, 2020 at 08:33 pm
Both contracts are show me deals with enough give for next year. Have to trust the GM and team doctors at this point....
ragemk1
March 17, 2020 at 09:47 am
I love the signings honestly. I really don't like BRayn Buluga right now for not giving us a hometown discount. We stood by him through 2 injury plagued seasons and has one great season and now demands 12 mil, but i Digress. If our conditioning and doctor teams do the same thing for kirksey as they did for Buluga, then we are in for a treat.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 10:12 am
That's fine, but when the Packers approached Bulaga to take a pay cut, he refused. It's a business...there's not much room for loyalty.
ragemk1
March 17, 2020 at 10:26 am
I get all of that but at some point you have to realize biting the hand the feeds you is not cool. Especially after his horrible two seasons. people were calling for his head two years ago but they stuck with him and now he thinks he is hot crap and deserves 12 mil a year? Ridiculous
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 10:52 am
I wouldn't call rejecting a pay cut biting the hand that feeds you. Who knows what he thinks? By all accounts the Packers have had no discussions with him or his agent. It takes two to tango, after all, but under the circumstances I think he's going to take the best situation the market will offer him.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 12:07 pm
Regardless of anything else, this is almost certainly his last chance at a big payday. Like Lang, I can’t fault him for taking it. A favor for a team if it’s close is one thing, but not anything comparable to the sort of discount suggested by the rumors on Bulaga’s likely price point.
Equally, the Packers were right not to offer that kind of deal—much as I wanted to retain Bulaga. I guess we will see what he ends up getting.
13TimeChamps
March 17, 2020 at 11:08 am
Please share the link where he is DEMANDING 12 million. Or did he call you and personally tell you that?
Just curious....if you walk into work tomorrow and your boss asks you to take a pay cut, what would your reaction be? People seem to forget how relatively short these player's careers are.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 06:50 pm
Why would a guy play for less. This isn't the South and the auto industry.
stockholder
March 17, 2020 at 09:48 am
I believe Gute has tipped his hand. The market has become 10 mil a year based on stats. Jordan Phipps 3yrs. 30 mi. Jarron Reed resigned 2yrs. - 23 mil. Martinez 10mil a year. So Look what Clarke will get.( 15mil a year ) He has veteran leadership w/Kirksey and unproven back-up at ILB. He just signed Kumerow Wr for 1 year 600,000. Which means he's going to bargain shop. And Reach in the draft.
stockholder
March 17, 2020 at 10:20 am
Gute signed; Sullivan and LanCaster each 1 yr. 600,000.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 12:12 pm
Exclusive rights fee agents who have contributed are very cheap no brainer retentions in the off season. Most teams would have tendered all 5 as we did. Nothing is guaranteed, I think reading anything into the ERFA tenders is a massive stretch.
Rossonero
March 17, 2020 at 09:55 am
Depends on what perspective / lens you view these free agent signings.
From a financial perspective, they are good, smart signings. Both players fit within our budget, and amount to 1 year prove it deals and we have the option for a 2nd year.
From a talent perspective, we got worse. Wagner's PFF grade dropped to a 59 after being in the low 70s like Cory noted. Kirksey's soft tissues injuries and coverage ability is still a question mark (need to read more on him).
If....Wagner can re-gain his best form and Kirksey can stay healthy, then Gutekunst will look like a genius. However, we merely did 1-for-1 swaps for Martinez and Bulaga, and have yet to plug any holes at DL or at WR.
Did anyone see the Ravens got Calais Campbell for a FIFTH ROUND PICK??! That's highway robbery! Wish Gute was in on that!
Guam
March 17, 2020 at 10:02 am
5th round pick and a BIG new contract we could not afford.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 11:03 am
There was a piece on JSOnline this morning that I agree with: these two signings are good IF the Packers use the cap room they saved by signing mid-tier FAs to improve significantly at other places. If they stop now and just add players through the draft, I would argue that player acquisition will have a hard time meeting team needs. We need to judge player procurement in its entirety...not just based on day 1 of FA, FA only, or just the draft.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 12:19 pm
Could not agree more, though I’d add the additional, if likely not popular, point that they also fit with a good GM’s need to think of the future financial health too.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Campbell is rumored to be talking about a 2 year 27 million contract. This looks like a cap dump of a player they would otherwise have cut. Better something over nothing. That doesn’t make it not a steal, but how exactly would you propose to accommodate that kind of cap hit?
