Projected Contracts for Notable Free Agents at Key Positions
The NFL free agency period isn't too far off, so let's take a look at some projected contracts for notable free agents at positions of need for the Green Bay Packers.
By Paul_Bretl
After missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, we saw the Green Bay Packers bounce-back in a big way in 2019 with a 13-3 record and just one game away from a trip to the Super Bowl. While there are always a number of factors that play into a team's success, a large contributor to Green Bay's quick turn around was their offseason acquisitions via free agency last Spring.
However as good as last season was, we saw in the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco that there is still work to be done if the Packers hope to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown.
As we begin to look ahead to the NFL draft and free agency, much like Green Bay did last offseason, hitting on their early round draft picks will provide a big boost and they'll also have to venture into free agency once again. Although this time around they don't have the same spending power that they did a year ago.
Depending on where you look, cap calculations can differ as Spotrac has Green Bay with $21.99 million in available cap space for 2020, while Over The Cap has them at $23.70 million. But with both figues being in the same ballpark, you get the idea. Now, an important note is that the Packers can free up an additional $12 million by cutting Jimmy Graham and cutting or trading Lane Taylor this offseason. And at this point, those are two moves that I expect them to make in order to provide more financial flexibility.
When it comes to what positions Green Bay must address this offseason, wide receiver and inside linebacker certainly fall into that category and I'd also add finding help along the interior defensive line, as well as addressing the tackle position. Especially considering that Bryan Bulaga isn't under contract and they don't have a viable option on the roster at the moment. Two other positions that could also benefit from some new additions include tight end and even cornerback where there is currently a lack of depth.
While we would all love the Green Bay Packers to make four big free agent signings each offseason, that just isn't realistic and of course, team needs and price are two of the determining factors in the moves that are made. So with some help from our friends over at Spotrac where they give contract predictions for notable free agents, let's take a look at a few players from the Packers' positions of need.
Also keep in mind that unfortunately, not all players were available.
Wide Receiver
A.J. Green: 2 years - $18.25 million
Emmanuel Sanders: 2 years - $20.04 million
Amari Cooper: 5 years - $98.59 million
Robby Anderson: 4 years - $48.15 million
Seth Roberts: 2 years - $14.23 million
Just as we saw during the trade deadline, the price for top wide receivers is pretty high at the moment and as much as Green Bay needs to add another weapon to this offense, it's fair to wonder if these price tags will keep them away. The good news is that this draft class is loaded at the receiver position and the Packers should be able to add an impact player or even two if they choose to go that route. However, that doesn't mean free agency is completely off the table either, but instead of these names, maybe it is an ascending player like Breshad Perriman that they choose to target.
Inside Linebacker
Patrick Onwuasor: 4 years - $19.29 million
Blake Martinez: 5 years - $81.79 million
For one, I really wish there were more projections at this position and two, I find it hard to belive that Blake Martinez is going to pull in over $16 million on average per year. Given that after Isaiah Simmons, Kenneth Murray, and Patrick Queen, the talent at ILB in the draft really drops off, it wouldn't surprise me if Green Bay's big signing this offseason is at this position. Some other names to watch are Cory Littleton who could earn over $12 million per year, Joe Schobert who will likely earn more than $10 million per year, and Nick Kwiatkoski.
Defensive Tackle
Jordan Phillips: 3 years - $18.57 million
Michael Pierce: 2 years - $9.51 million
Shelby Harris: 3 years - $37.02 million
Danny Shelton: 3 years - $14.31 million
Zach Kerr: 2 years - $8.14 million
Javon Hargrave: 5 years - $73.64 million
D.J. Reader: 5 years - $59.73 million
As we all saw in the NFC Championship game, and for much of the season, Kenny Clark needs help inside. And while addressing ILB will certainly help, finding another interior defensive lineman to add to the mix with Clark and Dean Lowry will go a long ways towards improving the run defense. One player on this list who has caught my eye is Michael Pierce whose primary job in Baltimore was to eat up blocks and stop the run. Which is just what the Packers need and his average annual salary projection of just over $4 million isn't going to break the bank either.
