Rating the Chances of Packers Unrestricted Free Agents to Return
With the recent announcement by Green Bay Packers NT B.J. Raji that he was taking a hiatus from football in 2016, the team is left with 8 of their own unrestricted free agents who are still available
By pointerjeff
With the recent announcement by Green Bay Packers NT B.J. Raji that he was taking a hiatus from football in 2016, the team is left with 8 of their own unrestricted free agents who are still available. Prior to Raji’s announcement there was no doubt that he was the one player who would most help the team in the upcoming season and the number one rated free agent remaining. According to Raji the Packers had made a substantial contract offer as did at least two others who were interesting in employing him.
What are the chances of the remaining unrestricted free agents of returning to the team in 2016? On a scale of 1 – 10, with 10 being most likely to return, here is our view.
Don Barclay, OT Barclay had been highly thought of by the Packers coaching staff for his versatility and work ethic. Then came a disastrous series of games where he was plugged into both the left and right tackle positions only to fall flat on his face. Barclay proved that he was JAG – and may not even be that good. Chances of return = 2.
Brett Goode, LS Goode has been with the Packers for nine seasons. The 31-year old Goode had played in 137 consecutive games during the regular and postseason for Green Bay, including all 14 last season before being placed on IR with a significant knee injury. In his stead the Packers signed little known Old Dominion LS Rick Lovato who performed well. If healthy Goode should be his same near automatic self at a position where one can play well into their 30’s. Chance of return = 5.
James Jones, WR The 31-year old was the Packers third leading receiver in 2015 with 50 catches for 890 yards and 8 touchdowns and playing in 91.2% of offensive plays. His second go-around with the Packer after being signed just prior to the season as a replacement for Jordy Nelson was certainly a life-saver for the Packers averaging a team high 17.8 yards per reception. Still there were games where he disappeared during the regular season (zero catches at Detroit and Chicago) and in the post season against Arizona. The Packers are deep in wide receivers already signed for 2016 and there will be little chance of outright winning a roster spot. Chances of return = 1.
John Kuhn, FB A fan and coaching staff favorite at a position that is becoming less important in the NFL. The 33 year-old Kuhn has already logged 11 productive seasons yet carried the ball only 9 times for 28 yards and hauled in 6 passes while scoring 2 touchdowns in short yardage situations. His eventual replacement is already on the roster in second year pro Aaron Ripkowski. The market for his services probably boils down to the Packers or nobody. Chances of return = 4.
Mike Neal, LB Neal has shown flashes of being a very good player over his tenure in Green Bay, but has never had the consistency to win a job and excel. Neal recorded 24 total tackles and four sacks last season while playing in all 16 regular season games and two postseason – only the third time he done that in his career. At 28 and in his seventh season it should be a time for the former Purdue Boilermaker to be cashing in big. Instead he lingers on the open market. The Packers are definitely his best chance at continuing his career and prove that he is not JAG. Chances of return = 6.
Andrew Quarless, TE Injuries and off-season altercations with the law dogged Quarless in 2015 and a possible suspension still hangs over his head. Not a well-rounded tight end there seem to be many other alternatives from younger players even on his own team. The Packers also brought in former Rams TE Jared Cook for a look-see which does not bode well for his return. Chances to return = 2.
Sean Richardson, S Cashed in handsomely on a one-year restricted free agent contract for the 2015 season. A big hard-hitting safety who was adept at specials teams was thought to have great potential after his first successful neck fusion surgery. The conservative Packers organization will look after his own well-being even if Richardson wants to resume his pro career. Chance of return = 0.
James Starks, RB Starks was arguably the more dependable of the two Packers running backs between Eddie Lacy and himself. Yet what is the value of a 30-something running back in the NFL? Again we find a free agent who is much more valuable to the Packers than any other team. Chance to return = 4.
Comments (39)
NickPerry
March 17, 2016 at 06:37 am
Wow, when you look at that list it's a lot of mediocre talent.
I appreciate Mike Neal because the guy will give you 110% every play, even if that's not always the greatest.
We keep saying this will be Kuhns last season each year but here we are again, sign or not? In the Playoffs last year the Packers just seemed better with Kuhn on the field. He knows that offense as well as Rodgers, lot of comfort in that. What's the NFL minimum?
What's concerning is teams like Arizona have gotten much better while Green Bay has done nothing. I'd still sign Zack Brown, Jared Cook, Neal, Goode, and Kuhn and let the rest walk. I think Neal might be a smart signing for the Packers for insurance. Draft a RB and hope Crockett makes the jump and let Starks and his fumbles walk.
