The Lass Word: Two Players, Two Very Different Mindsets
Rebuild causing mixed reactions.
By KenLass
The Green Bay Packers, like it or not, are beginning a new era. As a player, you must decide now whether you want to be part of it. The team’s best two offensive linemen made public comments last week, and their tones could not have reflected more opposite approaches.
David Bakhtiari went on a podcast and several times used the term “they” instead of “we” when referring to the Packers. “The Packers are rebuilding, whether you think so or not,” Bakhtiari told the Bussin’ With the Boys show. “Could they be good? I don’t know. Could they be bad? Probably, if you’re betting, more people are going to think they’re going to be bad than good. Isn’t that fair to say? “
Well, yes, it’s fair to say. But a current player should not be saying it. Asked about whether the Aaron Rodgers trade to the Jets will eventually happen, the All Pro tackle said he thought it would, but he also floated the idea that, if Green Bay doesn’t get what it wants in return, they may just keep their quarterback and pay him not to play.
But it’s the tone of his remarks that disturb me. Here is how he put it: “So, then they’ll (Packers management) be like, ‘Well, we’re going to suck anyways. We want what we want, and we’re not going to bend to anyone. So, we’ll just eat it. You can retire or we’ll pay you, we don’t care. If we’re going to do it our way, it’s going to be on our terms. If not, were we going to be Super Bowl contenders, anyway? So, we’ll eat it. You can hang on the side, we’ll pay you your money and we’ll suck, anyways.’”
It doesn't take much reading between the lines. It appears Bakhtiari is convinced the Packers are going to suck this year. Now, the Packers may indeed turn out to suck, but, as a player, you don’t say that. Not publicly at least. Especially if you are a senior member of the team and thus one of its supposed locker room leaders. Wonder what Jordan Love thought when he read that remark? Wonder how Love feels knowing his left tackle thinks the team is going to suck because he’s the new quarterback? Not exactly going to help his confidence.
Bakh is under contract through the 2024 season, but his cap hit in 2024 will balloon to around $40 million. Asked if he thinks he will be on the team this year, he replied “For me, I’m going to enjoy it, whether I’m on this team, if I get traded. I haven’t cared. I’m enjoying where I’m at.
“It’s almost like I’m that young, naive kid again when I was drafted. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know if I’m going to make the team but I’m along for the ride and I’ve had a heck of a journey. I’m not going to stress about what I can’t control. I’m going to ride whatever happens, if that’s two weeks, two years, five years.”
He’s being honest. Deep down every player probably feels that way. But when it comes to public comments, players are better served to play the public relations game. They need to be upbeat, optimistic, at least giving the appearance they think the team can be good. It’s better for the morale of the locker room, for the coaches, for the fans. Potential free agent targets considering Green Bay need to feel they would be walking into an optimistic environment.
Compare the comments by OL Elgton Jenkins, who is taking part in the team’s goodwill tour around the state of Wisconsin: "I said, when I first got here, I wanted to be with the team for 10-plus years, and right now I'm going into my fifth year. So, right now, it's just like what we can do in the future going forward to help bring Super Bowls and making Green Bay better as a whole."
Now that’s the kind of thing a player should say. A player that plans to be on this team. That’s what fans, coaches, and maybe even teammates want to hear. Is it disingenuous? I doubt it. Jenkins just signed a four year extension worth around $17 million per year. I think he genuinely wants to be on this team, and he actually thinks they can be good. Questioned about the quarterback transition, the fifth year veteran sounded a much brighter tone than the player who lines up on his left: "It's going to be a big change. It's going to be a big difference.
“You've got a Hall of Fame quarterback that you've been playing in front of for the last four years, and I'll say mentally wise it's probably going to be different because he's been playing the game for so many years, but I feel like we'll be good.... We've got to embrace that and just move forward, just put points on the board like we always do."
One player thinks the Packers are going to be good. Another thinks they are going to suck. One player is talking like he wants to be here. The other as though he wants out. So be it.
The rebuilding train is pulling out of the station. Get on board or get out of the way.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
__________________________
Comments (176)
PatrickGB
April 17, 2023 at 06:31 am
Bakhtiari Is being Bakhtiari. I have listened to his interviews a lot on the team site. He has often sounded vague and contradictory. I think people are reading too much into what he said. He does not give the most polished interviews. I know that we fans are starved for information but I think that only time will tell us the outcome of this.
gmeyers1
April 17, 2023 at 07:35 am
Exactly. Why shouldn't players be honest? Fans want the fantasy that they want, but the players job is to play, not just spread bs.
Guam
April 17, 2023 at 08:45 am
Good comments PatrickGB.
Were Bahk's comments somewhat inappropriate? Yes. Cause for concern? Not sure. Everyone has off days and can make comments they wish they could have back or could have said better. Bahk has seen his close friend, Rodgers, on the trading block to the Jets and watched the Packers not resign two other longtime vets, Crosby and Lewis (at least so far); so if Bahk (another aging vet) is feeling a bit down, that would not be surprising. If Bahk repeats these comments in the future, then it is time to become concerned about his attitude. However over analyzing one set of comments is neither productive nor useful. Let's see what the future brings before we condemn Bahk out of hand.
dobber
April 17, 2023 at 10:39 am
Given that in most of these interviews, the questions or line of questioning is pre-approved by agents and/or handlers, the "off-the-cuff" part is a little iffy.
Guam
April 17, 2023 at 11:19 am
Have you ever been in a position where you are regularly interviewed by the media? Unfortunately I have and even when you know what questions will be asked, it is amazing how easy it is to stick your foot in your mouth and bite down hard. Bahk may have "strayed" from the approved line of response that his agents wanted - it is easier to do than you might think.
murf7777
April 17, 2023 at 01:23 pm
That's fine if it was one lil mistake but stating "they" several times is past tense, meaning he must feel he is gone. Also, to state they probably aren't going to be any good this year, REALLY?> I think not. No player should state such a thing.
If I'm the HC I'm truly upset that I have this player not believing we can win this year. Believing is 1/2 of success. Sure, the odds are stacked against you, but it's not wise to ever say such a thing publicly.
Guam
April 17, 2023 at 05:31 pm
Didn't say his comments were okay Murf, just that he that he may have screwed up on a bad day. If he repeats the comments in the near future I agree he and the Packers have a problem. If he doesn't repeat them or "clarifies" into something more acceptable, then we shouldn't make a mountain out of a molehill. Everybody makes mistakes........
TKWorldWide
April 17, 2023 at 03:33 pm
Every damn time I’m named Sexiest Man Alive, I’ve gotta do the whole press thing. It gets old in a hurry. Sometimes I say weird stuff just to amuse myself and my agents.
Rarescope
April 17, 2023 at 10:01 am
My guess is - off season. Bakhtiari is in beer chugging mode, just saying out loud whatever pops into his head. Guys like Rodgers or Lamar Jackson who are in the middle of stay and play/trade negotiations - sure, go ahead and analyze what they are putting out there since there is probably a motive behind it. Or maybe Bakh is signaling that he wants to go with Rodgers and is becoming a bad apple to help make it happen. Either way, after watching both Favre and Rodgers antics I'd like to think I've developed a thick skin to this stuff.
stockholder
April 17, 2023 at 06:35 am
If I was Bahk. I'd get out. Adams did.
And we all know it's about the money now.
This team is being forced away from Rodgers.
MLF wanted Rodgers. Others want Rodgers.
The Love era is being forced down everyones throat.
And as this team struggles. If Rodgers isn't gone.
The team will continue To push back.
TT knew it when he gave Favre away.
Rodgers got the shaft and they're next.
Maybe Management should be in a re-build.
DoubleJ
April 17, 2023 at 07:15 am
It is better to get rid of a player a year to early than a year to late. In this case Rodgers could retire and the team would be in the same place. Overall I think LaFluer is tired of Rodgers' antics and so is management.
Rarescope
April 17, 2023 at 10:06 am
I'd like to think that management and LaFluer care more about a player's performance on the football field than what they say in the press. Sure I hope Love does great, but I was shocked when he was drafted. I really think it's as simple as the team looking at Rodgers' age and deciding it was time to start a succession plan and then he simply balled out the next couple of years - which may not have actually made that much difference. APC just had a Love draft recap article and everyone was saying that he needed time to develop. Well he got it. I see things more or less going according to plan.
stockholder
April 17, 2023 at 10:42 am
Jumping into the abyss?
Rarescope
April 17, 2023 at 07:41 pm
Nope, just looking forward to enjoying another season of the NFL.
Johnblood27
April 17, 2023 at 07:43 am
maybe this fan board should be in a rebuild...
Oppy
April 17, 2023 at 10:07 am
I hate to tell you this, Stockholder, but every era, every player, every coach and every play... EVER.. has been forced down your throat.
Not you, me, or anyone else outside of the Green Bay Packers makes a single decision about how the roster is made up, managed, or run.
dobber
April 17, 2023 at 10:40 am
...and I think Oppy has some bad news for you about the Great Pumpkin, too.
TKWorldWide
April 17, 2023 at 11:18 am
Dobber coming in hot! 😆
Oppy
April 17, 2023 at 02:31 pm
Dobber, I just LOL'd. If you would have only seen my original draft before I thought better of my tone.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 11:36 am
MLF is the biggest reason Love was even drafted. He was already scouting Love before he was even hired as the Packers head coach. He always publicly supported Rodgers because thats what a coach and leader does. But Id be willing to bet he was done with Rodgers' act and ready to move on a long time ago.
dekan51
April 17, 2023 at 12:28 pm
I think MLF's decision to kick a FG 2 years ago tells you exactly what he thinks of AR. AR does what AR wants, not what MLF wants. AR had what, 6 plays inside the 10, and looked to DA every play, not looking at anyone else, and then not running on 3rd down that would have either scored a TD or at least put us inside the 3. I think MLF has been ready for AR to leave for a while.....
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2023 at 11:40 am
No doubt, the "management " team should be in replacement mode, as in terminated. Bhak wasn't mincing words. He knows the deal.
dekan51
April 17, 2023 at 12:31 pm
so management wants to turn to JL, and DB doesn't? so you are in the camp of DB, and we should be keeping him, AR, and everyone AR wants. I'm firmly behind management. i was hoping the DB would be our starting LT this season, but Im thinking it might be best to trade him if he doesnt want to be here....
BillHayhoe
April 17, 2023 at 02:08 pm
Can't imagine you are anything but a Viking troll. Hard to defend Bakhtiari's horrible public statements. Bhak hardly knows the deal on common sense and public relations. He wants out, fine, but be professional about it. We all thought the team had a great shot at it last season and that is why AR was kept around.
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2023 at 03:58 pm
GFY. Born and raised in Packerland. First game @ Lambeau in 1960. Let's hear your cred.
Packerpasty
April 17, 2023 at 04:39 pm
He has none...
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 17, 2023 at 01:48 pm
He's under contract for a lot of money. He can't just "get out" cuz he's not a free agent. All he could do was retire but then he loses a lot of money.
But I get your point. They are moving on from a lot of long-term vets. It wouldn't be unusual to not be excited about that and to think they might not be much of a contender.
Packers0808
April 17, 2023 at 03:25 pm
Don't you just love his optimism and love of the game and Packers?
TKWorldWide
April 17, 2023 at 06:40 am
On the one hand, I admire his candor. On the other, I question his attitude. I’m not familiar with him enough to know if I should brush it off or take it more seriously.
