Packers Quiet on First Day of Free Agency
The Green Bay Packers were quiet on the first official day of free agency - something that was not a shock to Packers fans.
By pointerjeff
As a surprise to no one the Green Bay Packers were quiet on the free agent front on the first day of the league’s new year. Perhaps they were active behind the scenes, but I doubt that too.
The hot rumor from Tuesday was the Packers interest in former Bears running back Matt Forte. Forte found a new home early but it was not with the Packers. The New York Jets stepped up with a two year deal signing the 30 year old two-time pro bowler to replace Chris Ivory who left the Jets for a big-dollar offer from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Honestly was there really a shot Forte would land with the Packers? Probably not.
Packers’ general manager Ted Thompson wasn’t sitting by the telephone waiting to make deals either. It was fitting that he spent most of the day attending the Wisconsin Badgers Pro Day evaluating talent that might come his way in the NFL draft.
Where many clubs threw money around haphazardly none of the Packers free agents were signed on the day one. That might change shortly however as Casey Hayward is one of the most attractive free agent corners available and B.J. Raji – a big man who clogs the middle – could also be sought-after in the first wave of free agency.
There is one rumor which might still have legs. The Bears and TE Martellus Bennett seem to be on a fast track to divorce court. The Bears are said to be shopping Bennett in hopes of getting something in return for the soon to be 29 year old. Bennett was slowed by injuries last season but still hauled in 53 passes for 439 yards and three touchdowns in eleven games. Coming off a productive 2014 campaign Bennett in which he was voted to the Pro Bowl team Bennett sought a raise and extension but with a new general manager and head coach that didn't happen. Bennett has one year left on his contract and a trade seems a remote possibility at this point. If Bennett were to be released he would fit the mold of a veteran free agent that Ted Thompson might consider. He still has a few good years left if healthy, has good hands and is a willing blocker. TE is definitely a need postion going into the 2016 season. The icing on the cake is that as a veteran released from his contract he would not impact compensatory picks if he were to be signed by the Packers. Stay tuned.
It is a most wait-and-see scenario for the Green Bay Packers – something Packers fans are used to under the direction of general manager Ted Thompson.
Comments (103)
Tundraboy
March 10, 2016 at 07:30 am
No surprises. Lot of players going just for the money. And lots of Owners overpaying it seems. Fleener to NO? Forte to Jets?
D.D.Driver
March 10, 2016 at 08:03 am
I never understood the Forte enthusiasm. A 30-year old RB. Very doubtful that he will be much of a differencemaker.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 09:31 am
Forte still plays the position better than at least 20 of the other 31 starting RBs in the league.
D.D.Driver
March 10, 2016 at 09:41 am
For how long? It's not a really a slow decline for running backs. The wheels fall off overnight.
He missed a three games with injury and has a just okay 4 yard/carry average over the last two season. I'm not saying he is a bad player, but he's not worthy of the amount chub fans were sprouting last month.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 09:56 am
Anyone who uses "Chub" in a post gets a thumbs up from me.
I think Forte falls exactly into the kind of category the Packers front office goes out for. He's a top tier talent, still has something to offer, high caliber character, great locker room guy, with a respect for the game and work ethic that younger players can learn from and look up to. Pickett, Woodson, Peppers, Saturday (even if Jeff didn't end up having anything left in the tank.. You can't project them all correctly).
I believe the Packers also look at these opportunities to bridge the gap between players moving on and younger guys coming up.
Didn't work out with Forte, obviously, but I was thinking about the Packers possibly picking him up this year before the start of last season.
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 05:27 pm
They said the same about JP in Chicago when they cut him. How did that work out? The guy has played Pro Bowl caliber football for 2 seasons. Lol
D.D.Driver
March 11, 2016 at 06:25 am
Running backs are a whole other animal. Pretty sure running backs have the shortest career of any position. Pretty sure its not even close.
KenEllis
March 10, 2016 at 09:31 am
Packers were not quiet on the first day of free agency.
They retained free agents Lane Taylor, Chris Banjo, and Justin Perillo.
Anyone expecting the Pack to add an inside linebacker or tight end (say a Travathan or a Green) just has not been paying attention to how the Packers operate under TT.
L
March 10, 2016 at 11:00 am
I was definitely in the L.Green wishful thinking group and I admit I was disappointed that there wasn't any news about the Pack even showing any interest, but I wouldn't really say I was expecting to see the Packers sign him and the reason why is exactly because of Ted's history.
