Packers Crazy Off-season Needs To Get Crazier

The opening days of free agency in a typical offseason are void of any Green Bay Packers transactions.

The 2017 offseason is shaping up to be a weird one.

Normally Green Bay focuses on retaining its’ own wealth of talent and refuses to delve into the murky waters of free agency. This year, the Packers have lost three playoff captains with Micah Hyde, T.J. Lang and Julius Peppers leaving for larger contracts. This list is in addition to four more key contributors departing with Datone Jones, Eddie Lacy, Jared Cook (inevitably) and JC Tretter finding jobs elsewhere. This is truly an unthinkable number when looking at the Green Bay historical track record of retaining their own under Ted Thompson.

After failing to reach common ground with Cook, Thompson stepped outside of the Packers’ standard operating procedure and landed unrestricted free-agent Martellus Bennett with a cap-friendly contract for the best tight end available. Apparently, Thompson’s goal was to land two tight ends (something I had written/hoped for a few weeks back) as he signed former Los Angeles Ram Lance Kendricks as well.

It was shocking the Packers could not reach a deal with Cook, but their “backup” plan put them in even better position. Thompson got wild again by landing former Packer Davon House, recently released by the Jacksonville Jaguars. This move was entirely too predictable as it filled a major need by the Packers and was familiar territory for both parties. House is not a top-tier cornerback, but is instantly the best one on the Green Bay roster. If I had to put $1,000 on the Packers signing any free agent from another team, I would have put it on House. It was a perfect reunion for both sides.

As odd as this offseason has been adding new players, it needs to get even weirder to replace some of the holes created by the seven players that left. The Kendricks and House deals are exactly the kind of moves that the Packers need to add talent at a reasonable price. It seems there is still some more value out there in the free agent market, and I think Thompson could add some more depth and talent to the roster at a relatively low cost without losing too many compensatory picks.

As I mentioned last week, there are a few options on the defensive front. The defensive tackle market seems to be a tad soft for the second tier of players, with Dontari Poe and Johnathan Hankins still available. The emergence of Kenny Clark last season and the re-structuring of Letroy Guion’s contract indicate the Packers will undoubtedly stand pat, but I would still see if I could land one those players on a team-friendly deal if the market stays slow.

Another fit could be 30-year-old outside linebacker Connor Barwin, recently released from the Philadelphia Eagles. Thompson could sign him without losing a compensatory pick, and it would help add to the pass-rush depth lost with departures of Jones and Peppers. It is possible that Barwin could thrive in a limited pass-rushing role. Some articles have suggested that Barwin’s struggles were attributed to playing in the 4-3 defense and playing on his non-preferred side of the defense. Adding depth to the pass rush via free agency seems more important considering the draft focus could be centered around running back, cornerback and guard due to the recent losses.

Zach Brown also is a player the Packers should consider, as he would seemingly provide an instant upgrade at inside linebacker. The bargain of last year’s offseason, Brown earned his first pro-bowl berth with Buffalo by accumulating 149 tackles along with 4 sacks and an interception. He finds himself in a similar position as a free agent this year, and the Packers could be a fit. I am hopeful Jake Ryan and Blake Martinez can be future playmakers for the Packers, but it seems Brown would be a noticeable elevation at the position.

It does not appear there are any viable options currently on the market to fill the voids at running back, guard, and cornerback, unless Thompson would be willing to go after restricted free agents. This would add Bills running back Mike Gillislee to the intrigued list. Of course, Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler is a restricted free agent as well. The likelihood of Thompson parting with draft picks for players is slim to none, especially in giving up a first rounder in Butler’s case.

The available veterans list will continue to grow after the draft and during training camp, hopefully the Packers continue to be somewhat aggressive.  

 

 

 

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Comments (80)

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UmpireMark's picture

March 15, 2017 at 05:31 pm

The max comp picks we can gain next year is four. It's not a one for one draw. So we can continue to sign more free agents without jeopardizing those four. But who is the question.