PatrickGB
April 17, 2023 at 08:27 am
Exactly!
murf7777
April 17, 2023 at 01:27 pm
I don't like that type of candor. You must believe you can win. If you asked Joe Thomas every year, I bet you would never get such an answer. I'd bet he would say we plan to contend for their division title and work their butt off to do it. I don't like Bak's attitude.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 18, 2023 at 04:41 am
I don't know. I think Bakh believes he can stalemate every pass rusher and open a hole against his assigned opponent on every run play, and handle a stunt with Jenkins next to him. I am not sure much more matters. A RB has to trust his blockers (or at least evaluate them fairly) and a QB needs to trust his blockers and his receivers to be where they are supposed to be. I wonder when the last time a green bay QB or RB trusted the defense?
Thinking the team can win seems mostly unimportant in baseball. Either you can get a hit and field your position well or you can't. It is probably more important in basketball and far more important while playing doubles in tennis.
True, I was never a big rah-rah person.
NickPerry
April 17, 2023 at 06:43 am
I listened to most of the Podcast including the beginning when they almost lost me talking about Pee Pee gazing in the showers. I mean WTF! Really DB? I don't know how many of you are regulars listeners of Bussin With The Boys Podcast. I can safely say I'm 99.9% sure that's the last time I'll listen!
I ONLY listened to the Podcast to hear what Bakhtiari would say about Rodgers and the whole They vs We thing. I'll tell you one thing, If I was Gutekunst I'd certainly listen to any and all trade offers for DB. I understand the whole why would the Packers trade him NOW, after what they've done with his contract to help this years cap. But at the end of the day do you really want him in your locker room?
Bakhtiari is Rodgers boy, I get that, but in NO WAY do you say shit like that. This is the STARTING LT of the Green Bay Packers, one who I've always really enjoyed as a Packer. A 4th round draft pick who's been starting since his rookie year. Yet ANOTHER 4th round offensive gem by Ted Thompson and the Packers Scouts. This is the dude who chugs TWO beers back to back at Bucks games. What a guy. How couldn't you love David Bakhtiari?
I also believe the Packers are better with Bakhtiari than without him but I don't care. IMO Zack Tom can step in for DB and be the starting LT for years to come. The Packers may not be SB contenders but I think they'll be BETTER than last year. Where I'm torn is do the Packers try and trade him early, before the season starts or just before the trade deadline when his value might be higher.
DoubleJ
April 17, 2023 at 07:23 am
"I understand the whole why would the Packers trade him NOW, after what they've done with his contract to help this years cap."
No matter what next year he is either going to be cut or extended as he counts $40M against the cap. Ideally they should trade him this year post June 1st. If the team trades him before June 1st then he counts $38M on this year's cap instead of $21M. Sadly I don't know what a post June 1 trade does to the cap.
In terms of value the team would probably get the most value for Bak in this offseason. That will give him time to learn the playbook and get practice with his teammates.
SoCalJim
April 17, 2023 at 08:41 am
I looked up DB’s contract on over the cap.com and if the Packers trade him after June 1st, the Packers have a $19M dead money hit in 2023 and in 2024. The cap savings in 2023 is $2.25M, and in 2024 it’s $21.5M. I think a post-June 1st trade is likely, and DB is probably thinking that, too. That probably explains his “they” vs. “we” comments.
DoubleJ
April 17, 2023 at 09:02 am
I can easily seen Bak being traded post June 1st then. Overall Bak has been a great player for the Packers but it is time to rebuild and get the salary cap fixed. Trading him to a team that could use him for at least 1 or 2 years, he might have 5 more good years, could be a win/win/win.
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2023 at 12:32 pm
Yep, the Redskins look like geniuses for trading Trent Williams for peanuts.
PeteK
April 17, 2023 at 07:35 am
"Pee Pee gazing", I love looking up at a star filled night while urinating in the woods.
LeotisHarris
April 17, 2023 at 08:38 am
I admire your balance, Pete.
SoCalJim
April 17, 2023 at 08:43 am
I hope you’re able to miss your shoes whilst looking up!
TKWorldWide
April 17, 2023 at 11:20 am
👍🏻 simply for the use of “whilst”!!
Coldworld
April 17, 2023 at 08:15 am
We are in a period of development on this very young roster. While I believe that Bakh is undoubtedly our best left tackle this year, I also believe it’s our last chance to get anything out of him through a trade. He’s not a long term part of this new era. While giving Love the best protection is important, I think that both Tom and Nijman at LT have protected Rodgers pretty well, Jenkins too pre injury. That should be good enough for Love too.
Even before those odd statements I felt that the best course with Bakh for both sides would be to trade him. Let him anchor for a contender and let our younger players get the time they need to ascend. Bakh got his start through injury and grew into the role. Others need to grow with Love. Trade him post June 1. Unfortunately it seems we had to tinker with his contract, forcing us to defer, but picks next year will be well timed to help us reemerge as this roster gains experience.
mnbadger
April 17, 2023 at 12:24 pm
I agree CW. Plus, I don't think trading DB is a sign of a rebuild. More a sign of leveraging your assets at the right time.
He's honest, and I love that about him.
But, when he calls the GBPkrs "they" you have to understand that he's already moved on.
Yes he'll play LT for the pack if still on the roster, but likely nurturing the knee for the future more so than for 2023.
DB in cruise control doesn't win us more games in 23 nor develop talent for the future.
I wish him the best in what lies ahead, but I don't think trading him = GBPkrs Rebuild.
I think it's in the best interest of the GBPkrs in 2023 and into the future.
GPG!
Packerpasty
April 17, 2023 at 04:43 pm
AR knew how to read blitzs and pressure...sure hope Love does because he will see a whole lot of it..teams will test him for sure...the O line is going to have to be very competent in pass protection...
Packerpasty
April 17, 2023 at 04:43 pm
AR knew how to read blitzs and pressure...sure hope Love does because he will see a whole lot of it..teams will test him for sure...the O line is going to have to be very competent in pass protection...
Packerpasty
April 17, 2023 at 04:43 pm
AR knew how to read blitzs and pressure...sure hope Love does because he will see a whole lot of it..teams will test him for sure...the O line is going to have to be very competent in pass protection...
fthisJack
April 17, 2023 at 09:04 am
I like your thinking Nick. If I was the GM I would seriously shop him this year before the draft and pick up a first rounder. We don't know if his knee will hold up this season. Why take a chance on him missing time?
There are some great LT in this years draft that could take his place and at least one would be available at 15. My personal preference is Darnell Wright from Tennessee. Take one at 15 and still have a first rounder to fill the WR or TE Or trade down to get more ammo in the middle rounds.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 11:41 am
Nobodys giving up a 1st rounder for him. A 4th or 5th round pick at best.
Racingdad
April 17, 2023 at 10:01 am
I’d love packers to draft a tackle really in first either Paris Johnson or Darnell wright give them a little time to learn than move d Bach before deadline when some other team becomes desperate for a LT this could return a nice value for him as we all know he can’t be on gb team in 24 ( 40 million cost 19mil dead cap if gone) either zack Tom takes over or move yosh back to LT play new draft pick at RT also yosh is fa next season and should command 17-20 million. Would gb pay that??
murf7777
April 17, 2023 at 01:28 pm
NP, were totally on the same page, send Bak down the road.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 18, 2023 at 04:50 am
"I also believe the Packers are better with Bakhtiari than without him but I don't care."
I care. I don't give a rip about whether I like a player or not. Indeed, I figure if I actually knew most of these players, I would actively dislike many of them.
That said, I agree with your other points. A traded at the trade deadline makes a ton of sense to me. I don't know what's up with his knee. It is possible that he plays LT at an elite level for the next 5 years.
NickPerry
April 18, 2023 at 06:11 am
It's not about liking him or not TGR, I happen to like Bakhtiari. The man has been a great Packers and IMO a possible HOF player. I'd say before the knee injury he had a hell of a shot. Personally I hope he's back to dominating this year. That's more trade value should he actually get dealt, or better for the Packers if he doesn't.
RCPackerFan
April 17, 2023 at 07:23 am
What Bakhtiari said didn't bother me. When I actually listened to what he said it didn't bother me. Its all interpretations and all the way people are twisting what he said that bothers me. When he was referring to "they" it wasn't about him or the players. It was about the front office. When he was talking about not being good, he was referring to the people at Vegas and whatnot, who are saying GB isn't going to be good.
So what he said didn't bother me at all.
Packers are starting a new era. That doesn't mean that they are in complete rebuild mode. If they were in complete rebuild mode, why would they keep Bakhtiari, and others. They have some positions that need to be upgraded and needs more depth, but this isn't an overhaul. The biggest needs they have are at TE, WR, DL, S.
As for the draft and their needs, this is roughly how their needs stack up with the draft.
TE they have 2 guys with any type of experience. Good thing that TE is one of the deepest positions in the draft. They should be able to find 2 of them if they choose to.
WR's they have 2 starters. They have a couple of other rookies that could emerge next year. But they will need to draft 1-2 more guys to compliment Watson and Doubs. I have seen 1-4 potentially guys being projected for the 1st round. I think in round 2-3 they can find a guy that will compliment Watson and Doubs a lot.
DL, they have 3 guys to start and they typically play 2. So they need 1-2 in the draft that can contribute. I could see them drafting one in the first couple of rounds and another in the 5th or later. They lost 2 guys so I could see them looking to add 2 guys.
Safety right now they still have Savage. I felt like towards the end of the year they were figuring out the best way to use him. They have a lot of other guys that could potentially play, but they need to draft at least 1 guy. There are guys they should be able to draft in rounds 2-4 that could start alongside Savage.
Other positions they can look to upgrade.
Edge. Edge is a higher need, but they do have Smith, Enagbare, Hollins and Gary will be returning.
They always will draft OL and CB's.
RB is a sleeper need. This potentially could be the last year for Jones and Dillon in GB.
Kicker right now they may look to draft a guy. They maybe are going to bring back Crosby. Who knows at this point.
Depending on what happens with the Rodgers trade, they could potentially fill their biggest needs in the first 3 rounds. The rest will be for Depth. The draft is next week. I can't wait!
HawkPacker
April 17, 2023 at 08:07 am
RCP, my thoughts on the Packers are pretty much parallel to your way of thinking.
I suggested in a post a few days ago that they should trade Bac now as they are rebuilding and I don't think they will make the playoffs this year. He has a lot of value for some teams and it is in our best interest to trade him now. There are some that don't agree and I understand that. No one would like to see the Packers win the Super Bowl sooner than later than myself.
RCPackerFan
April 17, 2023 at 08:41 am
Even if we are in a complete rebuild mode, I think they need to keep Bakhtiari at LT to give Love as much protection as possible. They really need a good evaluation of Love and they need to surround him with as much talent as possible. Bakhtiari when healthy is one of if not the best LT in the league. That will only help Love as he tries to settle in as the starter.
I get wanting to get a good return for Bakhtiari. It just can't be at the expense of losing protection for our new starting QB.
DoubleJ
April 17, 2023 at 09:06 am
I understand wanting to keep Bak to give as much protection as possible. However, Tom showed last year that he could be the LT of the future, especially if he is able to put on some more weight. Another thing to remember is that next year Bak will either need to be released, traded, or resigned. His $40M cap number is just not doable and he might not get as much in a trade next year.