Tackle
Bryan Bulaga: 3 years - $30.45 million
Jack Conklin: 6 years - 90.16 million
If you've read my work here at Cheesehead TV you know that I am all for bringing back Bryan Bulaga and at an average of $10 million per year, I think that's reasonable given how good he has been at right tackle for the Packers. Now instead, they could decide to let him walk and spend a high draft pick on the position while signing someone like Jared Veldheer to a one year deal for a few million dollars as a stop gap. But with a position as important as tackle, that's a dangerous game to be playing.
Tight End
Greg Olsen: 2 years - $10.50 million
Eric Ebron: 4 years - $29.91 million
Hunter Henry: 4 years - $35.63 million
Darren Fells: 1 year - $4.39 million
Austin Hooper: 5 years - $49.92 million
I firmly believe that the future of the tight end position in Green Bay is in good hands with Jace Sternberger. However, given that 2020 will only be his second season, I certainly think there is value in bringing in a veteran to play along side of him. Especially considering how difficult the transition is for tight ends from college to the pros. So if the Packers do decide to bring in a new tight end, I see that player being like a Darren Fells or a Marcedes Lewis - veterans who won't take up much cap space. On the flip side, Green Bay does need more weapons and adding Austin Hooper for example, is one way to solve that problem.
Cornerback
Chris Harris: 3 years - $33.28 million
Trae Waynes: 3 years - $25.25 million
Mackensie Alexander: 3 years - $25.20 million
The Green Bay Packers have a great core at this position with Jaire Alexander and Kevin King, but they are in need of some experienced depth on this roster. So once again, I don't think this is a position where they will spend big money but re-signing Tramon Williams or adding Eli Apple or Brian Poole who are all coming off of modest contracts is the way that I see them handling this situation if they choose to address it in free agency.
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
Comments (54)
Cheesey51
February 06, 2020 at 06:40 am
Picking ascending free agent players worked for the packers in 2019. That why I like the DL , michael pierce, the run stuffer from the Ravens.Corey Littleton is worth paying over Blake Martinez and with the Rams strapped for cap cash, it's a possibility to match him with a Murray or Queen from this years draft.
What you see is what you get with Brian Bulaga, which is a good thing. Drafting his replacement this year and resigning insurance in Jared V for two years insures a replacement short term in the event either OT goes down.
Lphill
February 06, 2020 at 06:47 am
I think Pierce and Kwitakowski would fit nicely in the defense, draft another inside backer , Give Bulaga a reasonable offer and draft his replacement , Sternberger is the future I think he breaks out this coming season , free agent receivers don’t impress me but don’t forget the kid from Canada Begelton might be a surprise.
stockholder
February 06, 2020 at 06:56 am
Wow, Money, Money, Money! Pierce would be my choice. Drafting a Wr better. And what do you see in Queen? He's fast but No Roquan Smith. I don't agree the talent drops off at ILB. Give me Evan Weaver, He's an Old School ILB. Even Jordyn Brooks.In the 3rd. And the Bargain will be Quarterman. Lots of good choices over paying a guy that will never get better. Gute's success has been FA. Pay Defense!
jannesbjornson
February 06, 2020 at 10:44 am
Weaver is solid. Krys Barnes from UCLA looks like another Burks. I would go to the strength of this draft for OT and WRs early. It wouldn't hurt to try to secure TWO, fair-value D linemen from the free agency pool, or pick up a guy in the fourth. You look at the top-ranked college defenses from 2019 and the top D guys are coming from these schools.
NickPerry
February 06, 2020 at 07:00 am
Everything I've saw is AJ Green going to New England IF the Bengals don't keep him which I find sorta amusing...They don't get EVERY veteran FA people! The thought of a healthy AJ Green and Davante Adams in this offense is pretty exciting. But will he stay healthy? That's a big gamble with limited cap space.
I watched a lot of Breshad Perriman down the stretch last season simply because I had Mike Evens on my fantasy team so I picked up Perriman. The dude REALLY balled out when given the chance. If he continued to produce like he did at the end of last season he could really be a interesting addition. This dude is biggish and can FLY. With the man who helped draft him in Baltimore now in GB front office maybe we'd have a leg up?
The more I've thought about it the move I like the idea of adding someone like Hooper or Hunter Henry at TE. I think Sternberger is going to turn out to be a really good TE but will it be by next season. I'd LOVE to see Mercedes "Big Dog" Lewis back in GB for one more season. That dude can still really block and if Bulaga isn't resigned is it more pressing to resign him?