Razer
March 10, 2016 at 06:45 am
I can't stand paying too much for anything so I am glad that we didn't get caught in this tornado.
Got to wonder why our FA didn't garner any first day action. Maybe we have a lot of average talent.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 09:34 am
Got to wonder if maybe the Packers' better-than-average talent gets locked up before ever sniffing free agency.
Gotta further wonder if the Packers are often more enabled to lock up their better-than-average talent before they get to free agency because prudent and careful cap management provides them the financial wherewithall to do so.
Just throwing it out there.
Razer
March 10, 2016 at 11:07 am
The guys that hit FA: Neal, Perry, Raji, Haywood, Quarless, Richardson, etc. must therefore constitute 'average'.
Also, not sure how locking up Barclay or Perillo or even Banjo can really be defended as anything beyond average in this league.
Hey, I am all for the Packer's draft and develop approach and our responsible cap management. I just can't be sold on the idea that any of these Packer FAs are anything more than average. I am thinking that the league thinks the same.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 04:23 pm
Locking up Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang, Mason Crosby, Mike Daniels, etc and so forth, can easily be described as locking up better than average talent. All the years they renegotiated and extended guys like Driver, Woodson, Pickett, Colllins, etc, falls into the same category.
Not allowing your good players to get to FA isn't limited to just the players you sign in the final hour before FA opens. It's a year around, non stop process. It's about having key players that want to be here, that you want to keep here, agreeing to contracts that keep them here, and extending and resigning/renegotiating those contracts continually to keep it that way.
Ideally, you never want to see great packers talent who are still in their prime years enter free agency. That's how ideal team management would transpire.
I hope you are continually under inspired by talent in FA talent being let to test the waters by the Packers.
For what it's worth, I tend to believe that Raji, Haywood, Neal and Perry could all find places where they can compete for starting reps around the league, or at the least, be meaningful contributors.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 06:53 am
I posted this in another spot but this is true.
Per Jason Wilde:
'Per @ESPNStatsInfo, 10 of 15 teams ranked in top 3 in FA guaranteed spending since '11 did not improve win total. Only 2 of 15 made playoffs'
'Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Win % of teams spending most FA gtd money since 2011:
1. Dolphins .438
2. Colts .538
3. Buccaneers .287
4. Jaguars .238'
'Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Win % of tms spending least FA gtd money since '11:
29. Cowboys .500
30. Bengals .656
31. Packers .706
32. Steelers .613'
I appreciate the way the Packers go about Free agency for the most part. I like the fact that they are able to lock up their best free agents each year and don't have to worry about losing a Mike Daniels or other top players.
That being said, I would like to see them look to add some players that can help them and not have to solely rely on the draft to help the team.
Just an example of a move that would make sense and would help the team out. A player that has been brought up is Jared Cook. If they brought him in, he would be an upgrade over any TE behind Rodgers, and that is the biggest thing they need. He would compliment Rodgers really well.
L
March 10, 2016 at 11:07 am
I'm on board with either a late signing of J.Cook or J.Cumberland if they're not getting much interest from the other NFL teams; perhaps wait till after the draft as the team will better know if they need to add competition there. These two guys bring an element of speed to the TE position that unless the Draft or undrafted free agency address then we won't have on our team. I'd like to see the training camp battle include at least one, if not more, speedy seam stretching-type of TE. Not to mention, I believe both of these guys have been released from their former teams, so no draft pick compensation issues.
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 05:37 pm
Stretch the seam with your best pass catchers...which are WR's. There are plenty to be had. Unless you have a generational talent at the TE position, you will be better served to use big fast receivers to create mismatches and dictate to the defense with your offensive packages. It's not the 90's or early 2000's. The TE position has changed dramatically and there is no difference maker at TE in this draft class IMO. Receiver class isn't much better this year after round 1 or 2.
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 05:32 pm
Cook has discipline, focus, and consistency issues. He's essentially a slightly older more stable version than Colt Lyerla. Lol. Martellus Bennet is twice the TE Cook is, just saying;)
RCPackerFan
March 11, 2016 at 06:13 am
I would prefer Bennett if he is available.
Cook was just and example.