RCPackerFan
April 17, 2023 at 09:58 am
I'm a huge fan of Tom. I think he could be Bakhtiari 2.0 honestly. They are very similar size and skills.
However, right now I have Tom penciled in at RT.
Correct. his cap hit number for next year will mean something will happen with his contract in the offseason. But for this year I feel great about having Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan and Tom as our starting 5. I feel very good about that actually.
dobber
April 17, 2023 at 10:47 am
I don't think they're the same kind of guy, at all. You can go back and read Bakhtiari's scouting reports and watch his play over the years--he's more physical and more of a grinder than people give him credit for. He's got plenty of bad-ass in him--even though he hasn't graded out as well in the run game in recent years.
At this stage, Tom is a finesse guy and more of a wall-off blocker. He's winning with smarts, footwork, and agility--and, frankly, the fact that he's not got much film out there. He's got 5 starts under his belt--at different spots on the OL--and while he might improve, he's going to be tested if he's the regular at any one OL position. I think he's got a long way to go to be a Bakhtiari, but he doesn't need to be that.
HawkPacker
April 17, 2023 at 11:06 am
FWIW,I just looked at their RAS comparison card comparing them when they were both getting ready to enter the league. Height is the same, weight-Tom has him by 5 pounds and almost everything else, you have to give Tom the Edge. Final RAS grades: Bakhtiari 6.39, Tom 9.59.
RAS is not everything but Tom looks great when comparing these final scores and realizing just how great Bakhtiari is/was.
Coldworld
April 17, 2023 at 11:15 am
I disagree with you on Bakh. He was seen as undersized and a finesse guy with great feet and movement.
"He's a little undersized for tackle (he was then 296 pounds—Tom was 304) . You see the good feet and the balance. He'll be a late two if you're a team looking for a finesse offensive lineman. It will be interesting to see where his body type takes him. If he can get up to 310, 315, you might like him at guard." Is a fairly classic quote.
A lot of scouts mentioned him as a G. I never did see that, but I take it as doubt that he could make it at tackle. A lot of scouts liked his refusal to quit, but some thought him physically averse.
Al liked him though: “ Baktiari is a tough, physical type of guy that will bring some nastiness to the Packers Offensive Line. Despite being a self-professed “gym rat,” he needs to get stronger in the upper body (arms and shoulders). I thought he would have been better off staying at Coloroda for another year. He is a possible conversion to guard or even center, but I think he’ll be given a full shot to win the left tackle job. I’m a bit unsure about him in pass protection on the edge, but I’ll go out on a (short) limb and say he’s a better run blocker than Marshall Newhouse right now…“
https://allgbp.com/2013/04/27/packers-2013-nfl-draft-fourth-round-pick-d...
Yes, it’s still out there! Overall, the more I dug into the comparisons the more I found to support it. They aren’t identical, but they were surprisingly similar at drafting. Bakh was known as a gym rat back then. Tom will need to be too, but starting out, very similar play styles and physiques.
Coldworld
April 17, 2023 at 11:25 am
It’s worth adding that Bakh was in fact not a good run blocker in his early years. He grabbed the role through his ability to pass protect. It’s also worth noting that a persistent theme on Tom is “grip strength” to latch on to defenders. He’s not un-physical either, just not big or strong as the archetype.
It’s also worth noting the observation made by Stroh in comments that they both are physically similar to Darren College. He was most certainly not a good T. However, we’ve seen Tom’s feet and movement, he’s not College in my view anymore than Bakh was. That comment is also noteworthy for Al’s statement that he saw him as having a good chance of succeeding as a LT.
RCPackerFan
April 17, 2023 at 11:53 am
I see a lot of similarities with Tom and Bakthiari when he came into the league.
As Hawk noted above the RAS score was a lot higher with Tom, which is likely why he looked so good at all 4 spots that he played at. He was just more athletic and had the ability to do it.
If Tom can settle into a position, I think he will really flourish.
RCPackerFan
April 17, 2023 at 11:47 am
When I am comparing Tom to Bakhtiari I'm not comparing him now, its comparing them to when Bakthiari was a young player in the league. He was more finesse his first years, but yes he was more physical then people gave him credit for. Also he only played LT. Tom has played at 4 spots last year. That is incredibly tough to do. If given the opportunity to play at 1 spot I really believe he will flourish.
Yes Tom is a long ways from being considered as one of the best LT in the league. I'm not comparing Tom to Bakhtiari that way. But I'm comparing them to similar size, play style (when Bakhtiari came into the league). And when I say Bakhtiari 2.0. I mean the next 4th round OL that is a starter for a decade.
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2023 at 11:52 am
They will need a guy to handle Hendrickson. Tom needed help when he moved Nijman to the bench. If one of the top-rated guys fall, OT to fill the right flank is a requirement. If Love gets taken out, the Pack will be drafting in the top five come 2024.
Coldworld
April 17, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Tom is not a RT. Nijman had one arm.
LambeauPlain
April 17, 2023 at 09:06 am
"Could they be good? I don’t know. Could they be bad? Probably, if you’re betting, more people are going to think they’re going to be bad than good."
RC, the "THEY" is this quote is not the FO. He is talking about his teammates, and I hope a teammate tells the multi-millionaire he better get with the program. I would hope MLF would too, but he won't.
The other "they" in his quotes, the FO made him that millionaire, and stood by him as did his teammates and coaches as he collected $millions for over a year in rehab.
At least show a little gratitude. Very disappointing.
RCPackerFan
April 17, 2023 at 09:56 am
You need to go onto Aaron Nagler's recent talk with Drew and KB show last week. He states it perfectly. And Bakhtiari added a bullseye on his comments on twitter. So Nagler nailed it! Go onto twitter, find Nagler from 4 days ago with Drew and KB. Its 2 minutes worth the listen.
Just don't read that much into it.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 17, 2023 at 01:51 pm
He is talking as if he is an outsider talking about the team. He's not saying it from a player's perspective. He's talking about the talking heads and sports betting and fantasy football.
Coldworld
April 17, 2023 at 04:44 pm
The actual language may not have been optimal, but yes. It’s that time of year when molehills become Everest. I’d still be open to trading him regardless, but not as a result what he said in that interview in isolation. Sure, if more follows, then things might change.
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2023 at 12:37 pm
C'mon man, he's a friend of Rodgers! Allow the fans that are butthurt about Rodgers be miffed at Bakhtiari!
NickPerry
April 18, 2023 at 05:40 am
Just for the record, I'm in now way "Butthurt" over Rodgers. I think the dude is full of shit and a master manipulator.
DougXX57
April 17, 2023 at 07:28 am
We will see how they draft and how good the players coming back are. Love? yeah I don't know what we have and no one does until under pressure to win. As far as David, well he is getting paid a lot of cash and he will be fine for this year anyway. The whole thing comes down to what will the D look like under the guy I felt should have been fired at seasons end.. WE shall see
T7Steve
April 17, 2023 at 07:35 am
No negativity!
If you go gambling and think you're going to lose, you WILL lose. If you go thinking you'll win, you'll probably still lose, but have allot more fun and so will the people with you.
A negative mindset playing football (at any level) means you'll probably end up hurt or on the bench, or worse, get someone beside you or counting on you hurt.
SoCalJim
April 17, 2023 at 08:45 am
Or traded
LambeauPlain
April 17, 2023 at 09:14 am
My Dad told me as a young man "it pays to be an optimist. A pessimist is unhappy all the time...and optimist is just disappointed once in a while."
Seems like DB will be a pessimist as he collects his $millions. A manager/coach can affect behavior, but not attitude. Never good playing a pessimist on the blind side. Maybe after training camp he will feel more positive.
dobber
April 17, 2023 at 09:19 am
I recall this in a meme...
"A pessimist is an optimist with more information."
LambeauPlain
April 17, 2023 at 09:39 am
"A pessimist is an optimist after focusing on only bad information."
Coldworld
April 17, 2023 at 11:44 am
“The good thing about being a pessimist is that I'm either always right, or pleasantly surprised.” Robin Ayers.
Brian
April 17, 2023 at 10:40 am
Dobber, Priceless!
PeteK
April 17, 2023 at 07:48 am
The team is in transition, start being the veteran leader. Even if he is kidding around, it's the wrong time to play around with the fan's emotions.
dobber
April 17, 2023 at 07:50 am
Two guys in different places in the spectrum: one who is nearing the end of his career and doesn't see himself as part of the future in GB, and a second who just got paid and is a building block for the foreseeable future.
Packer_Fan
April 17, 2023 at 08:02 am
Ken, this smacks as devisive. C0mparing two different players with significant difference in experiences. Jenkins is starting his second contract with lots of future ahead. Bak is at the end of his third contract and this probably is his last year.
One should expect differences on how players respond. Anyone with more than one child knows how different each individual is.
The season is still before us. The Rodgers trade is still preventing from seeing how the season will unfold. Expect players to have different views. Will we make the playoffs? Will they complete the trade? Can LaFluer bring the players together? Everything, everything is in front of us.
LambeauPlain
April 17, 2023 at 09:33 am
It is divisive. DB made it divisive. Discretion is the better part of valor and DB decided to throw his team under the bus because his buddy isn't going to be on the team anymore. Kind of strange that DB's loyalty is to a player who will no longer going to be on the team and not the team/organization that made him a multi-millionaire.
Right now I don't know if DB has checked out, is being angry and petulant, or is so self-entitled he feels he can say anything as in "what are THEY going to do, cut me?"
Don't blame Ken for reporting and analyzing a controversial statement made by a multi-millionaire football player. It is Ken's job.
I also like Ken including Jenks' comments, which unlike DB, showed he's "all in" to win games. Jenks is one of my favorite Packers.
DB seems "all in"...to collect the cash until he's traded. Talking about his team as "they" is concerning. In the NFL, if you don't bring your A game, you will get beat, regardless of the size of your wallet.
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2023 at 12:39 pm
Or maybe you're reading too much into what a guy said on a freaking podcast.
Since'61
April 17, 2023 at 08:12 am
I think that if we're going to over analyze every word from every comment by everyone on the team then we're going to need a bigger blog. I realize that it's the off-season and there is nothing to discuss besides the Rodgers trade, which has been vastly overdone, but can't we wait until after the draft to begin the annual over hype and over speculation season. More Dustyesque please! Thanks, Since '61
SoCalJim
April 17, 2023 at 08:49 am
No, this (now until the start of training camp) is the time we need to endlessly over examine every aspect of the team! I, for one, need this. It helps make the off-season tolerable. :^D
Since'61
April 17, 2023 at 10:23 am
It's baseball season. That gets me through the football off season. Thanks, Since '61
SoCalJim
April 17, 2023 at 10:37 am
I’ve had a difficult time warming up to baseball ever since the Braves left Milwaukee.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 11:52 am
I dont see it that way. When an alleged team leader basically insinuates his team is going to suck just cuz hes all pouty face about his old and washed up buddies moving on to a new team, thats a serious problem. The guy's getting $30 mil per year to play a damn game. Not to mention, they just stuck with him through back to back injury depleted seasons despite being the highest paid LT in football. He should be filled with gratitude towards this team. Instead, Rodgers' ego seems to have rubbed off on him and now hes taking on Rodgers' vacated role of petulant and disruptive crybaby. I wouldnt even try trading him. At 12:01 am on June 1st, Id cut him without as much as handshake. He can gtfo and go join the New York entitlement parade with his brother-in-ego. Dont let the door hit you in the ass, Dave.
