*** Official 2013 Packers Off Season Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[Balco]

I would hope the Packers would focus the draft on LBs, the offensive line, a hard-hitting safety. Maybe take fliers in the later rounds on a RB, defensive line and a WR.

I have always believed a good defense, 3-4 or 4-3 is built up the middle. DT, MLB, SS/FS. This is where the Packers need to focus. There is one solid MLB in Desmond Bishop, but there is another ILB spot that needs to be filled. On the D Line, I like Raji but he needs to have his snaps reduced. He is at his best when he is spelled occasionally. Would love to see a run stuffing NT signed to rotate in and out. As for safety, they need sure tacklers. That is it. Someone who can make a tackle, and take the right angles. I don't expect Ted Thompson to make a huge free agent signing, he rarely ever does, and I am fine with that. But he absolutely needs to find some situational players in free agency, especially on the D Line. Someone like Casey Hampton to play 20-30 snaps a game.Let Greg Jennings walk, say goodbye to Jermichael Finley, and that is it for the offense in free agency. This offense is more than good enough to win a Super Bowl, the defense is atrocious.The only position I am happy with on D is cornerback. A pass rush would make them alot better.

Though, I think they are ok at OLB. Not perfect...but they could sit pat with Matthews, Perry, Walden, Moses (unless they let Walden walk).

Of the front 7, OLB is the least of my worries as well. Matthews is obviously a stud, and Perry, Walden, and Moses have shown flashes. I just wish there was a little more consistency there. And I actually think Brad Jones is the best candidate for the other OLB spot. Of the players on the roster now, I think the best linebacking corps would be Matthews and Brad Jones at OLB, and Desmond Bishop and DJ Smith at ILB. That is an extremely athletic group.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

Donald Driver has decided to retire. Hats off to class act on & off the field.

 

[sho nuff]

Donald Driver has decided to retire. Hats off to class act on & off the field.

Hard not to like the guy.Worked his way up to being a starting WR. Played his behind off.And even took a reduction in playing time with class.Will likely be a spokesman for the team for years if he wants to be and be paid quite well for it.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

Good article on the future of Finley:http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/jermichael-finley-sees-it-as-5050-whether-hell-stay-with-packers-qb8mm5v-190319401.htmlI especially liked the blurb, "I would be out and about and people would yell, don't drop your keys!"

 

[smackdaddies]

Good article on the future of Finley:http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/jermichael-finley-sees-it-as-5050-whether-hell-stay-with-packers-qb8mm5v-190319401.htmlI especially liked the blurb, "I would be out and about and people would yell, don't drop your keys!"

Receivers can get better - look at Jones who went from so drop prone no one would sign him to just a stud.Of course Jones signed for 3.5m , not 7m a year

 

[sho nuff]

Good article on the future of Finley:http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/jermichael-finley-sees-it-as-5050-whether-hell-stay-with-packers-qb8mm5v-190319401.htmlI especially liked the blurb, "I would be out and about and people would yell, don't drop your keys!"

That cap # is the big issue obviously.Seems like he settled down once the talk of him being let go after the season surfaced and he played better.

 

[sho nuff]

Good article on the future of Finley:http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/jermichael-finley-sees-it-as-5050-whether-hell-stay-with-packers-qb8mm5v-190319401.htmlI especially liked the blurb, "I would be out and about and people would yell, don't drop your keys!"

Receivers can get better - look at Jones who went from so drop prone no one would sign him to just a stud.Of course Jones signed for 3.5m , not 7m a year

Thompson got steals in Jones and Nelson.

 

[sho nuff]

Woodson released?His 24 wines twitter said something like Thank You Green Bay...its been a nice run.At the doc now...so no link yetEdit...its not his official twitter but that of his wine label.But the tweet had a picture of him on it....not that shocking if he is gone. Probably asked him to restructure and either he refused or they could not agree on a number.

 

[sho nuff]

Woodson's agent confirming its about to happen. Being released.

 

[meyerj31]

Woodson's gone... expected with that absurd cap number but still sad to see a veteran of his caliber leave. Thanks for the memories!!