NickPerry
March 10, 2016 at 06:54 am
The Steelers signed Ladarius Green to a 4 years for $20 million, to me one of the best signings in Free Agency. Green would have been a difference maker in Green Bay, hell any TE who can break a tackle or average more than 8.8. YPC would be a differnce maker.
The Steelers are built almost exactly like the Packers, through the draft. The big difference is the Steelers actually will dip into Free Agency when a player is injured or retires. Thompson prefers to wait for years at a time until several other areas become problems.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 06:56 am
Yeah, I agree with Green. I was actually surprised they got him for that price. I was thinking he was going to sign for more. More like what Fleener signed for in New Orleans. Steelers offense is going to be very tough.
NickPerry
March 10, 2016 at 07:07 am
I was shocked too RC, $20 Million??? The guy ran a 4.47 40, his slowest time was 4.56 and he's a half inch short of 6' 6", are you kidding me?? That might be the only signing the Steelers make but it addressed a need after Miller retired. 2013 since Finley and we're STILL waiting.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 07:18 am
'2013 since Finley and we're STILL waiting.'
To expand on your point. Our offense really hasn't been the same since we lost Finley. McCarthy is still trying to use Rodgers how he used Finely and they aren't close to the same type of player.
Also we still haven't had an ILB that is as good as Desmond Bishop since he has left.
The 2 positions that Thompson really has to do something with is ILB and TE.
I like the way Thompson goes about building the team. They don't have to go spend $60+ mil on a free agent player. That being said going out and getting a guy like Green for that money would have made so much sense and would have helped the team out immediately.
Evan
March 10, 2016 at 07:37 am
"Our offense really hasn't been the same since we lost Finley."
Wasn't the offense among the all-time greats in 2014?
D.D.Driver
March 10, 2016 at 08:00 am
Also, Finley was hurt the year the Packers won the SB.
NickPerry
March 10, 2016 at 08:38 am
That was 2011 I think Evan, that was one prolific offense but no running game. 2014 was damn good. RC has a point, the Packers were exposed big time last year. They have a bunch of 6 foot receivers that run in the 4.5's and 4.6's. They couldn't get off jams and had no one to stretch the field to open up the middle of the field and those underneath routes. What happens if Jordy Nelson isn't the same Jordy (Completely Realistic) in 2016? It could be much of what we saw in 2015 again.
The TE position is just like the ILB position. It OBVIOUS to everybody in the world yet Thompson acts as though he has Ray Lewis and Gronk on his roster.
Tundraboy
March 11, 2016 at 04:58 pm
My thoughts exactly. Need starting TE and another big WR because at the very least it's going to take 5 to 6 games for Jordy and TT to regain form. Hope I'm wrong, but let's be realistic. As for ILB don't get me started. Weak in middle on D as well as O for a long timetime.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 08:34 am
The offense in 2014 was good, very good. But not all time great. It was a very balanced offense.
Basically what I mean by it wasn't the same since they lost Finley, is they lost a presence inside that other teams feared. Finley's presence created mismatches, and helped spread the field with more 1 on 1 looks for the WR's.
In McCarthy's offense he likes to use the TE's all over the place. He likes to split them out wide. With a guy like Finley it created matchup problems for defenses. When Rodgers gets split out, there isn't any fear because he isn't fast enough.
The Packers offense lacks that type of player in the offense.
Evan
March 10, 2016 at 09:13 am
I said "among" all-time great. While 2014 wasn't as great as 2011, it was still #19 all-time in points scored. 4,000 yard passer, MVP, two 1,000 yard receivers, 1,000 yard rusher. I'd say that's more than "very good."
That said, yes, while they've been able to produce without a Finley-type TE to stretch the middle of the field, that component is missing from the offense. Adding it would only open up everything else and make them that much more explosive.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 09:23 am
Yeah, I can't argue with that.
This year though really showed with Nelson out, and the other WR's injured, that they really miss a presence like Finley in the offense.
Getting our preferred starting 4 WR's back, and a committed Lacy should get our offense back on track.
That being said, what if there are more injuries to the WR position? If they had that 1 extra player to go over the middle, it would take a lot of pressure off the WR's.
The biggest thing for me is how McCarthy tends to use his TE's. It feels like he is trying to use Rodgers the same way he used Finley. If they were able to get a Finley like player back into the offense, it would make it that much more dangerous.