Barwin won't impact any comp picks because he got cut by Philly.

I think that's accurate.

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slit's picture

March 15, 2017 at 05:27 pm

Sign Hankins (would love a starting DEF line Hankins, Clark, Daniels)
Sign Barwin or Levy at LB
Draft Watt in Rd1

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TKWorldWide's picture

March 15, 2017 at 05:33 pm

Any new corners?

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slit's picture

March 15, 2017 at 06:12 pm

Rds 2/3

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 15, 2017 at 05:47 pm

You might be able to swing one of those 3 guys. Hankins is looking for $7-8M per. Barwins looking for the same. A battered Levy might cost Ted $2.5-3M as a Wisconsin discount. Now lets look at next year, too. Cancel out next years cap boost with 2017 and 2018 rookies. You have a free agent cast consisting of Burnett, HHCD, and Davonte Adams, House, Guion, Elliott, Taylor, Allison in 2018 plus some I'm sure. How do you address that with minimal cap space? If you cut Cobb AND Matthews, you're on to something. Other than that there's a fat chance you can pull off Levy and Hankins, much less Barwin and Hankins.

On top of all this consider Aaron Rodgers' contract.

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dobber's picture

March 15, 2017 at 08:02 pm

Honestly, unless the market suddenly picks up, I don't see Barwin getting $7-8M given that he was cut from a contract where he was averaging a little over $6M. He might last longer on the market hoping to get that kind of deal, but I just don't see it.

I think the ARod contract stuff is being blown out of proportion...

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 15, 2017 at 09:22 pm

I do agree that it was blown out of proportion in the media. That said, he will be looking for a pay day if it's not addressed before his contract is up. I'm sure Thompson or Wolf will be having that discussion with him somewhere before than but Rodgers will be waiting until after Matt Ryan and Matt Stafford get paid.

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dobber's picture

March 15, 2017 at 10:36 pm

I'm not so sure that the Tom Brady comparisons that have persisted in recent years won't put pressure on ARod to take LESS money for the good of the team and in the name of winning titles....like Tom.

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 16, 2017 at 05:46 am

Maybe Tom sets the trend of franchise QBs not obtaining 15% of a teams cap. Seems to be working over in NE....we'll have a better idea when Stafford, Ryan and Brees all get re-ups.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

March 16, 2017 at 08:43 am

maybe we should win a couple of titles to have that leverage. Rodgers knows he is the only reason we have made NFC Championship game the two out of three years.

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slit's picture

March 15, 2017 at 08:34 pm

Guys rarely get what they're 'looking for', especially the non-elite, & I guarantee neither Hankins, nor Barwin, gets 7-8mil/yr. Regardless, aren't the Packers still 20-25 under the cap? A draft class takes up 5-6mil of that. Not to mention, contracts can be structured in a variety of ways to lessen the cap hit (look at Bennett). The 2018 FA class argument is laughable. Haha is a must, Burnett & Adams are also priorities, the rest of your list is composed of JAGs, that don't factor into future contract planning. You do realize that the cap will go up again next year as well. I haven't even touched on the fact that Matthews & Cobb will both, at minimum, be restructured next year, if not outright cut, in Matthew's case. The Packers are going to have a TON of cap room next off-season, assuming they don't offer a huge extension to #12.

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 16, 2017 at 05:42 am

Yes they're about 23M under the cap. If you take away 5M that puts them at 18M. You could structure the contracts favorably definitely, buy eventually it will catch up. I have a hunch Adams is gonna have a really good year this year and if that's the case he's gonna be expecting a fairly large pay day, about as much as Cobb and Nelson got paid, maybe more due to market and cap trends. Corey Linsley is a must as well.
I was hoping to restructure Cobb's and Matthews' contracts this year but I'm not sure I see that happening anymore. I also wouldn't have minded a trade of Cobb but these are just not typical Ted moves to cut, restructure, or trade. But I hope you're right, I've been pulling for this for a while. Also, if you cut Cobb then Allison immediately becomes a priority.
As for Barwin, if he were in our target price I think he would have made a deal with us by now, or at least shown mutual interest. He could be back, we'll see what happens.
Putting the media aside, Aaron is still gonna be looking to get his. And he's gonna expect to be the highest paid in the league, if not then damn close.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