 

[ShaHBucks]

I have some IDP stock in Jerron McMillian. Anything expected of him with Woodsons release?

 

[sho nuff]

I have some IDP stock in Jerron McMillian. Anything expected of him with Woodsons release?

Its kind of up in the air between him, MD Jennings, and Sean Richardson.With the longshot that they could draft or sign someone.But I think they have seen enough out of the first two to think they have something to work with for now and the future.

 

[el centro]

Anyone have any rumor posts or findings that suggest who the Packers might target in Free Agency? Any chance they might go after one of the big name LT's?

 

[sho nuff]

Anyone have any rumor posts or findings that suggest who the Packers might target in Free Agency? Any chance they might go after one of the big name LT's?

Bolded 3 things that generally don't go together under Ted Thompson.He simply does not get into the big name portion of free agency and I don't see him doing it any different this year.

Right now he is in the midst of his own type of porn...scouting the next rookie batch.

If he signs any FA...will be more like the 2nd wave of FA and lesser named younger guys to compete for spots.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Hard to top the Saturday/Hargrave UFA class.

 

[sho nuff]

Hard to top the Saturday/Hargrave UFA class.

You forgot Benson too. Ted is a bargain shopper.He hits from time to time (Woodson and Pickett) on guys that seemingly are not wanted by other teams.

 

[Balco]

Saw that Packers are talking to Chris Canty at the combine. When he was released by the Giants, I was hoping the Packers would show interest. Guy has been injured lately, but has been very good when he has played. Would be a nice signing. Wondering how much he is looking for.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

They were interested in 2009 but Canty didn't bother visiting.Titans, Jags also interested this time around. He has visited KC but only the Titans are known to have made an offer.He's 30, not "old" for a DE. He's presumably a starter, lessening the need for immediate contributions from Worthy/Neal.

 

[Kleck]

Now is the time to get Canty for a bargain. I was really happy that Ted didn't overpay to get him the last time.

 

[Kleck]

I love Thompson's free agent philosophy. No need to overspend, and too many free agents sign for way more than they are worth. I'm all for building through the draft and signing from within. When the right guy comes along at the right price go for it, other than that, let the other teams overpay.

 

[sho nuff]

They were interested in 2009 but Canty didn't bother visiting.Titans, Jags also interested this time around. He has visited KC but only the Titans are known to have made an offer.He's 30, not "old" for a DE. He's presumably a starter, lessening the need for immediate contributions from Worthy/Neal.

SEems more like a Thompson pick up here.Not old for that position, but a veteran that can give us a few years and help beef us up.Im all for anything that improves the defensive front.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

fix that Oline please. TIA

 

[Balco]

Wouldn't mind them kicking Bart Scott's tires either. Should come cheap, and while he can't play on passing downs, he is still a solid backer against the run. This front 7 needs players that know their roles, and how to play within the system. There were few that could accomplish that last season. Still wondering why AJ Hawk is on this roster. Please get him off the team. Thanks.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Wouldn't mind them kicking Bart Scott's tires either. Should come cheap, and while he can't play on passing downs, he is still a solid backer against the run.

This front 7 needs players that know their roles, and how to play within the system. There were few that could accomplish that last season.

Still wondering why AJ Hawk is on this roster. Please get him off the team. Thanks.

Seriously, TT has some sort of bizarre fetish with Hawk. I'm supportive of 90% of the decisions the guy makes, but what is with the Hawk man-love that TT demonstrates? Do you really think Bart Scott would help this team? Maybe just from a pure badass perspective, since this team seems to lack physical toughness. Beyond that, I don't see Bart Scott as much of anything. The only time he's stood out in his career was when playing next to Ray Lewis.

 

[sho nuff]

Wouldn't mind them kicking Bart Scott's tires either. Should come cheap, and while he can't play on passing downs, he is still a solid backer against the run.

This front 7 needs players that know their roles, and how to play within the system. There were few that could accomplish that last season.