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 06:56 pm
Unfortunately, he was a guy Ted should have bagged 5 years ago form the Cardinals. He earned his pay.
ragemk1
March 17, 2020 at 10:09 am
I think they will also sign Corey Littleton. Im banking on it actually. If they dont then they should use that money to resign players like David Bahk, Aaron jones, Kenny Clark, and other notable FA set for next season. I would prefer the Littleton signing though, because it would get rid of that hybrid saftey that plays along side the lone off ball linbacker. With littleton, you would have a coverage/down hill ILB and with Kirksey, a very aggresive down hill and solid blitzing ILB. Would completely revamp that position, which would alow us to get BPA in the draft
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 10:25 am
"I think they will also sign Corey Littleton."
I don't think an organization that has been reticent to put much money into the ILB position since jettisoning AJ Hawk is likely to pivot like that in a single offseason. Unless they find a very low money player later on, I don't expect any more significant signings coming at ILB.
AgrippaLII
March 17, 2020 at 10:56 am
I'd rather have DJ Reader on the DL for about the same money.
egbertsouse
March 17, 2020 at 12:03 pm
Littleton to Raiders. They have $65 mil of cap to play with.
TarynsEyes
March 17, 2020 at 10:42 am
Gute is doing business that the Salary Cap is allowing him to do. This team hasn't gotten better because of what he's done so far. He has possibly strengthened one position with better pass coverage and has weakened another, RT in pass protection. These moves are like but not the same as basement furniture moving but in a higher bracket.
stockholder
March 17, 2020 at 11:34 am
Right; Gute hasn't the money. He still needs to sign Clarke. Expect a Defensive draft more then offensive. Which will be a mistake. If he takes a OT. We'll lose Bahk. A DT isn't going to start. The best def. Player is always a edge/Sack (per pressure.) If he trades picks he will put this team in a pickle. TTs philosophy has returned to Green Bay. Cheap!
PeteK
March 17, 2020 at 10:51 am
I can't believe Cobb got 3 for 27 - 18 guaranteed after a mediocre season. He only got 5 mill last year. We need to sign a veteran WR next.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 11:03 am
That was a surprise, but Bill O'Brien has proven that he's in over his head as a GM.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 07:02 pm
Cobb swapped for De Andre Hopkins should get OBrian committed for a few years in the room with padded walls.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 12:25 pm
I agree. I liked Cobb, but even without his injuries he was never successful when asked to play as 1 or 2. Good guy and congratulations to him but crazy money for Cobb.
Lphill
March 17, 2020 at 11:56 am
Wasted needed money on two bad signings, should have went hard after Kwitnikowski, instead of a piece of glass , and a guy who got Stafford injured. Gute dropped the ball here big time.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 12:29 pm
No more realistic than when you opened the thread with the same comment.
stockholder
March 17, 2020 at 12:42 pm
DEVON KENNARD ILB WAS JUST RELEASED. 5.5 mil. saved. I'd go after him now. Littleton signed by Raiders.
fordguy
March 17, 2020 at 04:08 pm
OLB
CheesyTex
March 17, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Maybe Yosh Nijman will make Gutey's job a lot easier. If only the light bulb goes on...
Dzehren
March 17, 2020 at 01:10 pm
Higher probability it will be Ezra Clevlenad OT Boise St, Josh Jones OT Houston or Justin Jackson OT USC
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 07:01 pm
They will have to move up for Jackson.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 01:16 pm
He was incredibly raw but his upside is equally high. Probably too early this season to know though. Would be a wonderful if he does develop for us at some point.
dobber
March 17, 2020 at 02:19 pm
UDFAs who turn into quality players are gold.
jannesbjornson
March 17, 2020 at 07:04 pm
Doubt if Nijman makes the squad. Does that 48 man roster come into play 2020?
Timeout
March 17, 2020 at 05:24 pm
Owen Burks is another player who could make his job easier if only the like bulb goes on.
Lphill
March 17, 2020 at 02:36 pm
Shobert to Jags .inside linebacker not fixed.