March 16, 2017 at 05:02 am

Ryan Graham, My opinion, which means next to nothing, I think Adams has Huge Potential, but hasn't come close to showing it yet. He'd have to have 1 Hell of a year to merit what Nelson & Cobb got. Cobb in my opinion also got over paid, & I don't think he ever fully recovered from the Chest injury. I think he's History pretty soon. He's a Great Player Healthy, but I'm not sure that will ever happen again. I like Adams, but he has to show me more than an awful lot this year, to get a contract like Jordy. If he doesn't, I'd let him walk or trade him. Matthews has to regain my Trust as well. As far as I'm concerned, he needs to prove himself again, or he isn't any more than a $5 - Million Dollar Linebacker, if that? He hurt the team last year playing hurt. We can't have that again. I personally have lost confidence in both Cobb & Matthews. I really hope Adams steps up this year. In my mind, or what's left of it, he's more than capable of doing it. I'm not so sure about Matthews? I hope so.
LVT

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stockholder's picture

March 16, 2017 at 06:19 am

I wouldn't restructure anything. Mathews will prove himself this year. If your counting on Adams having a really good year,forget that. The TEs now are the biggest part of the offense. Unless Adams turns into Jennings, He will be gone next contract. ( If I were the Packers I'd want better hands. ) Adams can't return punts! The packers can't trade Cobb yet. Hyde left and he will be the guy on punt returns. Look for the packers to get a punt returner. And don't over look adoree Jackson USC. I believe the packers will take another WR early. Just because Adams will want sunshine and more money like most. The WRs need more speed. Davis hasn't made the jump, and TT can't be sure how much Nelson, and Cobb have it yet. The remaining guys such as Allison, Janis, etc. are only there until their contracts run out.

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CJ Bauckham's picture

March 16, 2017 at 10:07 am

My suspicion is that Davis will be their returner moving forward. Unless he completely implodes or something.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2017 at 10:17 am

I would argue that with Nelson moving into the slot more, and with Adams showing better, that there's really not that much reason to protect Cobb anymore. I think he's your primary punt returner.

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CJ Bauckham's picture

March 16, 2017 at 11:44 am

Fair point, could very well happen

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Tundraboy's picture

March 16, 2017 at 03:10 pm

Good point. Hope they also find someone in draft.

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marpag1's picture

March 15, 2017 at 05:54 pm

I wouldn't touch Levy. 30 years old this month, played in 6 games over the past two years with major hip and knee injuries, and has always played in a 4-3 scheme, too small for 3-4 OLB ... no thanks.

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 15, 2017 at 05:51 pm

No where near what he was years ago

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dobber's picture

March 15, 2017 at 06:08 pm

It's too bad. DeAndre Levy from 2014 was a beast. He could have been the chase 3-down ILB we'd been asking for (he'd certainly have to play on the inside in a 3-4).

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 16, 2017 at 04:53 am

@Dobber: arguably Barwin was a scheme cut, not a cap casualty so much. Not at all sure what his market is. I've been wondering if that is why it is taking some time for his to choose. Should be no lack of interest.

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Otto's picture

March 15, 2017 at 10:03 pm

Can someone explain the Connor Barwin love to me? 5 sacks 34 tackles last year. Seven seasons, two double digit sack seasons.

I'm being serious, by the way. I don't understand why a guy with such pedestrian numbers would be so hot in free agency.

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 15, 2017 at 10:34 pm

He'd be a nice outside backer addition in a 3-4. That's what he's accustomed to playing and the Eagles switched over to a 4-3 defense under Doug Pedersen. The year before I think he had like 70 or so tackles with 14 sacks? I don't remember exactly but it was significantly better. That and since he was cut by the eagles he wouldn't cost a comp pick against the Packers.