Still wondering why AJ Hawk is on this roster. Please get him off the team. Thanks.

Seriously, TT has some sort of bizarre fetish with Hawk. I'm supportive of 90% of the decisions the guy makes, but what is with the Hawk man-love that TT demonstrates? Do you really think Bart Scott would help this team? Maybe just from a pure badass perspective, since this team seems to lack physical toughness. Beyond that, I don't see Bart Scott as much of anything. The only time he's stood out in his career was when playing next to Ray Lewis.

Because despite the fan disapproval of him, the coaches and even McGinn's scouting grades of him have been pretty good recently.That said...I think going forward they need more speed there. And Hawk's price tag is too high for what he is currently bringing.

 

[Balco]

Wouldn't mind them kicking Bart Scott's tires either. Should come cheap, and while he can't play on passing downs, he is still a solid backer against the run.

This front 7 needs players that know their roles, and how to play within the system. There were few that could accomplish that last season.

Still wondering why AJ Hawk is on this roster. Please get him off the team. Thanks.

Seriously, TT has some sort of bizarre fetish with Hawk. I'm supportive of 90% of the decisions the guy makes, but what is with the Hawk man-love that TT demonstrates? Do you really think Bart Scott would help this team? Maybe just from a pure badass perspective, since this team seems to lack physical toughness. Beyond that, I don't see Bart Scott as much of anything. The only time he's stood out in his career was when playing next to Ray Lewis.

I do think Scott can help the team. He is a hard nose ILB, who absolutely should not be playing on passing downs, but would be a huge upgrade over Hawk. Assuming Bishop comes back 100% we are solid at ILB. But I am not crazy about the other options. The defense was a complete sieve last year, and it can be traced to the front 7. Aside from Clay Matthews, that unit was abysmal. Raji was playing way too many snaps and that hurt his effectiveness. There was zero push from the D Line against the pass, and that allowed qb's to stand in the pocket for what seems like 5 minutes. I still hold out hope for Mike Neal. Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy were underwhelming before they got hurt. Wouldn't mind Perry bulking up to play end (with his hand on the ground) in passing situations.

 

[jurrassic]

Interesting that Barnett and Jenkins are now both available at positions of need. I would like to see Canty but Jenkins for a year or two wouldn't be terrible

 

[tdmills]

Interesting that Barnett and Jenkins are now both available at positions of need. I would like to see Canty but Jenkins for a year or two wouldn't be terrible

MLB is a position of need? Hawk/BishopI agree Jenkins would be a great pickup, does he still have it though?

 

[sho nuff]

Interesting that Barnett and Jenkins are now both available at positions of need. I would like to see Canty but Jenkins for a year or two wouldn't be terrible

MLB is a position of need? Hawk/BishopI agree Jenkins would be a great pickup, does he still have it though?

I think he would be a help at least for depth...he may not have what he did 3 years ago...but has to be better than some of what they have run out there.ILB is a bit of a need.Bishop is no sure think to return to form (I hope he does as he can make a big difference there).Hawk, he just is not anything spectacular...but I don't think Barnett is worth much beyond a possible depth signing.

 

[tdmills]

Interesting that Barnett and Jenkins are now both available at positions of need. I would like to see Canty but Jenkins for a year or two wouldn't be terrible

MLB is a position of need? Hawk/BishopI agree Jenkins would be a great pickup, does he still have it though?

I think he would be a help at least for depth...he may not have what he did 3 years ago...but has to be better than some of what they have run out there.ILB is a bit of a need.Bishop is no sure think to return to form (I hope he does as he can make a big difference there).Hawk, he just is not anything spectacular...but I don't think Barnett is worth much beyond a possible depth signing.

I can see that, also rumors of releasing Hawk would help bring in Barnett.

 

[meyerj31]

Interesting that Barnett and Jenkins are now both available at positions of need. I would like to see Canty but Jenkins for a year or two wouldn't be terrible

MLB is a position of need? Hawk/BishopI agree Jenkins would be a great pickup, does he still have it though?