Hell I'm all over the place but that's what I love about Brian Gutekunst and Free Agency. I at least KNOW Gute is exploring every option to improve this team. After years of literally DREADING the FA period because Thompson did absolutely squat, I at least know Gute will be in the mix to make this a SB team.
OH hell yes to Michael Pierce!!!
mattgsx
February 06, 2020 at 09:07 am
I don't see Lewis and Bulaga being directly related as the TE/FB should be doing more blocking downfield or just off the line in the run and screen game. If he doesn't come back than Vitale has a lot of pressure to show he can live up to his hype from last off-season. Fullbacks are basically TE/H-Back hybrids in today's offense when they're used. Letting Jared Cook walk is looking worse and worse considering he is still performing at a high level, and could be that veteran bridge now.
More speed at ILB would be good, but I think a big immovable DE would do enough to eat up blocks and put less pressure on the ILB/SS in the run game. Gary might be big for a traditional ILB but I'd love to see him get on the field at the same time as the Smith's. He's a plus athlete and can play the run.
jannesbjornson
February 06, 2020 at 10:47 am
Sternberger should see at minimum 50 catches next season. Use him.
dobber
February 07, 2020 at 09:16 am
Maybe: the TE position next season should see 80+ catches. The Packers will probably carry 4 TEs next season and will play 12 personnel a lot. Utilize the TE. Make it a position teams need to actively account for. I don't care who catches passes.
Guam
February 06, 2020 at 08:37 am
Working backwards from a starting point of $35 million in cap space, the Packers will need about $7 million to sign their new draft class and they usually keep another $7 million in reserve for in-season emergency moves (that may change with the prospect of an uncapped year during contract negotiations). That leaves the Packers with $21 million in disposable cap space for free agency. Russ Ball's contracts normally spend about 80% of the AAV number in the first year (i.e. Bulaga's $10 million AAV would likely work out to $8 million in cap space used in 2020). If you sign Bulaga for $10 million, Schobert for $10 million and Pierce for $5, that is $25 million times 80% or $20 million in cap space in 2020 versus the $21 million available.
If the Packers sign Hooper or any of the top WRs, they will not be able to sign either Bulaga or an ILB and might be able to squeeze Pierce in but it gets pretty tight. Given the strength of the draft is in WR and OT and not ILB, I don't see the Packers signing a FA WR; I think they have to sign a veteran ILB; and they have an interesting choice with Bulaga (Bulaga versus Hooper).
dobber
February 06, 2020 at 08:39 am
I'll point out that even though they beat the 9ers, there are plenty of Ravens on this list and their defense gave up over 6 ypc to San Fran, too.
Packman60
February 06, 2020 at 09:08 am
I agree with Lphill I think they need to upgrade their run defense and Kiwitakoski and Pierce would be two value signings. They need to re-sign Bulaga and then draft a wideouts and grab an ILB in the 1st couple rounds and then obtain depth for TE, OT, RB and add a 2nd wideout in rounds 3-7.Gute needs to work his magic again in 2020 or I fear we will regress from 13-3 due to playing a 1st place schedule and likely experiencing more injuries in 2020.
CAG123
February 06, 2020 at 10:41 am
I’m in on Pierce because even though he doesn’t offer much in the pass rush department he gives the Packers exactly what they need in run support, he can handle double teams and he’s extremely strong at the point of attack. Kwiatkoski on the other hand is essentially Martinez but better against the run so they would still need that 3 down LB. It’s kind of crazy how all these guys were in the same draft class and round (Schobert,Blake,Kwiatkoski) hell Deion Jones was in this draft and TT slipped right by him to get Jason Spriggs smh that guy really couldn't get this position right he has a good track record with WR and Olinemen but linebackers were his Achilles heel.
Also he’s not on this list but keep an eye out for Sammy Watkins he could be a cap casualty with his big cap hit and the Chiefs being loaded with other weapons on rookie contracts. Remember the Packers were in bidding for him and Allen Robinson.