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2023 at 12:41 pm
I think the problem lies with you. But be butthurt, it's your right.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 02:49 pm
Yeah shame on me for wanting my team to have a healthy, team-first culture free of distraction and nonsense from its own extremely high paid veterans who are supposed to be team leaders. Imagine making $50 mil/yr like Rodgers or $30 mil/yr like Bakh and still having the gall to complain. These clowns dont know what the real world is like. Feel free to come spend 70+ hours a week on my ambulance managing critically ill and injured people for shit pay and then you can come talk to me about butthurt. Speaking of hurt, I just got hit head on in the ambulance by some moron a few weeks ago. I live in the real world and I absolutely refuse to treat these overpaid divas like idols. Not apologizing for it either. If that makes me a bad fan then I dont want to be a good fan.
Packerpasty
April 17, 2023 at 04:49 pm
but by being so hurt by what they say you are treating them like something special...who cares what they say?? Its their life they can say what they want...I think everyone on this board lives in the "real world"....we all got our ups and downs if you get shit pay there are a whole lot of jobs out there waiting...
StarrtoRodgers
April 17, 2023 at 06:16 pm
"but by being so hurt by what they say you are treating them like something special...who cares what they say?? Its their life they can say what they want...I think everyone on this board lives in the "real world"....we all got our ups and downs"
Packerpasty,
Exactly.
These NFL players - most of whom have careers that last an average of 3 years or less - risk their lives, mental health and bodies to crippling and brain damaging injury each week on a regular basis more than "Baloney Stops Here" or any of us might experience due to freak ambulance accident.
As for Baloney Stop's Here's shit pay he/she is blaming the wrong people.
Baloney should join the NFL workers/players/slaves/entertainment pieces - who like in the days of the Roman Coliseum are put out there as "Bread and Circuses" to divert our attention from these Billionaire Parasite Owners of the NFL & USA GREED - and all other working and poor people in their efforts against these Billionaire Parasites and their paper shuffling, computer key tapping Marines in Business Suits - including Brian and Mark - that exist to further enrich these Billionaire Parasites by squeezing every ounce of blood and sweat from those that actually do the work and that we seek to watch each week as an ESCAPE from Baloney Stop's Here and all of our shitty existences. .
Football is a DIVERSION and ESCAPE purposely designed by the Billionaire Parasites to give us an outlet for our latent anger as otherwise it would be directed at these Exploitive Greed and Imperialist War Driven 31 Owners of the NFL who also own much of the USA and both SHOW ELECTION political parties.
What has these hateful, jealous, envious and angry self righteous tight panty CHURCH LADIES - remember Dana Carvey - all stirred up is:
1) Packer Front Office disseminated PROPAGANDA/"Public Relations"/"Talking Points" SCRIPTED AND DESIGNED to shield Brian, Mark, etc. from public scorn from Packer fans when the trashing of the Packers longest tenured Packer sinks in and the TRUTH of it all becomes more apparent to even the most hypnotized and programmed.
and
2) The SCRIPTED narrative - in this case is the TWISTING of Bakhtiairi words (Bakhtiari is not saying Bakhtiairi thinks the Packers are going to lose/suck, Bakhtiari is saying the GAMBLING sites are telling us they think the 2023 Packers are going to lose/suck) - put out there by 31 Billionaire Owners of the NFL attempts to limit any of the "inmates" from "running the prison" as late Houston Texans owner Bob McNair referred to the players and the stadiums/plantations during the collusion and blackballing of Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid, Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson, etc. etc.
The last thing the 31 Billionaire Owners want is their inmates/slaves/ etc. having an INDEPENDENT PUBLIC VOICE when that public voice varies from the SCRIPT the owners wish their inmates/slaves to read from.
Charismatic public figures with origins in poor and working class America - or Europe or Africa, etc. etc. - that can appeal and communicate publicly to the masses are the Billionaire Owners of the USA's biggest fear.
In Rodgers case, even questioning "Big Pharma" - or either Mouthpiece Figurehead of the Billionaire owned duopoly political parties - was an especially big no no and their was a need to publicly demonize Rodgers and they knew the "Church Ladies" and other self righteous arm chair warriors could be expected to hear their call to arms.
Same with Bakhtiairi, the 31 Billionaire Parasites who suck money out of the blood and sweat of Bakhtiairi and Rodgers et all, can't have these "inmates/slaves" having their own Forum outside the SCRIIPTED NFL websites and radio and television programs that always take the side of the Billionaire Parasite Owners and their Marines in Business Suits - THE SUITS.
Bitternotsour
April 17, 2023 at 07:03 pm
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
"but by being so hurt by what they say you are treating them like something special...who cares what they say?? Its their life they can say what they want...I think everyone on this board lives in the "real world"....we all got our ups and downs"
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
Exactly.
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
These NFL players - most of whom have careers that last an average of 3 years or less - risk their lives, mental health and bodies to crippling and brain damaging injury each week on a regular basis more than "Baloney Stops Here" or any of us might experience due to freak ambulance accident.
As for Baloney Stop's Here's shit pay he/she is blaming the wrong people.
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
Baloney should join the NFL workers/players/slaves/entertainment pieces - who like in the days of the Roman Coliseum are put out there as "Bread and Circuses" to divert our attention from these Billionaire Parasite Owners of the NFL & USA GREED - and all other working and poor people in their efforts against these Billionaire Parasites and their paper shuffling, computer key tapping Marines in Business Suits - including Brian and Mark - that exist to further enrich these Billionaire Parasites by squeezing every ounce of blood and sweat from those that actually do the work and that we seek to watch each week as an ESCAPE from Baloney Stop's Here and all of our shitty existences. .
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
Football is a DIVERSION and ESCAPE purposely designed by the Billionaire Parasites to give us an outlet for our latent anger as otherwise it would be directed at these Exploitive Greed and Imperialist War Driven 31 Owners of the NFL who also own much of the USA and both SHOW ELECTION political parties.
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
What has these hateful, jealous, envious and angry self righteous tight panty CHURCH LADIES - remember Dana Carvey - all stirred up is:
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
1) Packer Front Office disseminated PROPAGANDA/"Public Relations"/"Talking Points" SCRIPTED AND DESIGNED to shield Brian, Mark, etc. from public scorn from Packer fans when the trashing of the Packers longest tenured Packer sinks in and the TRUTH of it all becomes more apparent to even the most hypnotized and programmed.
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
and
2) The SCRIPTED narrative - in this case is the TWISTING of Bakhtiairi words (Bakhtiari is not saying Bakhtiairi thinks the Packers are going to lose/suck, Bakhtiari is saying the GAMBLING sites are telling us they think the 2023 Packers are going to lose/suck) - put out there by 31 Billionaire Owners of the NFL attempts to limit any of the "inmates" from "running the prison" as late Houston Texans owner Bob McNair referred to the players and the stadiums/plantations during the collusion and blackballing of Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid, Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson, etc. etc.
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
The last thing the 31 Billionaire Owners want is their inmates/slaves/ etc. having an INDEPENDENT PUBLIC VOICE when that public voice varies from the SCRIPT the owners wish their inmates/slaves to read from.
Charismatic public figures with origins in poor and working class America - or Europe or Africa, etc. etc. - that can appeal and communicate publicly to the masses are the Billionaire Owners of the USA's biggest fear.
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
In Rodgers case, even questioning "Big Pharma" - or either Mouthpiece Figurehead of the Billionaire owned duopoly political parties - was an especially big no no and their was a need to publicly demonize Rodgers and they knew the "Church Ladies" and other self righteous arm chair warriors could be expected to hear their call to arms.
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
Same with Bakhtiairi, the 31 Billionaire Parasites who suck money out of the blood and sweat of Bakhtiairi and Rodgers et all, can't have these "inmates/slaves" having their own Forum outside the SCRIIPTED NFL websites and radio and television programs that always take the side of the Billionaire Parasite Owners and their Marines in Business Suits - THE SUITS.
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
all work and no play makes jack a dull boy...
WORD COUNT BABY. WORD COUNT. Where is Shelley Duvall when we need her.
greengold
April 17, 2023 at 08:23 am
There’s elements of truth hidden within DB’s comments, without over analyzing the S out of it.
He is along for the ride, to the Jets.
His candor was revealing, and I find this new landscape ahead for the Packers to be very exciting.
Fresh blood. A wheel barrel loaded with picks. A clearer future relieved from the ruin of cap Hades.
Young. Talented. Competitive.
Take care of the trenches, add in key skill players, and this team can roll.
Kick back and enjoy life, Packer fans. Don’t listen to anything the media pushes out there. DBak spilled all the beans and this deal is done. Put whatever NYJ picks you want in your mock drafts. We will very likely have one of the most exciting drafts in NFL history. May end up making history with the most players ever selected.
There ought to be a Gatorade bucket in our War Room! They’ll need it.
SoCalJim
April 17, 2023 at 08:55 am
What’s the betting odds on Gute trading DB to one of the 30 other teams?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 11:56 am
Slim to none. Its hard enough to trade players with huge contracts. Factor in his age and the now chronic knee issue, maybe they get a 5th rounder out of it if theyre lucky. Its basically a salary dump like last year when the Cowboys only got a 6th round pick for Amari Cooper despite giving up a 1st round pick for him just 2 years prior.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2023 at 08:34 am
I was a school teacher/coach, and I got in trouble several times for being honest. When you are drawing a paycheck, you can’t just say whatever you feel like. “Mrs Garza, your son is lazy and stupid and disrespectful “. That’s not going to be helpful. Bakhtiari should be a little more careful with his public statements.
He’s a very good LT, but if a guy doesn’t consider himself as part of the team, that’s not a good thing..
TarynsEyes
April 17, 2023 at 10:51 am
Mrs. Garza, the question I'm about to pose to you upsets me, and will upset you also, but it needs to be asked, so I might be able to better aid your son in school. " Mrs. Garza, why is your son lazy, stupid, and disrespectful." The response of the parent will tell you the problem.
I believe parents need to be made aware of the students actions in school, and I don't believe the teachers have a right to withhold any information pertaining to their children.
Do you believe teachers should be the guardians over parents, as we now see in schools with transgenderism, etc?
Leatherhead
April 17, 2023 at 11:46 am
I have been a long time proponent of video in the classroom. Let the parents see what their kids are doing. Once, I was recording myself to improve my presentation, and the camera caught a kid acting like a dick, so I brought his parents in to look at it and I got in huge trouble.
Another time, I pretended to record a kid with my phone. Pretended. The next day, when I showed up for work, the principal and campus security officer descended on me and demanded to see my phone. Once they had examined it, and found no photos, I got the phone back....and then was sent home for 3 UNPAID days for violating school policy on photographing kids, even though I hadn't actually done it. My union rep was useless.
Another time, some kids had a wonderful time screwing around the first two weeks. Then when they failed the test, they said it was because I hadn't taught them anything. Guess who got in trouble for that?
So no, I'm not going to stick my dick in the wringer because Mrs. Garza has raised a lousy kid.
Here's the deal, Taryn: If the kids are not succeeding in school, the operating assumption is that it's because the teacher isn't getting the job done. I've had principals say "Make them behave". How? I can't touch them, I can't threaten to touch them, I can't record them, I can't send them out in the hall, and sometimes I couldn't even send them to the office.