I think he would be a help at least for depth...he may not have what he did 3 years ago...but has to be better than some of what they have run out there.ILB is a bit of a need.Bishop is no sure think to return to form (I hope he does as he can make a big difference there).Hawk, he just is not anything spectacular...but I don't think Barnett is worth much beyond a possible depth signing.

I can see that, also rumors of releasing Hawk would help bring in Barnett.

Anything for more speed at a cheaper price. Hawk is serviceable but serviceable doesn't get you to the Super Bowl.I would be fine with them spending all their time looking for the next Navarro Bowman in the draft rather than spending millions signing a 30 year old LB.

 

[jurrassic]

Interesting that Barnett and Jenkins are now both available at positions of need. I would like to see Canty but Jenkins for a year or two wouldn't be terrible

MLB is a position of need? Hawk/BishopI agree Jenkins would be a great pickup, does he still have it though?

I think he would be a help at least for depth...he may not have what he did 3 years ago...but has to be better than some of what they have run out there.ILB is a bit of a need.Bishop is no sure think to return to form (I hope he does as he can make a big difference there).Hawk, he just is not anything spectacular...but I don't think Barnett is worth much beyond a possible depth signing.

I can see that, also rumors of releasing Hawk would help bring in Barnett.

Anything for more speed at a cheaper price. Hawk is serviceable but serviceable doesn't get you to the Super Bowl.I would be fine with them spending all their time looking for the next Navarro Bowman in the draft rather than spending millions signing a 30 year old LB.

I agree with this statement. I only mention Barnett because ILB is a position of need, at least in my opinion. Bishop and Smith are both coming off injury, Hawk is Hawk and Jones and Francois are both free agents. That and TT knows who Barnett is. I would prefer the next Navarro Bowman though

 

[Balco]

Don't want Barnett, but the Packers should be on the phone with Cullen Jenkins agent immediately.It shouldn't be one or the other regarding Canty and Jenkins. It should be both.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Interesting that Barnett and Jenkins are now both available at positions of need. I would like to see Canty but Jenkins for a year or two wouldn't be terrible

MLB is a position of need? Hawk/BishopI agree Jenkins would be a great pickup, does he still have it though?

I think he would be a help at least for depth...he may not have what he did 3 years ago...but has to be better than some of what they have run out there.ILB is a bit of a need.Bishop is no sure think to return to form (I hope he does as he can make a big difference there).Hawk, he just is not anything spectacular...but I don't think Barnett is worth much beyond a possible depth signing.

I can see that, also rumors of releasing Hawk would help bring in Barnett.

Anything for more speed at a cheaper price. Hawk is serviceable but serviceable doesn't get you to the Super Bowl.I would be fine with them spending all their time looking for the next Navarro Bowman in the draft rather than spending millions signing a 30 year old LB.

I agree with this statement. I only mention Barnett because ILB is a position of need, at least in my opinion. Bishop and Smith are both coming off injury, Hawk is Hawk and Jones and Francois are both free agents. That and TT knows who Barnett is. I would prefer the next Navarro Bowman though

Barnett was at times a liability before because of his inability to play within the scheme - too much freelancing. Additionally, he's a loudmouth cancer. Just like Finley. It's no coincidence that we won a title when both were injured.Agree with Balco - we should bring in Jenkins and Canty if we can afford it.

 

[dijatool]

That and TT knows who Barnett is.

Which is exactly why Nick isn't coming back.When Barnett was injured the defense changed for the better. Bishop stayed within the plan and wasn't off try to make a superman play every down. Let's also not forget Nick's part in making the team picture before the Super Bowl a much bigger deal than it needed to be. Crying about it publicly on twitter wasn't looked upon favorably.

 

[Danish Bengal]

With Nelson, Jones and Cobb clearly ahead of him on the deepth chart is there any dynasty value to Boykin?

 

[sho nuff]

Jolly reinstated...

Has not played in what...3 years?

He may be 30, but not much wear and tear.

I don't want them trusting just him...would rather if they do get him to come back cheap, do so with the plan of also bringing in someone like Canty or Jenkins as well.

