***Official*** Green Bay Packers Offseason Thread, v. 2014 (1 Viewer)

[Warhogs]

Looking at many of these deals...Im glad Ted is laying back.

A lot of money being thrown around for guys right now.

Though...would have been nice having TJ Ward at or near that price. Didn't seem too outrageous for him.

Yeah Ward is the only player that signed yesterday that had me kind of pissed off at Ted. 5 million per for a solid safety who's young and is a big hitter. That's exactly what this defense needs.

Seems like a screwup everywhere or Ward was convinced to take less. Ward may have underestimated the market for him and Ted may have overestimated it and never got involved.

I agree. It seems like some guys are willing to take less to hitch a ride with Denver. Pretty tough to compete with that. I'm fine with them not throwing any big money at the first wave. I do also agree with others that they overpaid for Shields. I would like to see them take a look at guys like Ware and Revis but I just don't see that happening.

 

[Phenomena]

Overpaying for Shields was a mistake..

Don't see how he would have ever gotten 9.75 million per on the open market.

He didn't, really. $12.5M signing bonus is not out of line for his age/talent.

The base contract is something like this:

2014: $3M

2015: $5M

2016: $9M

2017: $9M

Shield won't see 2016/17 money unless he improves to an elite CB.

The cap impact is pretty low in 2014, which seems unusual for Ted. Usually he pays more up front instead of back-loading contracts (which is dangerous over time). It's like he structured it so the Packers would still have a ton of cap space in 2014, then didn't use any of it on a top-tier free agent the first day. They still have ~$27M left. All of the beat writers have hinted that TT aggregated all this space for this year and was planning to use it. Rookies need $7M and he usually carries $4-5M in reserve, but that's still a whopping $15M that he's planning to use somehow. Where are they going to use it??? Every defensive player under 28 playing a position of need for GB that graded out +5.0 or better on PFF last year is gone. All of them. So how the hell is he going to spend that enormous amount of cap space??? I really hope he doesn't sign any 30+ guys. That's just not what Ted does, but none of the young, impact LB/S/DL are left.

 

[Warhogs]

Overpaying for Shields was a mistake..

Don't see how he would have ever gotten 9.75 million per on the open market.

He didn't, really. $12.5M signing bonus is not out of line for his age/talent.

The base contract is something like this:

2014: $3M

2015: $5M

2016: $9M

2017: $9M

Shield won't see 2016/17 money unless he improves to an elite CB.

The cap impact is pretty low in 2014, which seems unusual for Ted. Usually he pays more up front instead of back-loading contracts (which is dangerous over time). It's like he structured it so the Packers would still have a ton of cap space in 2014, then didn't use any of it on a top-tier free agent the first day. They still have ~$27M left. All of the beat writers have hinted that TT aggregated all this space for this year and was planning to use it. Rookies need $7M and he usually carries $4-5M in reserve, but that's still a whopping $15M that he's planning to use somehow. Where are they going to use it??? Every defensive player under 28 playing a position of need for GB that graded out +5.0 or better on PFF last year is gone. All of them. So how the hell is he going to spend that enormous amount of cap space??? I really hope he doesn't sign any 30+ guys. That's just not what Ted does, but none of the young, impact LB/S/DL are left.

I really don't mind looking at signing any 30+ guys if the money is right and they don't have to overpay and can bring them in on a short term deal. If the Jared Allen suitors end up signing some of these other guys to big long term deals and the market dries up so Allen can be brought in on an affordable 1-2 year deal I am OK with that. If the same thing happens with a guy like Champ Bailey, OK. I think Green Bay isn't looking to pay that high premium to the first wave and give contracts that are killers 2 or 3 years down the line.

 

[sho nuff]

Looking at many of these deals...Im glad Ted is laying back.

A lot of money being thrown around for guys right now.

Though...would have been nice having TJ Ward at or near that price. Didn't seem too outrageous for him.

Yeah Ward is the only player that signed yesterday that had me kind of pissed off at Ted. 5 million per for a solid safety who's young and is a big hitter. That's exactly what this defense needs.

Seems like a screwup everywhere or Ward was convinced to take less. Ward may have underestimated the market for him and Ted may have overestimated it and never got involved.

I agree. It seems like some guys are willing to take less to hitch a ride with Denver. Pretty tough to compete with that. I'm fine with them not throwing any big money at the first wave. I do also agree with others that they overpaid for Shields. I would like to see them take a look at guys like Ware and Revis but I just don't see that happening.

I think its a slight overpayment for Shields when you look at the overall contract. Look at the guaranteed and it was market value. He got, I think, a touch more overall than Verner, but less guaranteed. Seems right in line.

Now, with what they have locked up in Rodgers, Shields now, Matthews...just don't think they can commit that much to a Revis or Ware (no matter how much Id love Ware on the other side of Matthews).

If Denver does it...and it looks like they will. That team will be very good for 2 years...then they will go through several lean years when Manning is done and they are eating big parts of these contracts.