RCPackerFan
March 17, 2016 at 06:52 am
I am kind of in the mindset that they should resign 1 between Starks and Kuhn. They really could use 1 more RB that knows the offense, knows the blocking schemes.
I do think that it maybe time to part with 1 or the other.
DrealynWilliams
March 17, 2016 at 10:51 am
I think Kuhn should be brought back and the 1 FB spot should be won/loss by the end of preseason.
As far as RB, I no longer care about the backup. He won't get used to his strengths anyway. As long as he can block and isn't a fumbler he should be serviceable.
The rest can go. The production just isn't there.
RCPackerFan
March 17, 2016 at 12:33 pm
I would be ok with bringing Kuhn back.
But, can they really afford the luxury of going into another season with 2 FB's? They drafted Ripkowski for a reason, and that is to replace Kuhn.
If Ripowski's run blocking is equal to Kuhns, then the only real reason why you keep kuhn is for his pass blocking. Ripkowski is better on special teams. So to me it might be time to let Kuhn go.
Yeah, I know what your saying about the RB's and used to there strengths. I would love for them to find a Darren Sproles type of RB. But if they aren't going to use that type of RB to their abilities, why bring one in.
DrealynWilliams
March 17, 2016 at 01:41 pm
That's why I said the FB position should be won by the end of preseason. Only 1 spot. Just because someone is brought in doesn't mean they'll crack the final 53. I agree, if Rip can't be as effective or better in run/pass block as Kuhn then he should be gone. We can find another ST ace that could also play their main position well.
chugwater
March 17, 2016 at 11:35 am
Arizona is arguably better and possibly worse. Chandler Jones is average and did nothing against GB in 2014. Mike Iupati is good, but hardly a game changer. In the process they lost a R4 pick. They lost Chris Johnson at RB. Carson Palmer is still iffy in the playoffs.
Seattle lost def depth and their better O linemen. NFC and SB are well within reach.
Evan
March 17, 2016 at 11:57 am
Chandler Jones is a lot better than average (one game against GB two years ago notwithstanding) and the guard they lost was Jonathan Cooper (not Lupati) who has been pretty much garbage since he was drafted #7.
ShawnO
March 17, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Carolina hasn't lost any big players and will just get better when their #1 receiver comes back along with a new draft class.
DrealynWilliams
March 17, 2016 at 02:07 pm
Different team. Different year.
AgrippaLII
March 17, 2016 at 04:30 pm
The Packers lost big name players this year?...and I guess Jordy isn't coming back this year?...and I didn't know the Packers aren't going to attend the Draft this year. The sky is falling!
NickPerry
March 18, 2016 at 05:57 am
As much as I'd like to believe Jordy Nelson will solve all the Packers offensive woes, I believe to count on a 31 or 32 year old WR coming off an ACL will vault them back to be a top 5 offense is a bit much. Hey maybe he comes back and looks like the Jordy of 2014 but I wouldn't count on it. The fact of the matter was the Packers had 5 WR's last year that could beat a jam or man to man coverage and a TE that moves like a Tackle.
Since just about everybody who posts here would agree it normally takes a year or two for a Rookie to really "Grasp" the offense or defense, it might be a bit much to expect a class of rookies to put the Packers over the hump. Remember, this a team who lost to the Bears, Vikings, and Lions at home last season and was embarrassed by Denver and Arizona in the regular season.
NOBODY here wants the Packers to win more than I do. But after years of expecting TT to "Fix" positions of need by actually addressing them, forgive me for not entirely buying what he's selling these days.
RCPackerFan
March 17, 2016 at 06:56 am
If they can get Neal back cheap, I would bring him back.
Apart of me says to bring Jones back as well for insurance, but would that delay the development of Abbrederis and Janis?
I do think it would be wise to bring back either Kuhn or Starks. I don't know if you want to go into next season with only Lacy as having experience.
That being said, RB is one of the easiest positions to come into the league and play. They should be able to find a RB that could come in and play right away. Plus Crockett should be ready to take a step.
NickPerry
March 17, 2016 at 07:07 am
I go back and forth on Starks for that very reason. Kuhn isn't a option if Lacy is hurt to run the ball leaving Crockett as the only back-up. Do they even have another RB on the PS?
Ditto on James Jones.
RCPackerFan
March 17, 2016 at 07:27 am
Kuhn's biggest asset really is as a lead blocker, but also as a pass protector. I don't see them trusting a Rookie to pick up blitzes the way Kuhn can.