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 05:44 pm
There is no reason that you can't stretch the seam with your slot receiver. I will bet plenty that he's considerably faster and quicker than RR. There is more than one way to skin a cat. I'm sure GB has a plan. Unless Bennet becomes available, I predict that they will address the middle of the field with WR, not necessarily TE.
Irish_Cheesehead
March 10, 2016 at 07:28 am
The Green signing is what stood out to me also. That was the guy I was hoping we would sign. Jets overpaid for Forte.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 07:34 am
I haven't seen the numbers for Forte. What did he sign for?
Irish_Cheesehead
March 10, 2016 at 10:20 am
ESPN’s Ed Werder tweeted that Forte is expected to make $2 million less per season than what Ivory got from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Reports indicate Ivory received in the neighborhood of five years and $32.5 million — or $6.5 million per season — from the Jags.
calabasa
March 10, 2016 at 10:36 am
Forte- 12 mil, 8 guaranteed
lou
March 10, 2016 at 10:58 am
I think Forte is a Marcus Allen clone but with the number of carries he has to date he can go south real fast and $12M is really over reaching, we can get a solid contribution as always from Starks for about $3M over 2 seasons. Just heard Trey Wingo give these stats, 133 players were selected to the Pro Bowl last year (high # because of those that declined) only 6 were players that changed teams the year before - THINK ABOUT THAT. Then I read an overview of top players left in free agency on Bleacher Report and the top paid free agent from 3 years ago, Mike Wallace is said to be "a cheap 3rd or 4th receiver". Let's not put the sights on Thompson until this thing wraps up, agreed they need upgrades at both TE and ILB/OLB but the biggest immediate need is a veteran backup Tackle, Bulaga is solid but an injury waiting to happen, and Bahk is coming free after the season. There has to be a solid veteran backup at a reasonable cost - Ted has to make that deal.
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 08:33 pm
3 years, 12 million, 8 million guaranteed, 4 million dollars worth of escalators. Quite reasonable IMO. Peppers deal was 4 years, 32 million!
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 05:46 pm
3 years, 12 mil with 8 guaranteed?! Huh? The guy has been the best all around back in the NFL for almost a decade! That's peanuts for a player like Forte'. I love JP but look how much he's going to make this season.
Tundraboy
March 10, 2016 at 07:37 am
NP. Agree. Makes you wonder if they even tried to sign Green. And if they did they could have gone higher to try to. We waited too long to begin with with Finley and then look what happened.
NickPerry
March 10, 2016 at 08:23 am
Tundra,
Ted was at the UW Pro Day so I'd be willing to bet everything Green wasn't even spoke too by the Packers. Not that Ted doesn't have others in place, just doesn't seem like he was even considered.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 10, 2016 at 09:27 am
Ladarius Green sustained 2 concussions in September of 2015 and another in December of 2014, after which he missed the last 3 games of the season. Some people I know considered him a hard pass due to the concussions. He caught 37 passes on 63 targets (58.7%) for an 11.3 yard average in 13 games. His blocking is said to be solid (see link - I don't have an opinion of my own on his blocking). Green had 665 snaps while Antonio Gates played 496.
Still, 4 yrs, $20 million including a $4.75 million signing bonus (the only guaranteed money I've seen so far) and his 4.56 forty at the combine makes him tempting even with the concussions.
http://247sports.com/Bolt/Steelers-want-TE-Ladarius-Green-for-his-catchi...
NickPerry
March 10, 2016 at 05:31 pm
TRG...That was actually his highest timed 40, at the combine. This is kinda like that other 40 time we were talking about a few months ago (Who was that, Adams?? This is one of the sites I always go to for Draft Info...
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=82809&draftyear=...
Green caught 19 balls on 23 targets for 203 yards and 2 TD's the first four games when Gates was suspended. Seems to do pretty well when he's the 1st option and like you said, not much money, especially for a Day one signing and not much else on the market. All things to consider.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 09:30 am
even though he was at the UW Pro Day, most of these deals likely were done the 2 previous days.
Perhaps they did call a lot of these players and the players had no interest in coming to GB. Perhaps they contacted them and found out the asking price was to much. We don't know about that stuff that happens behind the closed doors.
calabasa
March 10, 2016 at 10:36 am
yeah- and I bet TT has a cell phone.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 10, 2016 at 08:22 pm
Good point, Nick, about Green´s first 4 games. I did not know that. Have to admit that at only $4.75 million guaranteed, I probably would have signed Green, assuming he was open to coming to GB.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 09:40 am
The ironic thing is, according to the numbers posted by RC just one minute before you posted yours, the Steelers are the ONLY team in football spending LESS than the Packers in Free Agency since 2011...