But, for cheap, why not bring in the guy on a short term low cap deal...with the expressed concerns that one mistake and he is out on his butt.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Jolly reinstated...Has not played in what...3 years?He may be 30, but not much wear and tear.I don't want them trusting just him...would rather if they do get him to come back cheap, do so with the plan of also bringing in someone like Canty or Jenkins as well.But, for cheap, why not bring in the guy on a short term low cap deal...with the expressed concerns that one mistake and he is out on his butt.

purple drank....

 

[KingPrawn]

Jolly reinstated...Has not played in what...3 years?He may be 30, but not much wear and tear.I don't want them trusting just him...would rather if they do get him to come back cheap, do so with the plan of also bringing in someone like Canty or Jenkins as well.But, for cheap, why not bring in the guy on a short term low cap deal...with the expressed concerns that one mistake and he is out on his butt.

The Packers still have the rights to Jolly, who was suspended indefinitely in early 2010 for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. At the time, the Packers had tendered Jolly, a restricted free agent, with a one-year $2.521 million offer.It's likely his salary would remain the same as soon as he returns to the Packers' 80-man roster, but the Packers have time to make a decision on his status because the 2013 salary cap doesn't go into effect until March 12 and thus Jolly's cap figure won't count until then.Now that Jolly is reinstated the Packers can have conversations with his agent about restructuring his contracdt. If the Packers did take him back, it's likely it would be on a minimum wage contract.

No way do I take the chance on him at his current contract number of $2.5 mil. Only way I think they bring him back is at the minimum wage with perhaps some incentive clauses. They could use the help on the D-line but what do you get after a 3 year layoff?

 

[sho nuff]

Agreed I don't pay him $2.5 mil after being out of football for that long.

 

[sho nuff]

I was already to give Finley another shot. After the comments in the media about the team being ready to let him go after the year, he came on and played much better. Was quiet and not saying his usual dumb things. Still thought his contract was too high...but maybe they hold him for another year.Now, with the team supposedly not even approaching him about it yet...he opens his big mouth yet again.http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/2/28/4039526/jermichael-finley-contract-green-bay-packers

"I'd have to walk for sure, meaning I couldn't take a pay cut. Maybe I'd restructure if it's a deal that I like and it makes sense, but I'm not the guy that's just going to sign anything and let anything pass. I'm not that guy. Other than that, taking a pay cut or restructuring doesn't sound good to me at this time. I like my deal."

He just does not get it. He could have easily just left out the part about having to walk, or "couldn't take a paycut" and it would not sound bad.

 

[Balco]

I was already to give Finley another shot. After the comments in the media about the team being ready to let him go after the year, he came on and played much better. Was quiet and not saying his usual dumb things. Still thought his contract was too high...but maybe they hold him for another year.Now, with the team supposedly not even approaching him about it yet...he opens his big mouth yet again.http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/2/28/4039526/jermichael-finley-contract-green-bay-packers

"I'd have to walk for sure, meaning I couldn't take a pay cut. Maybe I'd restructure if it's a deal that I like and it makes sense, but I'm not the guy that's just going to sign anything and let anything pass. I'm not that guy. Other than that, taking a pay cut or restructuring doesn't sound good to me at this time. I like my deal."

He just does not get it. He could have easily just left out the part about having to walk, or "couldn't take a paycut" and it would not sound bad.

He wouldn't be a big loss. His drops are maddening, and he doesn't block well enough to justify his cement hands.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

He's not the best, but TE becomes a gaping hole without him. I'm not a fan of drafting TEs earlier than round 3, either.

 

[Pipes]

He's not the best, but TE becomes a gaping hole without him. I'm not a fan of drafting TEs earlier than round 3, either.

GB would miss him a lot more than fans realize and his dropped passes are way overstated. Jimmy Graham and Aaron Hernandez both had a higher percentage of dropped passes than Finley. Finley is still young and very talented...to give up on him now and spend a high draft pick on a replacement with holes at oline, dine, lb, safety and RB would be downright foolish.