But at the same time, if they had an actual weapon out of the backfield, they probably wouldn't be using him as a pass protector.
Right now they have 2 RB's on the roster, and 1 FB. Lacy, Crockett, Ripkowski.
I wouldn't be surprised if they drafted a RB this year even if they bring back Starks and/or Kuhn.
Packer_Pete
March 17, 2016 at 09:37 am
"would that delay the development of Abbrederis and Janis" - yes. And mainly because when JJ is on the field, #12 would rather throw it to a triple-covered JJ than Abby or Janis, even if they are wide open.
chugwater
March 17, 2016 at 11:37 am
Nicely put. Call JJ only if we have a slew of injuries at WR again.
Tundraboy
March 17, 2016 at 01:09 pm
I like Starks and I don't see them getting anyone that we know will be better.
Tundraboy
March 17, 2016 at 12:49 pm
I'm OK with letting Neal go. While he is finally healthy I'd rather see us try someone new instead of just OK and mediocre. Time for some new blood. Richardson sadly should not play, but the only ones I would consider keeping at this point, is Goode, and Starks. Maybe Kuhn but don't think we can tie up a spot for him this time around when he rarely plays. Depending on who we pick up or draft, it's possible none of these guys come back at all. I'm hoping that's the case because it means we will have improved.
sheppercheeser
March 17, 2016 at 07:42 am
The main disagreement I have with this list is Kuhn- I think he gets one more year. I think we can let Goode walk, since we have a tried-and-true and younger replacement. Starks I'm on the fence with, but I agree with the other ratings.
Crackerpacker
March 17, 2016 at 07:10 pm
I agree with Goode, Especially when they have Lovato on a cheap 3 year contract.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 17, 2016 at 07:58 pm
Goode has played 126 games nearly flawlessly. Lovato has played 2 games, hardly tried and true, more like so far so good, though he is younger and cheaper. Snapping the ball is for points on FGs and is important on punts, not something to mess around with.
However, Goode might not be ready until the start of the season, maybe later, so it may be a moot point. He is a UFA.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 17, 2016 at 08:40 am
I would rate the chances of Kuhn and Starks much higher than Jeff does. Now making the team is another matter.
egbertsouse
March 17, 2016 at 08:28 am
Ho hum....all these guys can go as far as I'm concerned. What happened to the Jared CooK thing, it seems to have vanished.
Have you seen the news about the irresponsible GM for the Pats making trades and recklessly signing FA's? Definitely not playing it smart like Teddy. No wonder that franchise has had no success.
Packer_Pete
March 17, 2016 at 09:38 am
The fact that Cook hasn't been signed, and hasn't been signed by another team either, just shows that maybe he is not that good...
Curt
March 17, 2016 at 08:46 am
I was glad to see they brought Cook in - thought he would be a good option, but he must still be thinking someone will offer him a big contract. If TT made offer, I doubt much was guaranteed, so no reason for him to decide yet I suppose.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 17, 2016 at 09:19 am
Nick Perry's cap hit is $4.925. Leaves GB with $15 million in cap, minus $2 million for the draft, minus whatever TT wants to retain for in-season acquisitions and roll over to 2017.
Also possible TT waits to sign these guys to see if any June 1 designations crop up or just waiting until May 1 (or is it May 12) to sign any more UFAs.
lou
March 17, 2016 at 11:11 am
Stark's has to be their #1 target to resign, with Lacy's conditioning and Crockett's total inexperience they need someone who knows the offense and has produced, if Bennett was still the RB coach he would handle the fumbling issues (one of the reasons Sam Gash is history). McCarthy and Rodgers want Kuhn back no matter what the fans say, he will be back. Neal is a serviceable sub package player who was significantly over paid by the Packers on his last contract, he would have to come back on a really discounted deal. I hope Jones lands with a contender and makes a difference for them, plays another year or two and comes back as our WR coach.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 17, 2016 at 08:15 pm
I agree on Starks. It might depend on whether there is a RB available in say the 4th or 5th round that TT likes. I am not that keen on using a 4th to replace Starks, unless it is one of a handful of RBs I like in that area. Starks commanded $725K guaranteed on his last contract - I am guessing he gets much less guaranteed, which may be the sticking point. I agree on Kuhn: MM did not sound that happy with Ripkowski.
I disagree on Neal, who was not overpaid. Neal is the 26th highest paid OLB, tied with Eric Walden. Everyone who made less is on their rookie contract, aside from a handful of old, usually just hanging on veterans like James Harrison, or Dwight Feeney (who played pretty well). Neal (734 snaps) is the de facto starter, Perry (351 snaps) is the sub package player. That Neal was the starter is simply a clear fact.