Public education is crashing, hard. I quit several years ago, and now I tutor online part time and it's 100% better. If there aren't some really, really, big changes in public ed, soon,it's going to collapse. Parents will homeschool.
TarynsEyes
April 17, 2023 at 12:57 pm
In High School, a substitute teacher was brought in as the regular teacher was out for 4 months. I became bored and inattentive in class, and my parents were summoned for a meeting. I requested my parents to have the Principle attend also. After the teacher make his comments about me in class, my parents ask me about my behavior. I told them the answer lies in the Principal and asked him to make up a test based on the where the class was at. He agreed, and the test was given a week later to the teacher and I.
The teacher failed and I aced it. I then had my parents ask the Principal why this teacher was appointed to be the substitute. It came out that he was a part-time Phys .Ed. teacher and not qualified for Business class. The teacher was a detriment to me and the other students, and the Principle at fault for allowing him to be placed there.
The point is, if I didn't call out the teacher, my classmates and I would have suffered educationally. A teacher who does not call out a bad student shouldn't be teaching, and his bosses should be fired for disciplining the teacher for doing the right thing, as you did and were.
I have never covered for wrong doings/ behavior, as doing so is a main reason why society produces the 'victimhood' mentality of today.
Co-workers would ask me to cover them while they went to an unapproved break. I said NO, I will not get fired for lying to the boss, while you get a suspension. Get suspended or fired on your own. A likely reason I didn't have many friends at work, but I was fine with that, because anyone who puts others jobs at stake for their bs, isn't deserving of my friendship, and I certainly didn't want their kind of friendship.
It's a shame to be punished for doing the right thing, but surrendering to it is far worse, for the others you were teaching, and perhaps you.
If you intend to fall on the sword, do it for the right reasons.
The impact of the Education system today will be dreadfully felt in 5-10 years, or sooner, as Liberal/Progressive shit comes faster and faster. In 20 years, they'll likely be the ones crying about the shithole they've begun creating in the recent yesterday's.
Ya_tittle
April 17, 2023 at 02:12 pm
High School teacher with 28 years experience and you are out of touch on "punishment." Teachers can't do squat nowadays and it has nothing to do with liberals or conservatives. If you send the misbehaving kids to the Dean who are distracting the kids who want to learn, you get accused of picking on them, and calling home is even more useless as parents say the same thing. The stories from leatherhead sure seem real.
NO ONE backs the teacher who has high expectations. It's a societal issue.
TarynsEyes
April 17, 2023 at 02:39 pm
Hence, the end of my comment, which you apparently didn't grasp, or choose to ignore.
Society has empowered teachers today, but to teach agendas instead of curriculum studies.
Sorry, but politics is a huge issue in the Education field, especially the Public School System, but don't fret, it's coming fast to the Private Schools also.
Head in the sand people, can't see it.
bottlefliper
April 17, 2023 at 03:39 pm
Yeah, look at Florida the crazy people there running it into the ground. Little Ron burning books, banning masks, common sense and real education. No wonder the weak and unamerican wig got a chance. He and Fox news needs the uneducated to keep going. Like Barcley said the GQP lost here mind long time ago and we got now the results . But at least they got more guns everyday, who need education.
Thanks God for California and New York
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2023 at 04:32 pm
I hear there were books banned/burned during an incendiary Hate Fest back in 1933, in a certain Fascist state.
Ya_tittle
April 18, 2023 at 11:47 am
NONSENSE. "Agenda?" Right wing garbage. No one teaches CRT except in law school. We try to get the reading, writing, etc., down and get crap for it.
LeotisHarris
April 17, 2023 at 03:05 pm
I wish you'd had a better English teacher. This most recent word salad is riddled with grammatical errors per usual. Even if we count the spelling errors as typos, you earn a C- at best.
How was the "Pinciple" qualified to "make up" the test you "aced?" Was the "Principle" a content area expert in all subjects? Better question; why couldn't you take responsibility for your own behavior rather than blaming another for your boredom? Sounds like a spoiled teen (or someone with a victim's mentality?) to me.
Please, Taryn, when you regale us with your Fox News talking points, do better. You can't just leave your readers hanging, you know? "....they'll likely be the ones crying about the shithole they've begun creating in the recent yesterday's." The recent yesterday's WHAT, Taryn? Or were you "bored" when the ideologues taught proper use of commas and apostrophes?
T7Steve
April 17, 2023 at 03:26 pm
As you've just illustrated, didn't she just prove by her own comments the point she was making?
Hence (per Allice), no more teachers no more books, 'cause schooools out for summer...
PearlyBakerBest
April 24, 2023 at 03:01 pm
I’ll take “Things That Never Happened” for $200, Alex.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 12:22 pm
Based Taryn.
croatpackfan
April 17, 2023 at 10:55 am
LH, I agree. If you are going to the job and do it with "mech" attitude and/or feeling, you'll certainly will not do the job well. If some will counting on that type of guy, probably will be disapointed.
If David Bakhtiari wants to play more than 1-2 seasons, he will be very careful how he plays not to injure himself again. In that situation he will not be able to do job properly. That is worry.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2023 at 11:47 am
He gets paid whether he's injured or not.
croatpackfan
April 17, 2023 at 12:39 pm
Yea, but than there is no trade any more, and, consequently no more "energy", as his pal teach us...
Swisch
April 17, 2023 at 08:47 am
In general, Packers management has to discern which players really want to be here, and those who don't.
As part of the discernment, if there are players upset about Aaron Rodgers leaving, then probably they should be leaving. If there are players who think that Rodgers handled himself well as the field leader of the Packers, then they're part of the problem caused by the toxic ways of Rodgers.
Let's really begin a new era by selecting players who are excited about the new era.
***
I want to win next season as much as possible, and I think we can contend for the playoffs with Jordan Love at about 9-8.
Always play to win.
However, if we have to take a step or two back in 2023 to set the Packers on a good foundation for 2024, then let's do it.
The Packers have lost on Lambeau field to end the past three seasons -- in gut-punching, heartbreaking disappointment -- by doing things the wrong way in selling out to Rodgers, actually groveling before his manipulative dominance.
Let's start doing things the right way off the field in order to get on track for stepping forward on the field, so as to truly contend for a Super Bowl.
Teams win Super Bowls. Regardless of the record this upcoming season, let's start acting liking a winning team.
HarryHodag
April 17, 2023 at 08:54 am
I've been referring to "The Cult of Rodgers" on other websites. The folks who adore His Darkness go bonkers.
The Packers tried to please Rodgers with a new ridiculous contract, new contracts for his pals, bring back aging players and this is what you have. I just sit back and marvel at how spoiled the cultists have become. They all are financially well off and are one of just a few people who play a game the public loves. Yet it never seems enough to please their inflated egos.
What needs to be done is to unload all of it. No to Mercedes Lewis. No to Randall Cobb. Put DB up for trade. Finish the Rodgers deal. Get rid of all of them before they ruin the younger players.
Start over. Suffer a couple of losing seasons but rebuild. The supporters of the cult seem to fear losing as the main reason to keep Rodgers. Well, to those fans, the Jets need more fans. The team has to say enough and move on almost regardless of cost.
dobber
April 17, 2023 at 09:15 am
"Start over. Suffer a couple of losing seasons but rebuild."
Removing Crosby, Lewis, Cobb, and ARod would've made this roster 4th or 5th youngest in the league in 2022. The churn has been going on since BG took the reins as GM. In general, this roster was going to look largely the same in 2023 with or without 12, and I don't see moving 12 changing their draft strategy very much.
If they do move Bakh prior to the draft, that puts OT pretty high on their draft list--and if they take an OT in round 1 or 2, it might signal the Jun. 1 trade several here are calling for...or that maybe they don't see Nijman being resigned...or both.
A team could really mess with the Packers' plans by ponying up an offer sheet to Nijman because the Packers would be hard-pressed to match a contract even of average starting LT value.
"I've been referring to "The Cult of Rodgers" on other websites. "
We seem to forget 12, 18, and 69 trolling management on IG to reacquire CMIII after 12 reported to camp in 2021 and 18 was acquired in trade.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10010327-aaron-rodgers-calls-for-pac...
Swisch
April 17, 2023 at 09:28 am
I'm with you Harry almost all of the way, except that I'd take the players you refer to on an individual basis as far as whether or not to keep them.
If Bakh or Marcedes, for example, wants to be with the new-look Packers, and they've still got game and are affordable, then I'm all for keeping them.
As you note so well, it's about being a Packer, not about an excessive attachment to any one player.
If any player is enthusiastic about being a Packer, then I'm excited about giving him a real opportunity to be a part of the team.
Coldworld
April 17, 2023 at 11:36 am
One thing about Bakh is that the tight group of players that he was part of is currently down to just him. All the rest are gone. That has to feel somewhat different. Crosby, Cobb, Lewis, Rodgers were all here last year. Team is a more complex concept when one is a player. Some don’t seem affected, but Bakh strikes me as one whom that might be significant to.
Swisch
April 17, 2023 at 12:16 pm
As far as I'm concerned, it would be great to have back Bakh and Crosby and Lewis.
I'm a huge fan of Randall Cobb, but I don't think he has it anymore as a player; I'd be glad to have him as a coach for the Packers.
However one thinks about any player in particular, the key question to any one of them is whether they are excited about being a part of the Packers of 2023.
I like our guys young and old, and would like to keep as many as possible (at a mutually agreeable salary) as long as they still bring it on the field, and are enthusiastic off the field.
BA4Packers
April 17, 2023 at 09:22 am
DB has been ARods side kick for many years and it shows. To bad the Jets have a young left tackle they like and limited cap space. I will say, however, be careful what you ask for. Keeping DB one more year makes the most sense IMO for the development of other linemen and protecting JLoves backside in his inaugural season.
dobber
April 17, 2023 at 09:48 am
DB would be relatively cheap in 2023 to an acquiring team in trade.
BA4Packers
April 17, 2023 at 10:29 am
Nijman and Runyon are free agents next year and Myers needs to take another step so Zach Tom’s future position on the team remains uncertain. IMO we need one more draft and one more year to better sort through all of this. I feel we need DBak for another year.
dobber
April 17, 2023 at 10:51 am
I think you're right--and I think the Packers' moves reflect similar thinking.
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2023 at 07:33 pm
You don't move All-Pros if do not have to, especially LTs. He may want to bail, but he now has the status of top dog in the club house. We will see in a couple more weeks, .
BirdDogUni
April 17, 2023 at 11:02 am
I feel we need him until 1 June. After 1 June, all bets are off.
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2023 at 08:49 pm
We will see, post-draft. He stays , or Gutedkunst goes. He should have 3-5 potential trading partners and the parameters of the respective deals set in place and ready to be executed. They dissed Rodgers plain as driven snow. You do not write a Contract with your Star Player and then withdraw from the Terms Of The Agreement, Exclusions, defined. This guy has three less years depreciation on his body. He has to get Two one picks and a couple twos, extended over a three year period. They are NOT giving up Garett Wilson as part of any deal. It will become a shit show if they blow their Leverage. They can always Start Rodgers in another scenario, but he would transcend the Franchise, in that case, making the Brain Trust feel a bit more "out of Touch" Start the Draft Discussions, in any event , the 5 cent theatrics are Insulting to Professional Performers.