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dobber's picture

March 15, 2017 at 10:41 pm

Because he's there to be signed...

...and the Packers have cap space...

Most of us don't need much more rationale than that.

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slit's picture

March 15, 2017 at 10:52 pm

Have you seen the current depth chart at OLB?

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Tundraboy's picture

March 16, 2017 at 03:11 pm

If you can call it that.

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OrganLeroy's picture

March 16, 2017 at 07:44 pm

Barwin signed with the Rams and Ted won't be signing anyone. He'll draft and sign UDFA's to fill out the roster.

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Bearmeat's picture

March 15, 2017 at 05:36 pm

So many ways to upgrade the team. And TT sticks with what he knows once again. TT would have been a great director of college scouting The Peter Principal in full view for all to see.

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EdsLaces's picture

March 15, 2017 at 05:48 pm

We are so close...so freaking close! Everyone is freaking out and I feel that we are one solid contributor on defense away from being set up to have a killer draft and get us our ring. I want Barwin ...that's it. Get him Watt and a cb rb 2nd 3rd round and I say we are good to go!

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UmpireMark's picture

March 15, 2017 at 05:56 pm

I'm not so convinced we are "so close." The CB position was easy to groan about last year because it was so pathetic. But remember this is a defense that gives up yardage in chunks, fails to get off the field on 3rd downs and terrible tackling. All that and we haven't covered a TE very well and always struggle with RB in pass coverage.

IMHO We lack skilled defenders and playmakers, speed and (did I mention) playmakers. Not that close, I fear.

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marpag1's picture

March 15, 2017 at 06:00 pm

And despite that litany of horrors, they did make the NFC Championship game last year, if I recall...

How much difference would even just one, legit CB make?

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UmpireMark's picture

March 15, 2017 at 06:26 pm

@marpag1, I hear your rebuttal and acknowledge that fact, as well. However, how many regular games and playoff wins did we get because we outscored the other team, by the grace of having an MVP QB and talented offense? When we weren't fortunate to score big, we usually got beat (except for Houston in the snow globe).

To answer your question, a shutdown corner would be huge, provided we sustained an effective pass rush and showed we could stop the run.

Just my opinion, however.

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dobber's picture

March 15, 2017 at 08:03 pm

All valid ways to win a game...

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croatpackfan's picture

March 16, 2017 at 05:05 am

Oh, you forgot that during first 10 games problem was offense, not defense! Or you have mind as gold fish (remembering just last 10 minutes!)? Packers D fell of the cliff because of many injuries, not because lack of talent!

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Tundraboy's picture

March 16, 2017 at 03:14 pm

Julio tossing people aside reflects a lack of talent.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 16, 2017 at 05:42 am

I can make both arguments: we are really close, or that we are not very close. I don't know enough to make a really positive statement either way. So much depends on some of our young players taking a step up or rebounding. Coaches have a better idea, but even they won't really know until OTAs or better, TC.

DL: looks a bit thin until Guion returns, then it looks pretty decent. Could be good if Clark adds some juice and Lowry develops.

ILB: Looks a little thin, but serviceable. Internal improvement from at least Martinez is possible.

OLB: Looks a darn thin. Lost 1025 snaps, 9 sacks, 26 pressures, with the departure of Peppers and Jones. I think CM3 is probably a red minus guy. Perry is a solid red to red plus. If they can ever both stay healthy, that is. I like Fackrell, don't think much of Elliott and whatever his issues are. Real thin here.

CB: I liked Randall and Rollins. Figure one of them on average will rebound with solid play. House should be serviceable as a #2 CB. Gunter is like Samkon Gado; everybody likes him but he really isn't very good. Hawkins and Dorleant look great in shorts, no idea what they look like on a football field. Dorleant is injured; both looked interesting during preseason.