Mojo
March 17, 2016 at 11:46 am
Of the FA's mentioned, I only have interest in resigning two of them - Neal and Starks. And even then, not the worst if they go.
As far as the others, they should all be available, if needed during the season. They might get looks by other teams, but I don't see much of a market for any of them. It will be like they're on a reserve PS squad.
Ibleedgreenmore
March 17, 2016 at 11:47 am
And Bennet goes from the Bears to the Patriots well how much better can they get.
Irish_Cheesehead
March 17, 2016 at 12:14 pm
I'd put Andrew Quarless with a higher chance to return. Its not a great year for TEs in the draft and now Bennet has been traded to the Pats. If we were going to sign Cook I think it would have already happened. It's looking like another slim year at TE.
DrealynWilliams
March 17, 2016 at 12:29 pm
I hope another TE is signed before we go back to Quarless. TT CAN'T keep going back to familiar faces who aren't being productive. I know production comes with a price, but I'd much rather go with a cheap unknown than a cheap unproductive TE.
Tundraboy
March 17, 2016 at 01:14 pm
Not my ideal choice but yes somebody new, what's the point of banging our heads against the wall and hoping for more production.
MITM
March 17, 2016 at 12:37 pm
I dont post here often however I do always read. I hate hate hate to beat a dead horse and I dont want to hear about how most of our offensive lineman are free agents NEXT OFFSEASON. It is downright irresponsible to not have made a significant, and cap friendly free agent signing that would help us immediately at this point. Emphasis on cap friendly as we are the Green Bay Packers, and Aaron Rodgers is our QB. You know what that means? LEVERAGE in wooing free agents to take a little less here and there to play for a team that should already have two Super Bowl wins under Arod, and DONT because of Mccarthys management "skills" and Ted Thompson sitting on his hands during Free Agency. Im not talking about luxury signings like Matt Forte, I am realistic. However I was sick hearing how much Trevathan signed for, and especially seeing him say he wished Green Bay had even CALLED in the first place. Then, Jerrell Freeman who is better than you think signs also with the Bears for next to nothing. Are the Bears better than us because of that? No. Did we desperately need one of those 2 players? Yes. Before this rant goes on any longer ill end with this. WE ARE AS GOOD AS WE ARE BECAUSE AARON RODGERS IS OUR QUARTERBACK. We were blessed with certain players through the draft like Jordy Cobb Lacy Matthews, etc. But we arent a successful team because Ted Thompson DOESNT sign free agents. We are successful because we have Aaron Rodgers. Not signing NECESSARY veteran free agents has cost us at least 1 extra Super Bowl since 2010. In other offseasons I could justify the lack of activity. This offseason is an absolute disgrace.Karlos Dansby forced his way out of Cleveland and wants to play for the Packers. He had 2 touchdowns last year. I know he will be 34 but hes been a stud for mostly a decade. The Patriots at one point had Bruschi Seau Vrabel all starting in the Super Bowl all well over the age of 30. He has at least one more impactful season left in the tank. F*cking sign him.
AgrippaLII
March 17, 2016 at 05:19 pm
None of the Big Name free agent signings would have been cap friendly for the Packers and their situation...not if you want to keep a small core of the players who will become FA's next year. But I guess if the Packers lose all of those players next year they "will" finally have the first selection in the draft and every round after... so I guess that's not a bad thing?
MarkinMadison
March 17, 2016 at 06:48 pm
As I've stated before Trevesian would have cost less per year than what TT was prepared to pay Raji under his master plan. Maybe it was bad timing. Maybe TT should have cut bait on Raji. Either way, there is no doubt that he would have upgraded the ILB group. How good will he be? Well, we will all be watching him twice a season, at least, for the next several years.
AgrippaLII
March 17, 2016 at 04:58 pm
There is no one on the free agent list who is going to fill a need at TE or ILB...fact is I don't see anyone on the list at any position that will be an improvement over what the Packers have on the roster now. Ted is going to leave his remaining FA's alone till the well is dry...then he'll resign them at "his" price if he still wants them. Like it or not the Packers improvement depends on young players making the "jump" and the Draft.
pooch
March 17, 2016 at 05:22 pm
Well sure,Teds sits with his finger up his ass and now no one is left.
pooch
March 17, 2016 at 05:22 pm
Well sure,Teds sits with his finger up his ass and now no one is left.