So there's that.
John R
March 11, 2016 at 04:55 am
Actually RC made several posts around the same time so I'm not sure what your point was. Maybe both read this too...
http://espn.go.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/28495/where-was-pack...
So there's that
dobber
March 10, 2016 at 09:58 am
It could be scheme, but despite his gifts Ladarius Green was not a difference-maker in a pass-happy offense that couldn't keep its WR healthy in SD. He averaged less than 20 catches per season and has a history of head injury.
Maybe he blossoms in Pittsburgh with Roethlisberger, but Rivers is also an upper-echelon QB and SD is an offense that throws to its TEs. He hasn't been playing with a lousy QB, so to assume that playing with ARod would turn him into a stud seems short-sighted. There's a reason he wasn't catching 50 passes per season, and it wasn't QB play. Point to Gates playing ahead of him if you like, but SD had stretches last season where they were signing receivers off the street to play...and Green wasn't productive.
Glad the Packers didn't bite on his physical stats...
Littlejim51
March 10, 2016 at 07:01 am
No pay first day seems to be the motto for TT &GB
A veteran OT,Bennett of the Bears and an ILB( preferably Brandon Marshall:Broncos for a second rd. Pick)
Evan
March 10, 2016 at 07:06 am
No idea if he's truly a difference maker, but I have to say, the Danny Trevathan deal seems awfully reasonable.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 07:10 am
Honestly. To me 2 of the better deals was Travathan and Ladarius Green. Neither broke the bank for them.
I thought for sure Travathan would have signed for more.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 10, 2016 at 09:41 am
Agreed, moreover the contract is very team friendly. 4 yrs., $24 million, ($6.125 AAV) $5 million signing bonus, $12 million guaranteed. BUT, $6.25 million of the guaranteed money is paid in 2016, year 1, and another $3.25 million of guaranteed money is paid in year 2 (2017 season). He can be cut after two years with "just" $2.5 million dead money. The contract is one worthy of TT himself. Cap # of $6.3 mill, $3.3 mill (for 2017 when we are perhaps trying to resign our OL), $7.1 mill and $7.6 million.
Oh, well. Let's see what TT does.
http://overthecap.com/player/danny-trevathan/13
Since'61
March 10, 2016 at 09:58 am
RC and Reynoldo - there is no excuse for TT not signing either Green or Travathan based on the deals they actually signed for. The Packers could and should have made both of those deals and immediately improve the team. The two biggest needs this team has could have been filled with improved players who could start on day one. Then use the draft for OL and DL depth, an OLB, WR, RB and future ILB. Very disappointing and IMO irresponsible by TT. Thanks, Since '61
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 10:20 am
Once I got offered a job in Detroit that pays nearly double what I earned here in WI, but I turned it down.. Because I couldn't even fathom having to live in Detroit. Keep in mind, I wasn't making a lot of money at the time- making that much more money would have truly impacted my life in MEANINGFUL ways. Still, I did not take the offer.
The current job I hold was selected from a slew of options. It was not the highest paying option I had, but it wasn't the lowest, either. It simply was a better fit for me for a number of reasons- location and proximity to friends and family, connections I already had within the organization, facilities, familiarity, culture and outlook all played rolls.
I was offered positions from many employers. I accepted the one that was best for me in ways that were defined by more than paycheck.
It would be inaccurate to assume I wasn't offered a job by another company for similar or greater money by other employers simply because I did not take those positions.
I have never understood how fans and sports media alike assume it is any different with professional athletes and their prospective employers.
Unless the players or the organizations talk about specific offers, we simply have no idea what went down between the various parties and why the decisions that were made were made.
Since'61
March 10, 2016 at 01:34 pm
Oppy - I understand what you are saying and I've made similar choices and decided to start my own company, over 30 years ago. However, in the case of the Packers if they were in discussions with Green or Travathan (which I doubt) they didn't get a deal done which means the Packers didn't measure on some level other than money because the contracts they signed were team friendly. My point is that the Steelers had a need at TE and they got it done. We're still working on it for 3 seasons now. Same with ILB. Carpe Diem por Tempus Fugit. Thanks, Since '61
Thegreatreynoldo
March 10, 2016 at 01:39 pm
This is spot on, Oppy. Travathan supposedly wanted to play for Fox down in Chicago. Never read anything about Green such external factors. Plus, we don't know whether TT made an offer to Travathan, Green or Forte, or whether the offer was competitive.