S: Starters are strong. Brice looks intriguing but has coverage issues. Evans looks good in shorts.

Offense: RG might be on the team already, or not. HB back-up isn't on the roster. WRs and TEs are okay. QB is great. We should score points.

Some of these positions probably will obtain assistance through the draft, possibly with a premium pick. One or two might get help from another FA. Offense should score enough, probably more than enough. D could be ghastly, good enough to win with, or even help us win. It is tough to see a really good D, though.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:27 am

I like your Samkon Gado analogy for Gunter. Serviceable when needed, but not the player you really want to have to rely on.

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akeemthedream's picture

March 15, 2017 at 06:27 pm

If I never hear the words "Barwin" or "Watt" ever again, I will be a happy man.

Everyone please stop.

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 16, 2017 at 05:39 am

Ya know....you don't have to read these posts.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:29 am

Everyone at the Bar-wins a 100 Watt lightbulb.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

March 15, 2017 at 07:32 pm

Our starting corners and the linebackers are probably already on the roster or are about to be drafted. I could see some more acquisitions post draft but we need to look at replacing some of next years departures. We are not in WIN NOW at all costs yet.

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dobber's picture

March 15, 2017 at 08:09 pm

Now that Revis has been cleared, a one-year deal that gives him an opportunity to get back on the market at 31 after a shot at re-establishing himself while also limiting the Packers commitment doesn't sound half bad. I understand the negative sentiment, but beggars can't be choosers in the Packers case, and they need to be willing to consider an option like this.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

March 15, 2017 at 08:51 pm

Revis is, at best, now a safety that can occasionally play corner. Burnett already checks all these boxes. No need.

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NickPerry's picture

March 16, 2017 at 06:42 am

He's not interested in playing Safety so I doubt he'd sign with a team who wants him there. Revis has made something like $126 million in his career so far (UNREAL) so maybe he'd come to GB for a year. But if he's looking for a payday next year GB would be doubtful just because the defense looks pretty bad right now on paper. No pass rush outside of Perry and maybe Matthews? CB's aren't running to GB.

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Since'61's picture

March 16, 2017 at 07:10 am

FYI Nick - actually the New York sports talk is all about Revis wanting to move to safety to extend his career. He was interviewed by Mike Francesca on WFAN NYC about 10 days ago and Mike specifically asked Revis about playing safety and Revis said that he is ready to make the switch and that he thinks that would be best for him at this point in his career, so yes, Revis is interested in playing safety. He realizes that he will not make the same money as a CB but he is OK with that. He is just looking to extend his career at this point. Believe if I thought Revis could still be an effective corner I would want him big time in GB. But time and injuries have taken their toll on him and he is not the player, at least at CB, that he once was. He's one of the best corners of all time but he has lost at least a step over the last 2-3 seasons. If he could still play corner some one would have snatched him up already. Thanks, Since '61

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NickPerry's picture

March 16, 2017 at 11:20 am

I stand corrected thanks Since '61. I thought I had read somewhere Revis wanted to stay at CB but not certain. Thanks for the comment...Good stuff

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Point-Packer's picture

March 15, 2017 at 08:45 pm

Priority #1 at this point should be locking in Rodgers till he's 40. Nothing else matters. Only reason GB can win the SB every year is due to #12. Pay the man. Lock him in now.

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NitschkeFan's picture

March 15, 2017 at 09:19 pm

I'd have to disagree, partially. No doubt Rodgers is the main reason the team has been to the playoffs 8 seasons in a row. (I shudder to think what happens when he retires. I remember the 70's and 80's with only bright memories of John Brockington and Mac Lane pounding "3 yards and a cloud of dust"). Teams lose 20 years waiting for their next franchise QB.

But for now, there is time, plenty of time. Rodgers has a contract and this is the NFL. He can get pissed and sit out I guess but that seems unlikely. I would not spend more cap space on him until next year (goodbye to CMIII and Cobb big bucks).