Point-Packer
February 06, 2020 at 10:26 am
Thinking that the future of the TE position" is in good hands with Jace Sternberger" is classic Green and Gold glasses gobbly gook. Jace Sternberger has done next to nothing, yet he is being crowned as the individual who will solidify the TE position in GB? OK....Sounds a great deal like Aaron Nagler's garbage take regarding the Packer's WR acumen (or lack thereof) in 2019. "They just need to play". Lets see what 2020 looks like for Mr. Sternberger before crowning him as the next Mark Chmura.
I heard similar things regarding Montravius Adams and Dean Lowry being critical to solidifying the interior D-line, despite doing next to nothing to receive that crown. How did that turn out in 2019?
Blake Martinez solidifying the ILB position in GB, despite being consistently overrated due to his tackles 5+ yards downfield #s. How did that work out in 2019?
I'd love to see GB go back to the days when it had two solid receiving TEs. I think JS can be one of them, but I would love to see GB bring in a solid vet to solidify the position in 2020.
jannesbjornson
February 06, 2020 at 10:56 am
Some of your critique makes sense, but Sternberger will produce. Transitioned to TE from WR at Texas A&M. All-SEC, playing against top defenses, not whatsamatta U.
Slim11
February 06, 2020 at 02:41 pm
I am also concerned about Sternberger’s readiness for 2020.
His performance at TX A&M was notable, but it was only one season. His previous season was in JUCO and his numbers weren’t too impressive.
I hope Sternberger IS able to become a productive TE but need to see some more from him to be confident he is part of the solution. Bringing Mercedes Lewis back is logical. Graham, on the other hand, has to go.
dobber
February 07, 2020 at 09:22 am
I would not be surprised Sternberger and Lewis are the only TE holdovers next year. I suspect they'll sign a ST/4th TE either in FA or as a UDFA and draft a dual-purpose guy. Maybe Tonyan makes it back, but I think he's utterly replaceable at this point.
I think it was very important that Sternberger was activated from IR and active over the latter parts of the season. He needed reps. The fact that he was better than advertised at this early stage as a blocker means that he's got a leg up getting on the field in 12 personnel packages.
Stroh
February 10, 2020 at 10:08 am
Tonyan is the TE that transitioned fro playing WR to being a TE for the Packers. Sternberger was a TE in Jr Co and also at TX A&M.
CoachDino
February 06, 2020 at 07:50 pm
I don't see it so much as crowned but as he was picked for a reason and 2020 is the year for him to start to produce. Hope he does, has shown signs of it though he hasn't done anything yet. Problem is you cant fill all the holes at once so 2nd year 3rd pick is expected to produce. Your right it hasn't in the recent past. Wish Burks and Addams would have, we could be looking at other positions instead of IDL and ILB. That said many draft picks don't work out - kinda how it goes. I do agree 2 solid TE's. Jace is known as more of a rec than inline but has improved. This offense is supposed to have 2 inline TE's. If ML doesn't resign maybe we find a mauler in the draft that becomes the outlet guy while Jace is your seam guy. 2 TE will do wonders for the run game - sets up the PA Pass and slows down the rush. That helps everyone be better.
Leatherhead
February 06, 2020 at 09:34 pm
How did that work in 2019? We went 14-4 and were in the NFL Championship game. We were 6-0 in the division.
I'm curious about the math behind this "5+ yards downfield " stuff. Teams averaged 4.7 yards per rushing attempt against us. If the guy who is making the biggest chunk of tackles is doing it over 5 yards downfield then how do we get that average?
And I'd like to go back to the day when we had two solid blocking TEs. Lewis is one. Sternberger is more of a receiver. It'd be nice if we could add one guy that can do both.
JonathanSpader
February 07, 2020 at 09:05 am
We didn't see much of Jace but when he finally got on the field he looked like a willing blocker. I don't think he'll ever be elite due to his lack of strength amd athleticism in general. Jace has the lowest RAS of any player Gute has drafted 5. He's a longstrider with good hands.