LambeauPlain
April 17, 2023 at 09:54 am
I hope DB does play for the Packers as a leader in the OL room, in the weight room, on the practice field and during games.
Josh Sutton still was a good player when he was cut...but he was becoming a locker room cancer. You just cannot have that on the team, especially on the OL where cohesiveness and creating synergies is so very important.
Hopefully David will clarify and extend his eye brow raising negative comments. They certainly were not helpful.
MooPack
April 17, 2023 at 10:37 am
Read DB's statements a couple days ago. Got me thinking that perhaps he is going to be part of an AR trade. I remember Trey Wingo, who broke the trade, saying something like it's going to be a bigger trade involving others. I think it was Garrett Wilson, Jet's WR, not sure, who said there were going to be other player(s) involved. He eventually had to walk back that statement, but it's stayed with me. Could they be have been talking about Lazard, possibly, but maybe there is something to it, especially in light of Bakh's "they" comments. Is it possible the delay has already been worked out by the Packers/Jets so that the Packers have a strategic advantage come draft day so other teams won't know until last minute what the Packers have as draft picks and where? Why would the Jets agree to that? They do need an OT and they'd be getting a proven one. They are all in this year. Could the Packers have said we'll give you Rodgers and Bakhtiari if you play along with this strategy? Packers initially were said to want the Jets 1st, then Gutey backed that off and said it's not necessary for AR. What if the trade is actually for AR and DB? Would the 1st then be required? Might be a stretch, but curious none the less. Should be a fun draft.
13TimeChamps
April 17, 2023 at 11:15 am
I think I read somewhere that the playing surface where the Jets play is pretty bad. Could be wrong, but if that's the case, it doesn't seem conducive to a 31 year old LT with a history of serious knee issues playing there, from both Bahk's perspective, as well as the Jets.
MooPack
April 17, 2023 at 11:21 am
ESPN Mar 30, 2023
New field turf installed at MetLife Stadium, home of Giants and Jets
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/36003498/new-field-turf-installed-me...
13TimeChamps
April 17, 2023 at 11:47 am
Oh ok, nevermind then. Thanks for the update!
TarynsEyes
April 17, 2023 at 10:58 am
If you want to anger an optimist, tell them the truth.
A version of half a T. Roosevelt quote.
Perhaps DB is a little tired of the optimism, false or blind type is open to debate.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2023 at 11:48 am
I would dispute that, because everything I've read and studied about Teddy Roosevelt suggests he was a huge optimist. In fact, I can't find a reputable source that attributes this to him.
Coldworld
April 17, 2023 at 11:56 am
He did say “Optimism is a good characteristic, but if carried to an excess, it becomes foolishness.”
murf7777
April 17, 2023 at 01:32 pm
A realistic optimist?
Packerpasty
April 17, 2023 at 12:02 pm
Perhaps because DB has practiced with the team daily he has an insight into what kind of season is ahead..perhaps he has seen Love daily and is not impressed...if he was and thought that the Packers wouldnt skip a beat then why would he say such things...he knows what the future holds...
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 12:31 pm
And yet everyone else on the team who didnt have Rodgers MC their wedding seems to be thrilled about Jordan Love and this team's prospects. Its clear to me that Bakhtiari is allowing his personal feelings of friendship toward Rodgers to cloud his judgement, and his professionalism. He sounded like a grown ass man crying like a child who lost his blanky. This is the kind of toxic environment Rodgers helped to create. All entitlement, little professionalism, and zero leadership. Cut him on june 1st and dont look back.
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2023 at 12:48 pm
I've read a lot of comments reading far too much into what a guy said on a podcast but yours is the dumbest. Cut him? Do you want to lose? I don't really care if he's traded June 1st or not but you don't give away assets. 🙄
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 03:05 pm
Oh please. Bakh was in and out of the lineup all year last year and nobody noticed cuz Zack Tom played that good. And he only played a half of a game in 2021 and they still won 13 games. This team's success does not hinge on Bakhtiari being here or not. And why wouldnt they cut him? Nobody's trading for a 32 year old with a chronically bad knee whos also making $30 mil/yr. If this dude doesnt want to be here, then oblige him. Modern day NFL is a game of replacement and they will replace him. Its as simple as that. Its hilarious how you keep coming to his defense too. You think your support matters to him? Not even $30 mil/yr is enough to keep him happy. Thats the problem with entitlement. Its never enough. Its always what they think they deserve and never about the team. Dude talked about the team like hes not even on it. Aren't you supposed to be a Packer fan? Is the concept of TEAM completely lost on you?
TKWorldWide
April 17, 2023 at 04:04 pm
Never underestimate the power of the blanky.
dekan51
April 17, 2023 at 12:56 pm
That's a good point, and a possibility, but don't you also think that there were some veteran players who thought the Pack could win more games AR's 1st season if BF had stayed? 13 wins to 6 wins the next season. The FO, I think, looks at the big picture, and the long term success of the franchise more than an established veteran, who wants to win right now. AR said he has no desire to be part of a rebuild (who can blame him), and thus wanted the team surrounded by veterans he knew. It's time to see what we have with JL, just like it was time to see what we had with AR all those years ago. And don't forget, there were many people, fans like us and media types who thought AR had bust written all over him until the Cowboys game, just like fans/media were saying about JL up until the Eagles game. My point? No one knows until JL gets out there....so it's time to put him out there.
marpag1
April 17, 2023 at 11:14 am
Never heard of anything called "Bussin' with the boys." It sounds... insignificant. But I'll assume it's a real thing. I will also assume that some player said something on it.
So what?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 12:07 pm
Its a podcast hosted by NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton. Its in the Barstool Sports family and they interview their guests in a bus fitted with studio equipment. They generally interview other NFL players and its usually an entertaining show, but they tend to take on a heavy pro-player anti-team sentiment that can be a bit much at times. That anti-team sentiment made DB comfortable enough to trash the team thats gonna give him $30 mil this year to play 8 games.
marpag1
April 17, 2023 at 12:23 pm
Hmm. OK, that might explain a few things.
StarrtoRodgers
April 17, 2023 at 02:16 pm
Yeah any fans putting Billionaire Parasite Owners' profits over workers/slaves/entertainment pieces/players' well being and health, during our feeding of "Bread and Circus" diversions (i.e. football games) should not listen to NFL players Lewan and Compton or Bakhtiari, Rodgers, Crosby, De'Vondre Campbell, JC Tretter or other revolutionaries:
David Bakhtiari Rips NFL Over Safety Issue
The Packer lost star pass rusher, Rashan Gary, to a torn ACL this past Sunday at Ford Field, and Left Tackle David Bakhtiari believes he knows the Culprit. Turf Fields.
Bakhtiari became the latest NFL player to come out and blast the league’s inability to protect player safety by allowing certain organizations to continue to use a certain type of turf field.
He cited the disparity between turf fields and grass fields and spoke about how there will likely be “10 more players (who) will go down this season with completely avoidable non-contact injuries.”
He also spoke about how these same teams will cater to European Soccer teams and change their turf fields to grass fields for them but still refuse to have grass fields for their own players, ignoring the very real issues about player safety. Kicker Mason Crosby also said something similar.
In addition to Crosby and Bakhtiari, 3 more Packers on the artificial turf issue:
Packers Defender Rips NFL After Teammate Rashan Gary Tears ACL
After Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s 15-9 loss to the Lions in Detroit, teammate De’Vondre Campbell called out the NFL for using artificial turf fields.
Gary was injured when he switched his running direction in the third quarter on the Ford Field turf.
“This is two weeks in a row we’ve had players get injured on turf fields,” Campbell tweeted on Monday: “I think it’s time y’all take some of the money y’all make off us and invest in grass fields for every team around the league. The turf is literally like concrete it has no give when you plant.”
Only Natural Grass Can Level The NFL's Playing Field By JC Tretter - Packer Offensive Lineman from 2013 thru 2017, Browns 2018 to 2022 & Past and Current NFL Players Association President:
As a rookie learning the ins and outs of being a professional football player, I remember the collective groan that my older teammates made whenever it was announced that we’d be practicing indoors on artificial turf instead of the usual outdoor grass field. I played almost exclusively on synthetic turf in college. Once I started experiencing both surfaces interchangeably, I began to understand exactly why my teammates disliked the practices on turf. Whenever I practiced on an artificial field surface, my joints felt noticeably stiffer the next day. The unforgiving nature of artificial turf compounds the grind on the body we already bear from playing a contact sport.
Aaron Rodgers: 'Time to go all grass' fields for NFL player safety:
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers thinks it's time for the NFL to mandate that all games be played on natural grass surfaces, but he doesn't have high hopes that it will happen.
"No, honestly, I don't have a lot of confidence when it comes to the league making that decision without some sort of big vote and gripes from certain owners who don't want to spend the money," Rodgers said Tuesday.
"[Expanding to 17 games] was about monetary gains, so this would be putting your money where your mouth is if player safety is important."
Rodgers' comments Tuesday followed a concerted effort by the NFL Players Association over the weekend to bring attention to a disparity between injury occurrences on grass and a certain type of artificial surface called "slit-film turf."
"I do think it's time to go all grass throughout the league," Rodgers said. "I think you would see less of these noncontact injuries that we see on some of the surfaces, and I think that it'd be a good step in the right direction towards player safety to make the requirement for every field to be grass."
MetLife Stadium’s playing surface is infamous in the NFL. Many coaches and players say it is unsafe. And they do have a litany of anecdotes they say back up their claims — Giants wideout Sterling Shepard’s non-contact ACL tear being the most recent one.
The NFLPA believes it now has hard evidence as well. From Pro Football Talk:
NFLPA president JC Tretter posted a column with a series of action items, including a plea to remove all “slit-film” turf fields.
Many had never before heard that term. Seven of the league’s 32 teams (the Giants, Jets, Lions, Vikings, Saints, Colts, and Bengals) use slit-film turf. Slit-film also is used at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
“The injuries on slit film are completely avoidable — both the NFL and NFLPA experts agree on the data — and yet the NFL will not protect players from a subpar surface,” Tretter wrote.
(…)
PFT has obtained a slide prepared recently by Biocore, an outside firm that provides engineering analysis for both the league and the union.
In the slide, Biocore explains that “slit-film has a statistically significant higher risk of LEX [lower extremity] injury than the League average,” explaining that independent analyses from Biocore and IQVIA agree on that point. The slide also says that “models suggest there are 2-3 more non-contact lower extremity injuries per season per stadium on slit film surfaces than other types of synthetic turf fields.”
Slit-film turf is designed for durability. So it makes sense MetLife Stadium would opt for it given it hosts double the games each season. But if there is hard data indicating it is not as safe as other forms of turf, why not do something about it? They do not need to gut the entire stadium (although that would be nice). They just need to spend a few million bucks and swap out the fake grass. Just do it.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 03:25 pm
For starters, the Packers dont have a billionaire owner, genius. 2nd of all, who do you think really pays for continually rising salaries? Do you honestly believe the owners ever take less money? Hell no. They pass that cost down to us, the consumers, with rising ticket prices, parking prices, food/beer prices, etc. So when you're virtue signaling about players getting their due from the big bad owner, all you're really doing is screwing yourself and the other fans who pay to attend games. You're certainly not sticking it to the owners, thats for sure.
murf7777
April 17, 2023 at 01:35 pm
So what? Yes, it isn't meaningless to the locker room when a person basically states were going to suck next year. Bet you Joe Thomas would never of stating such a stupid and non team oriented comment.
marpag1
April 18, 2023 at 11:37 am
Thomas played his whole career for the Browns. Great player. But trust me, neither Joe Thomas nor anyone else had to announce that the Browns were going to suck next year. LOL.