Use this year's remaining space to upgrade OLB (Barwin) if possible and hopefully someone else out there for DL/OL/RB depth. Some leftover dollars can plan to pay Burnett and/or Adams and/or Linsley?.

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stockholder's picture

March 15, 2017 at 08:55 pm

No TTs right. This team over achieved! ( If you look at how many times they were beat early on. ) There were only bright spots. You can't spend money if they don't show signs of dominance. You want Mathews cut, Cobb cut, and want make Adams all-pro now. (? marks) Complain about the secondary! Capers ! MM! When we lost to Atlanta it showed the truth. Come back to earth people. This team needs to recharge it's batteries. And TT now has to fill needs. We have stars but they can burn out. This draft has to bring in youth that can mature, and be difference makers. It's just talk until we see the right stuff on the field.

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Handsback's picture

March 15, 2017 at 08:58 pm

Good grief, the Packers were in the final 4 playing a DT at the guard spot because they had run out of healthy bodies. If and that's a big IF they could stay healthy, I bet the Pack's CBs are a lot better next year and everyone will be saying we have to get rid of House because we need the Cap space and have plenty of good CBs. I think, and it’s just my opinion, that TT wants to push his OLBs to see who will step up and prove to be a legitimate pass rusher. He can't do it if he gets Barwin. So I think that's why he won't sign him or any other LB to the roster.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 16, 2017 at 06:25 am

That sounds good, but is a pointless detail that has absolutely nothing to do with causation. GB had lost the game long before the DT had to replace the OG.

He's not going to sign Barwin so he can push his OLBs and see which ones are legitimate pass rushers? If he doesn't sign an OLB, should he forego drafting one too? If Barwin would get in the way of determining what we've got at OLB, wouldn't the draft pick get in the way as well, particularly if it is a #1 or #2? Does this make sense? I suppose you might suggest that one OLB won't get in the way, but 2 would, so he doesn't sign Barwin but does draft an OLB. Thin, imo.

TT wants to see which of his CBs can cover, so he's not going to bring in a FA CB or draft one? Same for RG? Same for RB?

I'll be absolutely amazed if TT doesn't draft a CB and OLB high, probably in rounds 1 through 3. He might think the RG is on the roster. If TT does not provide an infusion of talent at OLB, CB, RB, he's got to go.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:32 am

"I think, and it’s just my opinion, that TT wants to push his OLBs to see who will step up and prove to be a legitimate pass rusher. He can't do it if he gets Barwin. "

Yes, but this defense might not get enough stops to win games without another legitimate OLB. That gets in the way of player development, too.

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defense's picture

March 15, 2017 at 09:00 pm

Does anyone also think we need better inside linebackers? I don't think they will move Clay Matthews back inside, and I don't trust Joe Thomas / Blake Martinez. Unfortunately, This year's​ draft isn't deep on the position. I can see TT drafting a OLB and a CB, but for me, ILB is still a need, and I hope TT can fix it.

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dobber's picture

March 15, 2017 at 10:47 pm

ILB was not the reason they lost to Atlanta in January, and was not the reason the defense struggled.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 16, 2017 at 06:29 am

Agree, DPF and Dobber. If there is an ILB TT likes when he is up during the 4th or 5th round, or later for that matter, I can see that. In the first, well depends on who else is there. Reddick is a possibility (I haven't looked at him much though.)

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Tundraboy's picture

March 16, 2017 at 03:28 pm

Agreed. Another Daniel's will do wonders and have a ripple effect on D. That's what I'm hoping for along with a couple of RBs so we don't have a disaster like last year.