Robert Tonyan had a bigger frame and would be more likely to be a blocking TE. In am ideal world I'd like to see Hunter Henry signed because he can do both. I just don't think it'll be financially possible.
dobber
February 07, 2020 at 09:30 am
So far, BG has put his FA eggs in the baskets of players who have relatively clean injury histories. Graham might be the primary exception, but he's held up. I think Hunter Henry's track record of injury will keep BG away...
dobber
February 07, 2020 at 10:00 am
"I'm curious about the math behind this "5+ yards downfield " stuff. Teams averaged 4.7 yards per rushing attempt against us. If the guy who is making the biggest chunk of tackles is doing it over 5 yards downfield then how do we get that average?"
It's one thing to say that he's making tackles 5+ yds downfield because he's getting fooled or taking extra steps. Some claim it's because he gets beat at the point of attack: guys who get beat at the point of attack are rarely the guys to make the tackle, even 10 yards downfield.
I'll say right up front that I'm not a huge fan of his, nor am I a big detractor. People have bought into the narrative that Martinez just "isn't that good" without being able to articulate what that means. He's been knocked over the years for not being a playmaker. He's been knocked for not being fast enough. He's been knocked for not being a 250 pound bowling ball. Yes: he's the kind of player that you watch, and then you watch a Luke Kuechly or a Bobby Wagner and say, "those guys do X or Y better than Martinez does". He's mostly knocked for what he's not.
He's good enough to stay on the field for virtually 100% of the defensive snaps. The full gamut from obvious run to obvious pass plays. I've seen calls for 2-down run-stuiffers. You can fill dumpsters with those guys as UDFAs. Who's playing passing downs? If you can't draft or sign that stud 3-down, fast, good-in-coverage, sure-tackling ILB--and there sure as shit isn't going to be one in FA--you're either going to sign a Martinez-like guy (e.g. Schobert...who will cost every bit as much as Martinez) or you're going to likely need TWO situational players to replace Martinez to cover their deficiencies...which creates a whole different set of problems. Littleton is not the answer: unless you put a wall in front of him on the DL, he'll get targeted in the run game and people will be wondering why the Packers ever let Martinez go.
The issue we're dealing with is what Martinez is worth. We've all seen some of the estimates for how pricey he'll be in FA. Why are those numbers so high? Because he's smart, he doesn't miss time (availability is crucially important), he plays within himself, and he makes virtually all the routine plays. He's the ILB version of Adrian Amos, and if he was playing behind SF's or CHI's defensive front where his liabilities would be harder to exploit, he'd have Pro Bowl potential. That's not the front he or his replacement(s) will be playing behind in GB, even if they sign a fireplug DT.
In the end, for good or for ill it looks like Martinez is done in GB. There are a lot of people who will assume that anyone they plug into that spot will automatically be better. Unless they hit the jackpot in the draft or some hidden player on the roster steps up, people need to temper their enthusiasm for the replacement.
Stroh
February 10, 2020 at 09:46 am
Nothing I can even add to this Dobber! Great work. Absolutely spot on!! And its not even taking into account, unless I missed it, the leadership and the playcalling duties, which no one ever considers but is critical.
Not a big fan of Martinez, he has his strengths and his warts, but you don't know what you got until its gone and IMO Martinez would be missed for a year or 2.
SterlingSharpe
February 06, 2020 at 10:37 am
Perriman had a chance to be a STAR. Right away.
What's his projection for $$?
I know WR talent.
Add him. And draft 1.
With Lazard, that's 4 talented ones. Plus allows time for EQ or MVS to blossom yet....
ILB & DL still an issue. Need a lot of new beef on the DLine.
Cubbygold
February 06, 2020 at 10:47 am
GB is pretty limited, just a few moves available.
I'm curious to watch what Buffalo does. $80M in cap space for a playoff team that doesn't lose any key pieces... Where can i place a bet?
stockholder
February 06, 2020 at 11:41 am
If we draft Queen or Murray it would be a mistake. Murray has trouble getting off blocks. Queen has speed and was part-Time./////////// In 2012 TT tried to fix his teams defense. Trade History TT s 2012 plan: Perry #1 Next: #52- for #59 & 4th R#123// Worthy. Eagles — //#62- for #90 R3 and #163 R5./// Hayward CB Then Back to GB #163 R5- FOR #197 R6 and R7. #224/// Terrel Manning ILb./// What happened to Perry,Worthy,Hayward, Manning.??? The best LB that can get off Blocks is Dye, w/Speed. The best Starter isn't a Perry or Worthy. They weren't game changers. It's WR! So when planning your draft, Look what TT did in 2012. That was a defensive Draft. And Look at The Fa's today. Taking defense was TTs 2012 plan. Wolfs plan was Defensive Free Agents. Gute must continue to build this defense in Free Agency. And Draft the game Changes on Offense.