 

[Balco]

He's not the best, but TE becomes a gaping hole without him. I'm not a fan of drafting TEs earlier than round 3, either.

GB would miss him a lot more than fans realize and his dropped passes are way overstated. Jimmy Graham and Aaron Hernandez both had a higher percentage of dropped passes than Finley. Finley is still young and very talented...to give up on him now and spend a high draft pick on a replacement with holes at oline, dine, lb, safety and RB would be downright foolish.

Why would they spend a high draft pick to replace him? I have no problem with Crabtree replacing him.

 

[Touchdown There]

Fred DavisJared CookBrandon MyersDelanie WalkerDustin KellerHeath Miller+ excellent crop of rookiesCut Finley. Rodgers does not trust him.

 

[Pipes]

He's not the best, but TE becomes a gaping hole without him. I'm not a fan of drafting TEs earlier than round 3, either.

GB would miss him a lot more than fans realize and his dropped passes are way overstated. Jimmy Graham and Aaron Hernandez both had a higher percentage of dropped passes than Finley. Finley is still young and very talented...to give up on him now and spend a high draft pick on a replacement with holes at oline, dine, lb, safety and RB would be downright foolish.

Why would they spend a high draft pick to replace him? I have no problem with Crabtree replacing him.

Yuck...he's nothing more than a backup TE. Many Packer fans have an irrational hatred of Finley and regardless of what you may think Finley's presence helps open things up for the WRs. Defenses still to account for him....Crabtree not so much.By the way Jordy Nelson had 1 less drop than Finley last year and 12 less catches yet no one complains about Jordy.

 

[KingPrawn]

He's not the best, but TE becomes a gaping hole without him. I'm not a fan of drafting TEs earlier than round 3, either.

GB would miss him a lot more than fans realize and his dropped passes are way overstated. Jimmy Graham and Aaron Hernandez both had a higher percentage of dropped passes than Finley. Finley is still young and very talented...to give up on him now and spend a high draft pick on a replacement with holes at oline, dine, lb, safety and RB would be downright foolish.

Why would they spend a high draft pick to replace him? I have no problem with Crabtree replacing him.

Crabtree is just another guy. No threat whatsoever. You leave Finley go and you've got another hole to fill.

 

[Balco]

He's not the best, but TE becomes a gaping hole without him. I'm not a fan of drafting TEs earlier than round 3, either.

GB would miss him a lot more than fans realize and his dropped passes are way overstated. Jimmy Graham and Aaron Hernandez both had a higher percentage of dropped passes than Finley. Finley is still young and very talented...to give up on him now and spend a high draft pick on a replacement with holes at oline, dine, lb, safety and RB would be downright foolish.

Why would they spend a high draft pick to replace him? I have no problem with Crabtree replacing him.

Yuck...he's nothing more than a backup TE. Many Packer fans have an irrational hatred of Finley and regardless of what you may think Finley's presence helps open things up for the WRs. Defenses still to account for him....Crabtree not so much.By the way Jordy Nelson had 1 less drop than Finley last year and 12 less catches yet no one complains about Jordy.

I would love to have Finley back. Would also like to sign Dannel Ellerbe, Paul Kruger, and Jake Long. But in the salary cap era, teams don't have limitless money. If Finley doesn't want to take a paycut, he needs to go, so money can be spent on that sorry excuse for a defense. The offense is Super Bowl caliber with or without Finley. Crabtree is just another guy, with the nfl's best QB throwing to him. He would be fine.

 

[sho nuff]

He's not the best, but TE becomes a gaping hole without him. I'm not a fan of drafting TEs earlier than round 3, either.

Funny how that "gaping hole" did not seem to matter in 2010/2011?I don't think they would draft one before round 4 or so...if even there.They have, with Finley, 5 TEs on the roster (Finley, Crabtree, Quarless, Williams, and Taylor).Its not a great group...but its not as if Finley has been lighting it up doing all that great the past several years.Im not happy with his price tag this year...but they can suck it up with that for now (helps with this cap increase they announced yesterday).