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defense's picture

March 16, 2017 at 11:28 am

I hope you guys are right. It is a matter of opinion here so I won't get deep into this.. I'm OK with Jake Ryan, I think he is a good run defender, and has the tools to develop in other areas. I think Blake Martinez is a bit slow for NFL and is not the answer in the long term, if he gets faster I can hope he becomes a good 3 down player, we shall see. Joe Thomas is just ok, I think he could be a smarter player but that's it. He reminds me of Brad Jones, had a OK year in 2013 but never became a good and trustable player. That's what I think it will happen with Joe Thomas, but for God's sake let's hope not. The packers always seems to be 2 or 3 players away from a good defense. Next year is the same, we fix one position and another position we had thought was good becomes weak. I hope this is year is different, I hope this is the year!!

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defense's picture

March 15, 2017 at 09:01 pm

Does anyone also think we need better inside linebackers? I don't think they will move Clay Matthews back inside, and I don't trust Joe Thomas / Blake Martinez. Unfortunately, This year's​ draft isn't deep in the position. I can see TT drafting a OLB and a CB, but for me, ILB is still a need, and I hope TT can fix it.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 15, 2017 at 10:09 pm

No, I think our ILBs are the best we've had in years. Thomas plays the pass better than any ILB I remember Green Bay having in the past 40 years. Martinez and Ryan are the kind of smart players who blossom in their third years; I think they will be very good this year. I'm not overly concerned about OLB either; frankly, what we really need is another dominating defensive lineman. I'm sure we'll see a CB high as well.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 15, 2017 at 10:02 pm

I'm mildly concerned at the effect of losing so many contributing veterans, but I think our starting line-ups will be fine, and our back-ups will be young. I don't know who will start in Lang's place, but we still have two great OTs, a solid guard, and a great center. Nelson/Adams/Cobb and Bennett is a great set of receivers. Montgomery and Ripkowski is a very good set of RBs. On defense, I expect Daniels, Clark and Lowry to be a very solid line, and the Martinez/Ryan/Thomas set is the best ILBs we've had in years. If Matthews recovers, he and Perry are a very good set of OLBs, and Fackrell and Ellott have decent potential if Matthews can't return to his Pro-Bowl form. I think C-Dix and Barnett and Brice are a very good trio. Finally, the CBs should absolutely be better than last year. Oh yeah, and RODGERS.

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MarkinMadison's picture

March 16, 2017 at 08:17 am

I agree that ILB has been a weak spot for a long time. To me, it feels like TT has always felt like he could just get by with anybody at the position. I do think that CM3 should be forced into the middle. Physically ( hammies) and mentally (Getting sucked in) I think he presents problems at OLB. I also think if TT can find an edge rusher in the draft at the end of the 1st it is a position where a rookie can make an impact.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:36 am

CMIII has a tendency at OLB to run himself out of as many plays as he makes. He's a freakish athlete with a solid motor. His PFF grades at ILB as I recall weren't great (can someone trot those out for us) but he doesn't necessarily play a true ILB. Add the chronic soft tissue injury problems and moving to a "roamer" type position just makes sense...just not when the cap hit is $12M.

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GB Jacker's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:04 am

I understand the Butler thing but people seem to ignore the fact that a first round pick can be a steal - you can get a premium player on a not so lucrative contract if you pick wisely - and for 5 years. In terms of the balance of your roster and where money and talent lies, well selected rookies are invaluable.

That's what helped push us over the top in 2010 with Raji and Matthews playing well above their rookie pay.

Just need less Datone Jones, Sherrod types and more instant impact players

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Finwiz's picture

March 16, 2017 at 12:06 pm

@ GB Jacker....Picking where the are, I think it's more likely TT will end up with another Datone, Sherrod or Harrell than another CM3. No consistent track record of picking stars down that low.

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Allan Murphy's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:27 am

More speed on D is what Packers need ........

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GLM's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:34 am

How much would it cost to sign Jahri Evans? A solid guard would be a good addition, especially a proven pro bowler.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:38 am

If the draft is as strong at positions where the Packers have need (CB and OLB) we can anticipate that there will be cuts as teams draft, got to OTAs and are enamored with their kids, and feel good enough that they no longer see the need to keep veterans at some positions. There will be some opportunities yet.

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croatpackfan's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:49 am

Exactly!