CAG123
February 06, 2020 at 12:01 pm
I don’t think you can apply something that happened 8 years ago for a team that was completely different. A guy like Sammy Watkins could become available and be better than any WR the Packers will draft. A FA haul of Pierce, Kwiatkoski and Watkins would be exactly what the Packers need giving them flexibility in the draft.
stockholder
February 06, 2020 at 12:39 pm
I'm not asking for an All-pro team. I'm suggesting that Defense wins championships. Buy what you need to get there. Arron Rodgers can make Wrs really good. Yes Watkins could, but for how long? John Jefferson wasn't around to long , so I have to wonder.
JonathanSpader
February 07, 2020 at 09:10 am
If Defense wins Championships why did KC beat SF in the SB? Because you're mentality comes from 2012. The NFL wants high scoring games because it lures in the casual fans. The rules have shifted to benefit the offense and protect the QB. GB improved dramatically on defense in 2019. We need to invest in the offense and still fill gaps on the defense for 2020. Tough task.
dobber
February 07, 2020 at 01:15 pm
You can argue that KC won because, when SF started to roll on a couple drives like they did against the Packers, the defense was able to counter-punch to keep them from doing it repeatedly.
You can also argue that KC had just enough on defense to give their offense a chance to catch up and to make Jimmy Garoppolo play a role in that game that he didn't have to against the Packers.
Leatherhead
February 06, 2020 at 11:51 am
On the TE position: If you want to run multiple TE sets, you need multiple TEs. Sternberger and Lewis would be a nice start, but signing a guy who could block AND catch a couple of passes a game would really improve that unit.
On WR: Run more, pass less. Last year, Adams got targeted 10 times a game, on average. The bulk of snaps at the #2 spot were shared by Allison, Lazard, and MSV who were targeted 163 times in 16 games...an average of about 10. RB and TE get about 12 targets.. We threw 573 passes...about 36/game and we should try to bring that number down a little.
On the vast majority of our offensive plays, that #2 WR is either a blocker or a decoy. We have Lazard, MSV, ESB (all big people). I think it makes little sense to spend premium resources adding to that unit. IMO, we get much more bang for the buck if we add a quality TE and short yardage pile pusher to the backfield.
On ILB: Our defense improved quite a bit from the previous season. It would make sense to keep our defensive leader, the guy who gets the defense setup, a Stanford-smart guy who never misses games, and who is our leading tackler. And his best football is probably ahead of him because he’s only 25.
As a pass defender, he surrendered about 4 completions per game for about 9 yards each. He allowed one TD all season. I know many of the self-appointed cognoscenti think Martinez is easily replaced, but I’m going to disagree with that.
Duneslick
February 06, 2020 at 12:40 pm
To me Martinez is average at best. It's not his ability but how much his contract will handcuff the team not only this year but for many years after. You can get another inside LB with the same for less or spend the same amount of money for a better one. His production does not even
come close to matching his projected contract of 16 million.
jannesbjornson
February 06, 2020 at 01:15 pm
Isn't that third guy supposed to be Tonyan? A #4 or #5 pick would not hurt for a TE like Sullivan. I don't think the kid from Purdue gets out of the third...
Leatherhead
February 06, 2020 at 06:24 pm
I’m not sure how secure Tonyan is. We signed him again late for a near minimum deal and that makes me think there’s not much interest in him around the league. Against SF, he whiffed on a block that allowed the defender to blow up Jones on a play that could have gonevfor a while.
Ideally, you’d have 4 TEs on the 53. A good blocker/receiver, a very good blocker, an above average receiver who maybe doesn’t block as well, and a project. I’m not sure where Tonyan fits, especially if we go get a starting TE in free agency.