NickPerry
March 10, 2016 at 05:40 pm
Best comment of the day, Thanks Since '61. What's more disappointing is people have come to accept it.
Jezzz, I hope in another 5 years we're still not talking about that SB 45 victory and consecutive playoff appearances, I mean that WAS 5 years ago.
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 05:51 pm
You can add Forte' to that list. Very reasonable 3 year deal. SMH. It's so frustrating:(
Handsback
March 10, 2016 at 07:35 am
Wait a minute.....does any of this really surprise anyone?
Handsback
March 10, 2016 at 07:36 am
Wait a minute.....does any of this really surprise anyone?
NickPerry
March 10, 2016 at 08:25 am
LOL...Nope, but one still holds out hope obvious positions of need for the past several years would actually be resolved. How foolish of me!!!
croatpackfan
March 10, 2016 at 07:44 am
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/nfl-scouts-evaluate-packers-free-...
Nice overview regarding Packers FA value on the market. It looks like many scouts are on the same page with Ted Thompson!
Evan
March 10, 2016 at 08:05 am
I wonder which scout said that Hundley didn't show anything.
croatpackfan
March 10, 2016 at 11:26 am
I did not write that every word is right, but in general...
Evan
March 10, 2016 at 11:32 am
Oh, not saying you were endorsing that comment at all.
Just a curious statement. Of course Hundley didn't take a snap all season, but he was objectively impressive in the pre-season.
jeremyjjbrown
March 10, 2016 at 08:24 am
The only suprise to me is that the Badgers run their Pro day on the first day od Free Agency.
I hope Ted like what he saw in Joe Schobert.
John R
March 11, 2016 at 05:00 am
Hopefully
egbertsouse
March 10, 2016 at 08:53 am
Although it's fun to think about all the cool FA's out there and how they'd help GB we all know that Tightwad Ted isn't going to sign them. After a month he'll pick up some bargain bin guys at or near vets' minimum like he always does. Same old, same old....
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 09:45 am
Success really does lose its luster after a decade or so.
Packers should probably just break form to keep it lively.
DrealynWilliams
March 10, 2016 at 12:11 pm
I'm in Houston and when I found out how much the GM for the Texans paid for Osweiler.....smh
My appreciation for TT grew.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 09:26 am
Sorry but that's insane.
My question based off of that. If Hundley has a more impressive summer then he had last year, what will his trade value be like?
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 09:47 am
Can't use Brock #'s to forecast a guy like Hundley.
Brock has a string of real, honest-to-god NFL starts under his belt.
Something the Packers never want Hundley to have while he's with the organization.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 10:14 am
Not apples to apples, but look at what teams are willing to give up for a QB. Look at what Flynn got essentially after 1 epic start.
If Hundley shows he has taken a step this summer, I think teams will be calling about him.
I would not be surprised (if he continues to improve) that before his rookie contract is up he is traded for a high draft pick.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 10:29 am
Yeah, I'd expect the Packers would love to trade him. That's what you want when you have a 5 star starting QB- you want to acquire great young QB talent in the draft and "catch and release' them for draft picks right up until you need one of them to take over for your retiring 5-star QB.
Flynn is a great example of why smart teams will be cautious of selling the farm for a QB who doesn't have a decent amount of full NFL games, in succession, to draw conclusions about.
Barring Hundley being absolutely stunning through two more preseasons and/or playing at a high level in place of an injured Aaron Rodgers for a number of games during the regular season, I can't see a team wanting to trade anything higher than a late 3rd pick for a guy like Hundley. They'd probably prefer to wait out his rookie contract and offer him meager money and a chance to compete for a starting role.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 11:02 am
'Flynn is a great example of why smart teams will be cautious of selling the farm for a QB who doesn't have a decent amount of full NFL games, in succession, to draw conclusions about.'
Did you see what the Texans just gave Brock? Brock has 7 career starts. In the 7 games he started this last year for the Super Bowl Champions, he completed 61% of this throws. An average of 7.0 yards per attempt, 10 TD's 6 Int's.