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 16, 2017 at 11:06 am

Patience patience patience is key.

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Packman60's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:54 am

Ted loves signing free agents who won't count against his compensatory draft picks. Barwin could probably be had for a reasonable price to supplement the pass rush. Levy could be signed to a low cost incentive based contract to see if he could upgrade our inside linebacker Group and Jared Odrick, who is also available as he was cut by his former team could enable the Packers to cut Guion, who has shown he can't be depended on and how will miss 4 games due to suspension and likely be ineffective for a few more while he shakes the rust off, all without impacting their ability to max out their compensatory draft picks. None of these signings would break the bank, but could upgrade positions on the defense.

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Chris Scoggins's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:54 am

Morris Claiborne and Darius Butler are both still unsigned. Both would be upgrades over R&R, both seem to have found the market softer than they want. Butler is 31 and likely on the downslope of his career but Claiborne is only 27. Either one of the would give the Packers the luxury of grooming youngsters into starters while providing a pretty high floor.

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Point-Packer's picture

March 16, 2017 at 11:41 am

Patriots added five starters. Packers added one starter, a guy who got cut from Jacksonville and a Sconnie who is whatever. Belichick gives Brady talent. TT gives Rodgers mediocrity. If I were #12, I'd be pissed off as all hell if this is the end of GB free agent signings. GB got worse, only addressed the TE position, which was supposed to be the easy one!

10-6. Loss in the divisional round. Again.

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Finwiz's picture

March 16, 2017 at 12:01 pm

Point Packer - you have a way of cutting through all the BS, and getting to the point. I don't disagree with your post at all, and it reads as a sobering dose of reality. Now I'm frustrated again. They're going to waste 12's remaining 4-5 potentially dominant years, I fear. I don't see how a competent management group, starting with Mark Murphy, can allow this to happen. I mean hell, at least spend your available cap money. Doesn't this seem obvious?

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JRome Coaxum's picture

March 16, 2017 at 02:59 pm

I swear it almost like TT receives a bonus for unused Salary Cap... We need to come together as fans and a publicly held team and demand action.

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WKUPackFan's picture

March 20, 2017 at 12:50 pm

You geniuses do realize that there is a salary floor also? I'd explain how it works but you'd never understand it. The point is that the opinion that TT is somehow putting profit over team spending is not only wrong, it's impossible.

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stormin's picture

March 16, 2017 at 11:45 am

Thompson always looks like such a DICK !

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JacFrost's picture

March 16, 2017 at 01:21 pm

Read a lot of these post and I dont thing Ted has any plans ever to spend big money in FA. I mean you got 48 M or even more than that with all the guys who left and you get some corners, ilb pass rushers in FA and fill other voids with the draft and win a super bowl, what the point? Isnt it much better to pocket that number to make sure the team doesnt go under. Were not talking deep pocketed owners like Ford, Kraft, Jones.
Were talking a publicly held company. No more super bowls for you.

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JRome Coaxum's picture

March 16, 2017 at 02:57 pm

TT problem is he really over evaluates the talent on this team. He is always 2 yrs too late. Here it is 3 or 4 yrs later and the ILB still is mediocre. Maybe he has faith in Martinez and I do think Martinez will turn out to be ok. But he is a depth player. Good God would it hurt to pickup Zach Brown a ILB with 4.4 speed who had more Interceptions than all of our CBs last yr. Brown has the speed that we have been missing that every team covets from the middle LB position now a days. TT is too stuck in his old ways. Thinkin these 4.6, 4.7 speed guys cut it. This is 2017. Not 1980. Players are faster TT. Wake Up. Brown is not a expensive pickup. A player like Brown next to Ryan and maybe even Odrick at DE, with a good draft could put the D over the top. It almost seems as if TT despises picking up other teams former early picks. Like he wants to prove ppl wrong. His Ego has cost us greatly.

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Mags's picture

March 16, 2017 at 09:02 pm

Couldn't agree more.

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