CAG123
February 06, 2020 at 01:20 pm
He gave up 570 yards and 2 TDs QBs were completing 83% of their passes on him no need to try and dissect the numbers to make them seem minuscule he was horrible in coverage when targeted. Trying to smooth it over on a per game basis is deceptive. He clearly didn’t get the coverage skills Sherman got going to Stanford. The Packers can definitely find someone in the NFL that can tackle and wear the LB headset for cheaper than what he’s going to command now if he’s willing to take less to stay than I’m all for it because I do like his heart and grit nobody can deny that Blake doesn’t give it his all.
Leatherhead
February 06, 2020 at 05:03 pm
Cag....you can say it any way that makes you feel good, but the Truth remains that he gives up some short completions and rarely gives up TDs.
No, he doesn't cover like Sherman, who is a DB.
The guy who makes more tackles for less money does not currently exist in the NFL. He wants to stay here. He'll probably take slightly less to stay here, but there's not a personnel office in the league who doesn't think he's worth more than $10 million.
CAG123
February 06, 2020 at 08:03 pm
Im giving the numbers as they are Im not using a deceptive stat. If he was a WR giving up 9 yards per catch that would be great but he's a LB so that means he'll most likely be covering TEs and RBs which makes 9 yards per catch terrible that's pretty much a first down and lets not forget the 83% completion so then he becomes a damn near guarantee for a first down. Im not saying he should cover like Sherman but shouldn't those "Stanford smarts" translate to better coverage since you brought it up? You cant ignore the other responsibilities he has and just focus on one thing that he does well would you be okay wit a DB that gives up 10 Tds but also has 10 picks? Or a lineman that sucks at opening holes for the RBs but can pass protect? probably not. His job isn't just tackling this is the NFL everyone can do that.
Leatherhead
February 06, 2020 at 09:45 pm
Sorry, I won't try to deceive you with facts or math.
CoachDino
February 07, 2020 at 12:28 am
I see your points - Leader/Smart/Micd helmet add healthy. team guy// Probably a few more. Those things have value, more than most of us like to realize. I too believe he isn't going to get a big of contract as projected for all the other reasons stated. He will be paid though and it may come down to deciding if you want to take away from other areas to overpay at ILB for the next 3-5 years. He's a liability in Coverage, can't go sideline to sideline, makes tackles but not for losses - and is next to a zero blitz threat. Improve the DL and focus on a coverage guy that's sure tackler. Find a Better version of Goodson for run heavy sets. Should be interesting, lots of options.
CAG123
February 07, 2020 at 08:51 am
Micd helmet isn’t that big of a deal I’m pretty sure Morgan Burnett was wearing it for Dom
dobber
February 07, 2020 at 11:58 am
It is pretty important. That playe makes the defensive calls and adjustments, and gets the defense lined up.
Morgan Burnett, while athletically limited, was also a pretty heady player.
CAG123
February 07, 2020 at 03:37 pm
My point is that not a reason a player should be valuable they could give it to Amos and not miss a beat
Renllaw
February 07, 2020 at 07:34 am
From Packers Wire on Martinez... "The Packers defense suffered from his late reactions and point-of-attack physicality, and his lack of quickness and spatial awareness in zone coverage made it difficult to cover the middle of the field. GM Brian Gutekunst admitted speed is a necessity at the position now, and Martinez doesn’t have it. According to Sports Info Solutions, Martinez’s average depth of tackle was 4.7 yards, he allowed 81.4 percent of his passes to be completed into his coverage and he missed 17 tackles. He was on the field for almost 600 passing snaps and had just one pass breakup" .
Those numbers are facts. and they aren't very good. Blake seems like a great guy, but we need better production. When I watch him play he looks like he is always in prevent mode. We need an attacking, aggressive, fast linebacker to take that next step on D.
flackcatcher
February 06, 2020 at 03:48 pm
A lot of PFF here from commenters here. That's OK because we're not making the call for the Packers. There is a good chance that Martinez walks, and Gute can't replace him for the upcoming season, or Gute bites the bullet and signings him at the going rate. Those are one of the many hard choices Gute faces this off season. Heck, there are a lot of FA players I want on this team too, but I don't bother cause their out of the Packer's price range. I know it sucks, but that's life. I'm with you on getting another banger in the backfield, hopefully drafting another RB and picking up another FB. (or two or three...:-) Not having another FB to go along with TE limited MLF in his personal packages, and cost him dearly in the run game at the 49ers when he could least afford it. All in all, I expect Gute to sign a mid range FA for the DL and make a run at Martinez or that kid from Wisconsin who playing for the Bengals. (whoever cheaper) I think signing Buluga is priority one for the Packers GM. And it'd going to cost... The rest we all know. Draft and develop, draft and develop...