Here are the win totals per year during Joe's career, starting with his rookie season: 10,4,5,5,4,5,4,7,3,1 and zero. That tallies up to 48-128 over 11 years.
I wonder... could that literally be the worst 11-year stretch in the history of the league? But at least Joe had a positive attitude.
croatpackfan
April 17, 2023 at 11:16 am
I'm all for trade Bakh before TC. Not to Jets, to any other team Packers will not face this coming season. I read and hear from multiple sources that next season draft will have much more good player to draft than this season draft, which is rich only in 2 position - TE & EDGE/OLB. It looks to me that it is better to have additional capital for the next year draft than insist on this season draft to add picks.
If Jets will be firm with their offer, I do not see impossible what Bakh said. Except ACR will never sit on the bench and act back up QB for any money. And he should not (I would love to see him in that role, but it is not visible to happen).
Also I would like to read TGR post what will be cost of cutting ACR and/or DB post June, 1st, preferably just before start of the season. Because that will be possibility after all those failed negotiations.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 12:10 pm
If Im Gute, im cutting him at exactly 12:01 am on June 1st. No thanks for your contributions or handshakes. Tired of this toxicity. If he doesnt want to be a Packer, then gtfo and dont come back.
croatpackfan
April 17, 2023 at 12:38 pm
No, I would not cut him. I will keep him on the team till the first week of the season. So he can go and play for whoever he wants...
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2023 at 12:49 pm
You would have fit right in with the Cincinnati Bengals in the '90s.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 02:34 pm
Its amazing to me how fans can be so loyal to multi-millionaires with 1 foot out the door. I wouldve fit right in with Lombardi, who put the TEAM first at all times without exception. There's no question how he would've dealt with a high profile player publicly shitting on his own team. Lombardi wouldve traded him so fast, Bakh wouldve found out about it while the camera was still rolling.
marpag1
April 17, 2023 at 01:41 pm
Cutting him?!? That's like saying, "I got mad at my Lamborghini for making too much noise, so I drove it off a cliff instead of selling it."
It doesn't make much sense, you know?
PASSdaRELISH
April 17, 2023 at 11:34 am
Holding on to AR into the season wouldn’t be that bad of an Idea. Seems like every a top tier team with a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl loses it’s QB to injury during the season. There’s a good chance a team would come calling for a guy like AR and give the PACKERS the farm.
Coldworld
April 17, 2023 at 12:04 pm
It would be a very bad idea, not least because that would trigger a lot of future cap and payment obligations.
StarrtoRodgers
April 17, 2023 at 04:08 pm
Coldworld: "It (keeping Rodgers for 2003) would be a very bad idea, not least because that (keeping Rodgers for 2023) would trigger a lot of future cap and payment obligations."
Coldworld,
"that (keeping Rodgers for 2023 season as backup) would trigger a lot of future cap and payment obligations."
Let's go with the facts rather than vague and inaccurate assertions.
1) Keeping Rodgers for 2023 would save the Packers approximately $9 M ($40M - $31M) in cap space vs. trading Rodgers before June 1, 2023
2) Keeping Rodgers for 2023 vs. trading Rodgers after June 1, 2023, would cost the Packers approximately $15M ($31M - $16 M) in 2023 cap space
3) If Rodgers were kept for 2023 the Packers would need to exercise their 2025 $58 M option a day before the September 2023 season opener to be able to spread this $58 M in salary cap hit equally at approximately $14.5M per year over the remaining 4 years of Aaron's contract.
4) Come the opening of the 2024 NFL year the Packers could trade Aaron to any team that is willing to exercise the $47 M option for 2026 season by September 2024, which would then allow the ACQUIRING TEAM to spread salary cap hit of $47M over the then remaining 3 years of Aaron's contract at approximately $15.5M per year. Aaron could also agree to renegotiate and lower the $47M option payment.
Coldworld "the lot of future cap obligations" that you speak of by the Packers keeping Rodgers for the 2023 season is simply the $14.5 salary cap hit in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The $14.5. salary cap hit for 2023 is already in all numbers ($31.6 Rodgers 2023 cap hit if Rodgers plays for Packers in 2023) used by Over the Cap and Spot Trac - and thus "The Great Reynoldo" .
The $14.5 Cap hit for 2024 would be offset by a $20M savings generated by the Packers not exercising their 2024 $20M 5th year option on Jordan Love.
So the Packers could keep Love as the Starter for 2023 with Rodgers as the backup.
However, the SMARTEST THING FOR BRIAN TO DO would be to trade Jordan Love.
What do you think Jordan Love is worth in trade compensation?
GIVEN several Packer fans on here (Greengold, Oppy, CroatPacker, Golf Packer, maybe one or two others) think Jordan will be better than Aaron was and lead the Packers to more than 11 playoffs and 1 Super Bow winl over the next 15 years - Jordan should return the Packers trade compensation better than:
1) whatever the Jets would pay for Aaron Rodgers
2) what Denver paid for Russell Wilson
and
3) more than what the Rams paid the Lions for Matthew Stafford
and
4) more than the Texans paid for the Bears 1st overall pick
as Jordan is at least 14 years younger than Rodgers and 10 years younger than Wilson and Stafford and has more NFL experience than whomever the Texans will draft.
With the draft compensation from Jordan Love, the Packers could not only draft a Tight end or wide receiver in the first or second rounds, but a QB that has excelled against BIG FIVE Conference teams week to week.
Someone like Hendon Hooker, a ball protecting dual threat THIKING COMPOSED QB - like Aaron Rodgers - who played week to week against SEC competition (LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Auburn, etc.) week to week for 2 years and ACC competition (Clemson, Florida State, Pitt, Georgia Tech) week to week for 2 years and made Tennessee receivers like injured Cedric Tillman (son of former Bronco Cedric Tillman Sr.) and Jalin Hyatt look good:
Love Freshman Utah State, Mountain West, 54.8% Completion %, 8 TDs, 6 INTs, 6,9 yds per attempt, 77.4 NFL passer rating
Hooker Freshman, Virginia Tech. ACC 61.1% Completion %, 13 TDs, 2 INTs, 9.6 yds per attempt, 114.6 NFL passer rating
Love Sophomore, Utah State, Mountain West 64% Completion %, 30 TDs, 6 INTs, 8.6 yds per attempt, 110.6 NFL passer rating
Hooker Sophomore, Virginia Tech, ACC, 65.3% Completion %, 9 TDs, 5 INTs, 8.9 yds per attempt, 99.8 NFL passer rating
Love Junior, Utah State, Mountain West, 61.9% Completion %, 20 TDs, 17 INTs, 7.2 yds per attempt, 82.7 NFL passer rating
Hooker Junior Tennessee, SEC 68% Completion %, 31 TDs, 3 INTs, 9.7 yds per attempt, 129.2 NFL passer rating
Hooker Senior, Tennessee. SEC 69.6% Completion %, 27 TDs, 2 INTs, 9.5 yds per attempt, 124.6 NFL passer rating
Sensible too as it is more probable than not, based on all the Jordan Love data points, that Jordan fails to perform at even a fraction of Aaron Rodgers 2008 level, where Aaron, despite playing through injury to right throwing shoulder at Tampa in game 4, was near the top of 32 QB starters in nearly every passing category, but 2008 Packers due to loss of 3 significant defensive starters to injury - Cullen Jenkins, Atari Digby and Nick Barnett gave up nearly 100 more points than 2007 and Packers finished 6-10.
In that case (keeping Rodgers as backup to Love for 2023) , Aaron can be there to SALVAGE the Packers' season and carry them to the playoffs once again as he did in 11 of his 15 years as Packer Starter - 11 years in the playoffs over those 15 years is more than any other NFC team or QB over that period - and that is despite the Packers being the only team in the NFL that has not spent a #1 draft choice on a running back, tight end or wide receiver during the 20 year period 2003 through 2022.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 17, 2023 at 12:12 pm
Its a terrible idea. They could deal with it this year, but what if Rodgers doesnt retire? They have to keep paying him cuz he becomes impossible to trade or cut after this season. No they need to get rid of him STAT before this blows up in their faces. And send Bakhtiari with him. This team needs to be completely cleansed of Rodgers and his allies.
dekan51
April 17, 2023 at 12:39 pm
I agree. He needs to go. But does the FO blink first and just give him away to the Jets? That's what the Jets are hoping for. I don't think the FO is gonna do that. I think the FO also knows that the Jets want to win NOW, and get to the playoffs NOW, and make a SB run NOW. Their ONLY chance of that right now is to bring in AR. So, are the Jets willing to blow this chance this season hoping the Packers cave? The Pack are rebuilding and know this season maybe a loss, so what if AR is paid just to sit? They don't care. The Jets have A LOT more to lose by missing out on AR than the Pack do by keeping him. I think the Pack are gonna get a lot more for AR than some people think.....
StarrtoRodgers
April 17, 2023 at 02:35 pm
"Holding on to AR into the season wouldn’t be that bad of an Idea. Seems like every a top tier team with a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl loses it’s QB to injury during the season. There’s a good chance a team would come calling for a guy like AR and give the PACKERS the farm."
Sensible too as it is more probable than not, based on all the Jordan Love data points, that Jordan fails to perform at a even a fraction of Aaron Rodgers 2008 level, where Aaron, despite playing through injury to right throwing shoulder at Tampa in game 4, was near the top of 32 QB starters in nearly every passing category, but 2008 Packers due to loss of 3 significant defensive starters to injury - Cullen Jenkins, Atari Digby and Nick Barnett gave up nearly 100 more points than 2007 and Packers finished 6-10.
In that case Aaron can be there to SALVAGE the Packers' season and carry them to the playoffs once again as he did in 11 of his 15 years as Packer Starter - 11 years in the playoffs over those 15 years is more than any other NFC team or QB over that period - and that is despite the Packers being the only team in the NFL that has not spent a #1 draft choice on a running back, tight end or wide receiver during the 20 year period 2003 through 2022.
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2023 at 08:12 pm
Say What?
StarrtoRodgers
April 17, 2023 at 08:21 pm
Jannesbjornson,
Yes.
Everyone should watch the game tapes and videos of Hendon Hooker and then compare them with the game tapes of Jordan Love.
Watch Hendon Hooker vs. Alabama and National Champion Georgia the last 2 years and then watch Jordan Love against top competition - LSU in 2019. Watch Aaron Rodgers against #1 ranked USC in 2004 and note the differences. Video is out there for the COMPLETE games on Youtube.
The SMARTEST THING FOR BRIAN TO DO would be to trade Jordan Love and - GIVEN several Packer fans think Jordan will be better than Aaron was and lead the Packers to more than 11 playoffs and 1 Super Bowl over the next 15 years - Jordan should return the Packers trade compensation better than:
1) whatever the Jets would pay for Aaron Rodgers
2) what Denver paid for Russell Wilson
and
3) more than what the Rams paid the Lions for Matthew Stafford
and
4) more than the Panthers just paid for the Bears 1st overall pick
as Jordan is at least 14 years younger than Rodgers and 10 years younger than Wilson and Stafford and has more NFL experience than whomever the Texans will draft.