Brock's contract will pay him more then Tom Brady over the coarse of the next 2 years. And in the next 3 years more then Aaron Rodgers.
I think teams being smart went out the window.
I'm just projecting Hundley continuing to get better. We don't know if he will or not. But if he does I just wonder what the Packers would be able to get in trade.
Evan
March 10, 2016 at 11:10 am
I sure hope we never find out. If Hundley has 7 starts before his rookie contact expires, we're totally screwed.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 11:25 am
I'm not even really talking about him playing in the regular season. More just about what he does in the preseason.
But yeah. i agree...
DrealynWilliams
March 10, 2016 at 12:20 pm
Even if he does demand great value why would the Pack give him up?
Rodgers isn't young, he isn't the statue Peyton Manning was and since he scrambles and likes to hold on to the ball he's likely going to get dinged up. He also doesn't "surrender" to avoid the inevitable sack.
Now, I know a backup QB hasn't been the reason for our recent failures, but I don't think now is the time to gamble with the situation.
RCPackerFan
March 10, 2016 at 12:36 pm
If they got a kings ransom for him, It would be hard not to trade him.
That is kind of the whole point of this. What would they get for him? With the way teams are going crazy signing QB's, what would they give up for one.
This would likely be 2 years from now. I wouldn't trade him before his final year for sure.
DrealynWilliams
March 10, 2016 at 01:49 pm
I thought you were saying if he shows something worth trading for between now and next season the Pack should go through with it.
RCPackerFan
March 11, 2016 at 06:16 am
No, I meant before his rookie contract is up.
If someone comes in offering 2 first round draft picks for him in next years draft. would you take it?
DrealynWilliams
March 12, 2016 at 01:20 pm
Next year? Sure. This year? No way.
And I might even change my mind depending on how he looks this upcoming Training Camp and Pre-Season.
This team still goes as far as the Offense takes them. I think we really have something damn good in Hundley and if MM/TT feel the same they shouldn't be so quick to ship him off -- no matter the price. If we were lead by our Defense then this would be a much easier decision. We could afford to just "get by" on Offense.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 04:40 pm
The money was stupid for Brock, but he's a bird in the hand to Hundley's bird in the bush.
What I mean is, at least they KNOW what they're getting to work with in BO. They saw him actually playing live reps during the regular season for seven games. A unexperienced back up QB with no real in-season experience is a complete shot in the dark to some extent.
Probably less of a shot in the dark than drafting one, I'll give you that. But how good would Hundley have to look in preseason exhibition to become a better choice to spend your high pick on than a talented draft prospect who is three years younger and can be acquired for the same draft pick, plus a 2-4 year rookie contract?
Icebowler
March 10, 2016 at 04:05 pm
Loved that fishing analogy.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 04:44 pm
Lol, I had to scroll up and find who's comment you were referring to, and then figure out what you meant. Completely unintentional, by the way.
I'll have to be more careful about my forecasting and 'reals'
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 05:58 pm
That's an assumption. I can't recall a rookie QB for the Packers playing better in preseason than Hundley. I'll say this now, he will be considerably better than Kapperknick and that guy started for what, 4 seasons? Heck, Rodgers wasn't very good when he backed up Favre. This whole trade bait notion is premature and speculation about Hundley. Give the kid some time to develop a bit for gods sake.
Bearmeat
March 10, 2016 at 09:45 am
All of this will be fixed if TT grabs Bennett and an ILB. Hoping...
Since'61
March 10, 2016 at 10:00 am
Bearmeat, yes we still have a shot at Bennett but he won't sign as friendly a deal as Green did with the Steelers. Thanks, Since '61
dobber
March 10, 2016 at 10:08 am
If Bennett iis released from his contract, his affordability essentially improves over most of these guys who signed yesterday simply because you aren't losing ground in compensatory picks. The tradeability of compensatory picks starting next year will make them even MORE valuable, not less, and stymie free agency even more.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 10:32 am
I did not know that Comp. Picks were going to be up for trading come next season. That's a big deal.
Icebowler
March 10, 2016 at 04:17 pm
Which means that TT will be even less likely to delve into Free Agency in the future.
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 04:46 pm
And it could also mean that TT has more currency in the draft as well.