stockholder
February 06, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Who's your back-up QB? TE- Cook, Bennett and Graham weren't the answers. Lewis? is a #3. If your not willing spend a premium pick for a #2 Wr. You shouldn't spend a premium pick, or $$ on a TE. Especially this draft. And; Based on past experience too. So lets look at who you are sweet on. Martinez!. So your willing to over pay him. Leaving Nothing for the hole next to him. The problem has been ILb for the last 10 years. Yes he's everything YOU WANT. Is Goodson or Burks? You can't over spend this position. Your going to have at least 18-20 million invested. Especially if you take Murray #1.on top Martinez. Now throw 10 at Bulaga, 5 mil. at Crosby, 5mil at Williams, 7 mil at Rookies and 12-15 mil at Clark. Your stuck with age and cap numbers you can't get out of. You now have No new game changers. Because Gute has to take defense to replace Fackrell, and improve the DL. So Murray #1, Back-up QB #2, DL, #3 I don't think will win any shoot out with your plan.
Thegreatreynoldo
February 07, 2020 at 05:33 pm
Martinez:
18: 74% comp, 6.7 yds/target, 118 passer rating, 2.8 rec/gm
19: 84% comp, 7.7 yds/target,102 PR, 4.1 recs allowed/gm
Littleton:
18: 73%, 8.4 yds/target, 94 passer rating, 2.9 recs allowed/gm
19: 72%, 6.3 yds/target, 94 passer rating, 3.8 recs/gm
Schobert:
18: 60%, 7.3 yds/target, 87.5 pass rating, 1.75 recs/gm
19: 69%, 6.5 yds/target, 74.6 passer rating, 2.37 recs/gm
The numbers are not as clear-cut as I expected. Completion percentage and passer rating allowed jump out.
CAG123
February 08, 2020 at 09:20 am
Time to bring Schobert home
dobber
February 10, 2020 at 10:38 am
Maybe the question should be: who were offenses targeting if not Littleton and Schobert and why? Both the Browns and Rams defenses were statistically similar, overall, to the Packers. The Browns got eaten on the ground on a regular basis (near last in run yd. allowed per game). How does that translate onto Schobert?
ILPackerBacker
February 06, 2020 at 12:32 pm
I am shocked, yet surprised, that some one else shares my ridicule for A Nagler and his senseless pronouncements.
Thank you
CoachDino
February 06, 2020 at 07:53 pm
Not to carry water for the guy but it can't be easy to be right all the time when its your job to make performance projections by the boat load. No one is. Not the Best GMs and certainly media and posters are right even less than them.
Flow49
February 06, 2020 at 04:11 pm
Spend on the interior D line!! A good D line makes an ILB’s job 1000 times easier.
dobber
February 07, 2020 at 10:05 am
I can't like this one enough times.
Swisch
February 06, 2020 at 06:59 pm
A good companion piece might be an analysis of young guys we already have on the roster, and whether they're ready to step up into prominent roles as starters: e.g. Cole Madison, Oren Burks, MVS, Sternberger, Tonyan, Summers and Keke.
As far as free agents, I'd strongly consider Austin Hooper as a proven pass catcher over the middle, especially if he's a good blocker. We need that middle guy right away! If Sternberger or Tonyan step up to join Hooper as a top tight end, all the better.
The other big free agent I'd go for is a middle guy on defense who is a real disruptor, either on the line or at linebacker.
Then fill in with the draft, including offensive tackle and wide receiver.
However, let's not give up on our current young guys too easily, those in their second or third season. I'm still wondering if Gary could be a monster in the middle at linebacker.
CoachDino
February 06, 2020 at 07:59 pm
I've seen littleton at 5 years 80mil and Schobert not far behind. They are both as bad as Martinez against the run but both are much better against the pass. Spend your draft capital on the Lines and WR (rds 1-3). Plug holes with affordable FA. Special teams and prospects/developmental RB,TE & ILB 4-7... Please don't reach for need!!!