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 04:35 pm
For a huge amount of money. Not remotely feasible for the Packers
Coldworld
March 17, 2020 at 04:35 pm
For a huge amount of money. Not remotely feasible for the Packers
Packman60
March 17, 2020 at 07:53 pm
Gutsy did what he could to plug some holes with the limited cap space he had available.I really like the Kirksey signing. He was an up and coming player before injuries hit the last 2 years. Strong leader was selected as a captain at age 25 and has experience in Pettine's defense. Also keep in mind that both these players were "street free agents" meaning they don't count against the Packers in the formula used to calculate comp picks for the 2021 draft, which with both Martinez and Bulaga signing for 10 million a year could result in high additional picks that can be used to acquire quality draft picks or to move up to draft someone they have targeted.
Bure9620
March 18, 2020 at 04:58 am
There will be more FA signings and when Gute finds a player that fits at his price he releases Lane Taylor. Eric Ebron is available, who frankly fits the offense better than Hooper imo. Emanuel Sanders, Robbie Anderson, Breshad Perriman, MIchael Pierce, Delanie Walker, Shelby Harris, Gerald McCoy, Dante Fowler, Nelson Agohlor, Snacks Harrison, Linval Joseph, Timmi Jernigan, Josh Bynes, Ashawn Robinson, Derek Wolfe, Taje Sharpe, Devin Funchess, Taylor Gabriel, Danny Shelton and Phillip Dorsett are all still available. We are in the second round of FA where there are some bargain players and players the Packers will be able to afford.
dobber
March 18, 2020 at 08:26 am
Just not a fan of Eric Ebron...not much of a blocker, has hands of stone. The price would need to be really low.
jannesbjornson
March 18, 2020 at 07:45 pm
He is soft.
Lphill
March 18, 2020 at 06:37 am
How are other teams that were in cap space hell making big signings like the Bears and Cowboys, the Packers needed to be aggressive with the weakest position inside linebacker,they had available Kwitnikowski, Littleton and Shobert and they signed a keep your fingers crossed injured prone player, this season we will be watching Oren Burks getting run over and wishing we had Martinez back.
greengold
March 18, 2020 at 02:46 pm
This is a great piece, Cory!
Funny, how FA hit, and most of the earlier signings were big name players with BIGGER price tags... except with Gutekunst. The guy knew how important this FA period would be for him, targeted his players that brought the most upside for the least cash, and struck like a Cobra when the flute stops! (I just made that last bit up) The guy wasted ZERO time addressing two BIG areas of need, with players that can bring big upside to the Packers, while paying less than half of what either of Bulaga or Martinez got.
He knew he had to make his smartest choices here, where the first wave or FA establishes price, keeping in mind he has big paydays he wants to complete for Clark, Bakhtiari and Jones at his doorstep.
Smart, prudent moves by Brian Gutekunst. Also, he still has some $$ to sign additional DL help prior to the draft, or to add a vet WR post draft like Robby Anderson, who would be a dynamic addition. Waiting now brings the price down on subsequent signings. Unfortunately, the Packers are in need of finding the best "VALUE" signings possible, with not much cap to splash.
I find the Kirksey and Wagner signings to be very smart moves. Let's disregard both players' injuries that affected their play and stats from 2019 season for a second.
Kirksey actually had suffered a left hamstring in 2018 after 7 games and was shut down. Prior to being injured, he was subbing at ILB for Joe Schobert (hamstring injury as well) and had 43 tackles, 2 INT and a FR in those 7 games.Kirksey was the conductor relaying all the calls for their D. Schobert himself said "Kirko is the heart and soul of the defense, heart and soul of the team in the locker room, on the field..."
Wagner is a tough SOB with the pedigree to prove it. Not as good as Brian Bulaga, but good in pass pro, and maybe a better outside zone blocker in the run game with a bit more speed and a gift for mauling at the 2nd level.
Both players have shown exceptional availability and toughness prior to injuries suffered, and those injuries and the stigma attached made them both affordable signings in GB. Smart move by Gutekunst. Very capable players, with each offering upgrades in certain aspects of play at their respective positions. As a fan, I'm super happy with both signings and looking forward to the Packers being able to open up their options in the draft with two important bases covered.