Irish_Cheesehead
March 10, 2016 at 10:28 am
Hey, we resigned Lane Taylor and Chris Banjo! Get excited!
calabasa
March 10, 2016 at 10:39 am
Day 1 on free agency for Packer fans is like Christmas morning for Scrooge's kids.
packsmack
March 10, 2016 at 10:54 am
For the zillionth time, free agents have to WANT to come to your team. Most pro athletes with millions of dollars are going to give the freezing-ass tiny village a hard pass. Even if we offer a little more money. For all we know, Ladarius Green (who just left sunny San Diego) simply said no thanks to freezing his ass off with no big city within 3 hours for 8 months a year. And yes, the Packers have a great QB and are almost guaranteed to contend, but these dudes think they can win anywhere, because they all believe THEY are that missing piece. That, or they see it as a business and don't give a flying f!%@ about W-L records.
Also, I don't want Bennett. He's a headcase that's never been on a winning team. Nope all day.
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 06:05 pm
He's outspoken. There is a difference. He's a very good complete TE. Stop with the labels. He hadn't been in trouble with the law and hasn't been suspended. He would immediately upgrade this offense and is probably the only TE in FA that remains that could. Big, fast, strong, can get open, and has good hands. Who cares if he says stupid crap on Twitter? Lol
packsmack
March 10, 2016 at 06:41 pm
First, he's not actually a free agent yet. Second, I never said he did anything illegal. But he's a bad locker room guy who's been in a lot of bad locker rooms. I'd rather not take another team's cancer.
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 08:44 pm
Please provide evidence that he's a " locker room cancer", I ll wait. "Bad locker room guy", says who? I live in Chicago. I've not heard any such thing and I know guys on the team. Perhaps he's tired of playing for a crappy team with Cutler...who by the way is the ultimate locker room cancer. Your characterization is irresponsible without providing evidence to support your allegations.
packsmack
March 10, 2016 at 10:25 pm
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-martellus-bennett...
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-01-30/sports/0901290951_1_skin-c...
Just a couple of examples. And he's never been a winner. He even has admitted he had a bad attitude in Dallas.
holmesmd
March 11, 2016 at 12:13 pm
Thanks for the links. It sounds to me like he's an intense young man who missed his family during camp and got into a scuffle with another player? That happens all over the league! It's a very stressful time both physically & mentally for players. He appears to be introspective and offer a reasonable explanation and apologized. It's an intense league and it happens. He's still a relatively young man who is maturing. He's improved his conditioning and loves his family so much that missing them during camp stressed the guy out. He seems passionate about winning and was critical of his own shortcomings. I don't know man, that sounds like a guy I would be fine to play with!? Also, GB has one of the most unified locker rooms in the NFL. He wouldn't be allowed to negatively impact it at all. I don't understand the whole "winner" concept either. If we were talking about a QB I would get it but he's a TE. There are plenty of good TE's in the league who haven't played on a "winner"( however you are defining that). He's a significant talent and I actually think he has an interesting & intense personality. As he continues to mature and settle down as all young players do, he could be a very good player for the Packers! Keep in mind that success also has a way of calming guys down who are frustrated by losing. If he gets released, GB would be shortsighted not to give him a serious look.
packsmack
March 11, 2016 at 12:43 pm
I just personally don't want him and think there's something to the fact that he's played with 3 pretty good QBs without playing in the playoffs very much and has had 3 solid head coaches that soured on him. Although I will say that most reports say his teammates loved him in New York and want him back.
He's been on 1 team that had a record better than 9-7 in his career. That was the 2009 Cowboys. I get what you're saying about players being driven by being on a winning team, I just think that some guys are on perennial losers for a reason, especially if they have played for multiple teams.
If TT likes him, I'm all for it, but I don't think he'll touch him if Garrett, Coughlin, and Fox (and their front offices) are all willing to part with him.
D Ernesto
March 10, 2016 at 02:49 pm
I think the reason tight ass Ted resigns a lot of his players because no one else wants them and its embarassment
Oppy
March 10, 2016 at 04:49 pm
I'm not sure which gut reaction to go with,
STFU>FOHWTS
or
SMHYHGTBFKMLOL
dfarmer
March 11, 2016 at 08:18 am
still a TT believer but Trevathian not coming here and going to bears really sucks...
No one has mentioned Denver possibly being interested in trading with us for Tolzein..??????