With the draft compensation from Jordan Love, the Packers could not only draft a Tight end or wide receiver in the first or second rounds, but a QB that has excelled against BIG FIVE Conference teams week to week.
Someone like Hendon Hooker, a ball protecting dual threat THIKING COMPOSED QB - like Aaron Rodgers - who played week to week against SEC competition (LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Auburn, etc.) week to week for 2 years and ACC competition (Clemson, Florida State, Pitt, Georgia Tech) week to week for 2 years and made Tennessee receivers like injured Cedric Tillman (son of former Bronco Cedric Tillman Sr.) and Jalin Hyatt look good:
Love Freshman Utah State, Mountain West, 54.8% Completion %, 8 TDs, 6 INTs, 6,9 yds per attempt, 77.4 NFL passer rating
Hooker Freshman, Virginia Tech. ACC 61.1% Completion %, 13 TDs, 2 INTs, 9.6 yds per attempt, 114.6 NFL passer rating
Love Sophomore, Utah State, Mountain West 64% Completion %, 30 TDs, 6 INTs, 8.6 yds per attempt, 110.6 NFL passer rating
Hooker Sophomore, Virginia Tech, ACC, 65.3% Completion %, 9 TDs, 5 INTs, 8.9 yds per attempt, 99.8 NFL passer rating
Love Junior, Utah State, Mountain West, 61.9% Completion %, 20 TDs, 17 INTs, 7.2 yds per attempt, 82.7 NFL passer rating
Hooker Junior Tennessee, SEC 68% Completion %, 31 TDs, 3 INTs, 9.7 yds per attempt, 129.2 NFL passer rating
Hooker Senior, Tennessee. SEC 69.6% Completion %, 27 TDs, 2 INTs, 9.5 yds per attempt, 124.6 NFL passer rating
In any case, the Packers should NOT exercise Jordan's $20M 5th year option & should exercise their 2025 option on Aaron Rodgers by the day before September 2023 season opener to be able to spread Aaron's $58M option payment over 4 years.
If you can't trade Jordan Love for sufficient value by September 2023, start Love for the regular season and keep Aaron Rodgers on the bench.
Sensible too as it is more probable than not, based on all the Jordan Love data points, that Jordan fails to perform at even a fraction of Aaron Rodgers 2008 level, where Aaron, despite playing through injury to right throwing shoulder at Tampa in game 4, was near the top of 32 QB starters in nearly every passing category, but 2008 Packers due to loss of 3 significant defensive starters to injury - Cullen Jenkins, Atari Digby and Nick Barnett gave up nearly 100 more points than 2007 and Packers finished 6-10.
In that case (keeping Rodgers as backup to Love for 2023) , Aaron can be there to SALVAGE the Packers' season and carry them to the playoffs once again as he did in 11 of his 15 years as Packer Starter - 11 years in the playoffs over those 15 years is more than any other NFC team or QB over that period - and that is despite the Packers being the only team in the NFL that has not spent a #1 draft choice on a running back, tight end or wide receiver during the 20 year period 2003 through 2022.
Oppy
April 17, 2023 at 09:15 pm
Re-posting your mile long tripe again? Okay, two can play at that game. I'll re-post my response to the OTHER time you posted this today, because I think it points out how foolish your questions are quite nicely.
1) If Love is capable of doing Rodgers like things, he very well may be worth a king's ransom, but nobody will pay a king's ransom for -unproven- talent.
2) If Love is capable of doing Rodgers-like things, you'd be an idiot to trade him. Picks are gambles. If you know you have a great, young, talent, you keep it and build around it.
3) you seem to miss the point. Rodgers won't be in the league in 4 years. Love has the potential to be winning games for 10-13 years.
Please just stop. Rodgers is, for all intents and purposes, no longer a Packer. On to the future, which may or may not be Jordan Love, but is 100% most definitely NOT Aaron Rodgers.
StarrtoRodgers
April 17, 2023 at 10:23 pm
Oppy: "1) If Love is capable of doing Rodgers like things, he very well may be worth a king's ransom, but nobody will pay a king's ransom for -unproven- talent."
Oppy, you are WRONG AGAIN.
Oppy, the Panthers just traded their 2023 1st round pick - 9th overall pick - and their 2023 2nd round pick - 61st overall pick - the Panthers 2024 1st round pick and the Panthers 2025 2nd rounder and their Star 26 year Receiver DJ Moore (the 1st round - 24th overall pick -of the Panthers in 2018, who has caught 364 passes for 14.3 yards per catch over 5 years) to the Chicago Bears for their chance to draft a QB - Young, Stroud, Levis or Richardson.
More is known about Jordan Love - who had his college career, PLUS 3 years in the NFL than any of these 4 QBs
So if Young or Stroud or Levis or Richardson are worth 4 draft picks, the 9th overall pick in 2023, 2nd round pick in 2023 (the 61st overall pick), 1st round pick in 2024, the 2nd round pick in 2025 and a young star wide receiver Oppy, what do you think Jordan Love who is less of unknown with 3 more years experience is worth?
Jordan Love in the minds of NFL GMs is just as "proven" as Young, Stroud, Levis, Richardson and other QBs.
THE PROBLEM IT SEEMS IS LOVE IS "PROVEN" TO BE WORTH LESS THAN ANY OF THESE 4 QBs and other QBs too.
But tell me OPPY, what would the Packers be able to get for Jordan Love if the Bears could get 4 draft picks, the 9th overall pick in 2023, 2nd round pick in 2023 (the 61st overall pick), 1st round pick in 2024, the 2nd round pick in 2025 and a young star wide receiver for 1 of Young, Stroud, Levis or Richardson?
Oppy, Just take a deep breathe and think BEFORE you react.
You are becoming what is called a REACTIONARY.
Clear you head of your Aaron Rodgers hatred:
Oppy: "Aaron Rodgers is the scum-sucking elitist."
Oppy
April 18, 2023 at 12:26 am
More 1st round QBs bust than succeed. Let's see how that trade turns out in the long run.
As far as Love goes- if the Packers like what they have, there's no trades getting done, because they have their QB and aren't shopping him. Period.
Your entire argument about what Love is or isn't worth is based around a false premise that if he was valuable, the Packers would trade him. This is absolute idiocy.
Reactionary? I'm the definition of pro-active. My stance and position have been steady and consistent for years, and were formed by years of careful observation- observations that I've been sharing here since 2015. You have no idea what you're talking about.
StarrtoRodgers
April 18, 2023 at 06:05 am
Oppy: "1) If Love is capable of doing Rodgers like things, he very well may be worth a king's ransom, but nobody will pay a king's ransom for -unproven- talent."
Oppy, you are WRONG AGAIN.
Look what the Panthers just paid for unproven talent.
Oppy, the Panthers just traded their 2023 1st round pick - 9th overall pick - and their 2023 2nd round pick - 61st overall pick - the Panthers 2024 1st round pick and the Panthers 2025 2nd rounder and their Star 26 year Receiver DJ Moore (the 1st round - 24th overall pick -of the Panthers in 2018, who has caught 364 passes for 14.3 yards per catch over 5 years) to the Chicago Bears for their chance to draft a QB - Young, Stroud, Levis or Richardson.
More is known about Jordan Love - who had his college career, PLUS 3 years in the NFL- than any of these 4 QBs
So if Young or Stroud or Levis or Richardson are worth 4 draft picks, the 9th overall pick in 2023, 2nd round pick in 2023 (the 61st overall pick), 1st round pick in 2024, the 2nd round pick in 2025 and a young star wide receiver, what do you think Jordan Love who is less of unknown with 3 more years experience is worth?
Jordan Love in the minds of NFL GMs is just as "proven" as Young, Stroud, Levis, Richardson and other QBs.
THE PROBLEM IT SEEMS IS LOVE IS "PROVEN" TO BE WORTH LESS THAN ANY OF THESE 4 QBs and other QBs too.
But tell me OPPY, what would the Packers be able to get for Jordan Love if the Bears could get 4 draft picks, the 9th overall pick in 2023, 2nd round pick in 2023 (the 61st overall pick), 1st round pick in 2024, the 2nd round pick in 2025 and a young star wide receiver for 1 of Young, Stroud, Levis or Richardson?
Oppy, Just take a deep breathe and think BEFORE you react.
You are becoming what is called a REACTIONARY.
Clear your head of your Aaron Rodgers hatred:
Oppy: "Aaron Rodgers is the scum-sucking elitist."
Oppy
April 18, 2023 at 03:54 pm
WIth all this spam posting, it's almost like you're trying to get banned.
Go for it, I hope you are successful beyond your wildest dreams.
Heyward
April 17, 2023 at 01:42 pm
I also didn't like what Bakhtiari said, but comparing him to Jenkins is ridiculous. They are two players at totally different points in their careers.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 17, 2023 at 01:55 pm
I don't think the author gets that David was talking about the Packers as if he were an outside pundit, commenter, fantasy football, or betting site. He's not talking as a member of the team. That's why he didn't use we.
And even if he had an attitude issue, I can't blame him for his feelings. He saw how GB handled Josh Sitton who I think was a big mentor to him. He is seeing his best friend on the team forced to either retire or play elsewhere. He's human and those things hurt. He's got to be feeling like he's the next in line. Meanwhile Jenkins knows he's in their plans.
D Bakh has done nothing but play hard and play extremely well, and work his butt off to come back from a horrible injury - yes a work-related injury. He didn't get hurt jumping motorbikes. He got hurt playing football and had an intense and traumatic road to recovery. I wouldn't be all flowers and unicorns either, in his position. But he's NEVER not played hard. He's never not practiced hard. He's always had a great attitude. Don't bash him now for being human.
StarrtoRodgers
April 17, 2023 at 02:08 pm
Thanks WCPB, good to hear another voice of reason.
The Church Ladies get loud and those being fed and swallowing and parroting Packer Management PROPAGANDA releases also.
Brian's ego cannot handle those players not afraid to question, think and speak.
TKWorldWide
April 17, 2023 at 10:03 pm
Deep state.
Mainstream media.
Space lasers.
Dark web.
Conspiracy theorists.
croatpackfan
April 17, 2023 at 02:22 pm
Just to check facts. ACR is the one who started to talk about retirement. Nobody was pushing him to the retirement...
Qoojo
April 17, 2023 at 02:17 pm
Bakh comments reflect someone nearing retirement and detachment. Just enjoy the time left is the way I take his remarks. No bitter intent. Plus, he is really good so he can handle whatever is thrown his way.
Packers0808
April 17, 2023 at 02:46 pm
A few words, feeling the Packers are going to be just fine and time to move on from the screwed up Rodgers' head!
Packerpasty
April 17, 2023 at 04:36 pm
No need to panic, more than a few commentators on this site have stated and are very sure Love is going to lead the Packers to a better record than last year and into the playoffs....of course now a few are changing their tune, saying its a rebuilding year, Love needs more weapons, etc...where did all the "Love will lead us to the playoff this year' go?? Are some losing faith and hedging their bets just a bit??? Maybe Bak knows something about where the Packers are headed, he's been in the building every day with the team...
TKWorldWide
April 17, 2023 at 10:05 pm
They used to make me wear a pasty on each side when I performed at my other job.