 

[The Claymaker]

Ego is such a funny accusation...look up Brandt's thoughts on TT having an ego.

No offense towards you Sho, but I don't care what others say. My opinion is based off what I see, and I see a group of guys that won't pull the trigger to cut dead weight or jump on some potentially better players to fix the D. Of course every FA is a risk, but I think a few of these guys were well worth the risk.

 

[sho nuff]

Ego is such a funny accusation...look up Brandt's thoughts on TT having an ego.

No offense towards you Sho, but I don't care what others say. My opinion is based off what I see, and I see a group of guys that won't pull the trigger to cut dead weight or jump on some potentially better players to fix the D. Of course every FA is a risk, but I think a few of these guys were well worth the risk.

And no offense to you, but i trust the opinion of someone who actually knows Thompson and has worked with him over someone who observes based on things the team does.

He has cut, released, or not signed his own guys many times.

 

[Touchdown There]

If this D is not in the top ten at the end of the year and a bunch of cap money goes unspent, Ted deserves to lose his job.

 

[Sabertooth]

I don't think he should be fired but I've been a big supporter and he just hasn't been able to get this team to realize the promise that had after the surprise super bowl run. They've really failed to build on that momentum.

 

[Pipes]

I don't think he should be fired but I've been a big supporter and he just hasn't been able to get this team to realize the promise that had after the surprise super bowl run. They've really failed to build on that momentum.

I agree with this. I like Ted and think he's been a good GM but it's time for him to step up. He's not going to have Rodgers forever so you can't always look 2 or 3 years down the road when building your roster. I'm not saying act like the Redskins and throw big money at guys like Haynesworth but he needs to add a solid vet or 2 to fill some big holes on the defense.

On a related note I'm taunting the 3 Bears fans in my office like crazy today. MD Jennings...really? Congrats Bears fans you signed the worst defensive player on a bad defensive team. The defense will already be better in 2014....addition by subtraction.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

I still like TT, but it's clear he was begged to come back for another contract when he seemed like he just wanted to retire. That lack of passion has been evident the last couple of drafts, but he's still better than most GMs. I'm a bit disappointed so far in his offseason moves (or lack thereof), but there's still time.

 

[smackdaddies]

md jennings signed by bears - possibly Neal also. Jennings is not a good player, but Neal might be a good de fit for their 4-3 d

 

[Sabertooth]

I see Demarcus Ware just signed for 3/30. Or basically the same money Sam ####### Shields got. Good grief.

 

[sho nuff]

I see Demarcus Ware just signed for 3/30. Or basically the same money Sam ####### Shields got. Good grief.

Other than the difference again in guaranteed money...so not really the same at all.

 

[Sabertooth]

Sure it is. Both players will likely play these contracts through to completion. On the field Ware is far more valuable then Shields.

 

[sho nuff]

Sure it is. Both players will likely play these contracts through to completion. On the field Ware is far more valuable then Shields.

Shields wont see year 3 and 4 unless he plays at an elite level.

 

[Sabertooth]

Obviously different positions but from an on the field impact standpoint I'm fairly comfortable with saying Demarcus would have helped the Packers more than Shields.

 

[sho nuff]

I still like TT, but it's clear he was begged to come back for another contract when he seemed like he just wanted to retire. That lack of passion has been evident the last couple of drafts, but he's still better than most GMs. I'm a bit disappointed so far in his offseason moves (or lack thereof), but there's still time.

How is it clear he was begged? And when did it ever seem like he just wanted to retire?

Seems he is plenty passionate about scouting (the part of his job I think he likes most).

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I see Demarcus Ware just signed for 3/30. Or basically the same money Sam ####### Shields got. Good grief.

Shields' contract makes sense if viewed as a 2 year deal, which seems to be the case. If he gets to the 3rd year, it will be because he's earned it. Of course, it is a bit of a gamble, but hey, TT is a risk-taker, right?

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

I still like TT, but it's clear he was begged to come back for another contract when he seemed like he just wanted to retire. That lack of passion has been evident the last couple of drafts, but he's still better than most GMs. I'm a bit disappointed so far in his offseason moves (or lack thereof), but there's still time.

How is it clear he was begged? And when did it ever seem like he just wanted to retire?

Seems he is plenty passionate about scouting (the part of his job I think he likes most).

When he was extended in 2011, there were insider reports that he wanted to retire but that Murphy et al encouraged him to stay a few more years. I remember reading a (brief) interview with him around that time, and although he said all the right things, you could tell he was wearing down.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I still like TT, but it's clear he was begged to come back for another contract when he seemed like he just wanted to retire. That lack of passion has been evident the last couple of drafts, but he's still better than most GMs. I'm a bit disappointed so far in his offseason moves (or lack thereof), but there's still time.

How is it clear he was begged? And when did it ever seem like he just wanted to retire?

Seems he is plenty passionate about scouting (the part of his job I think he likes most).

Many Packer fans have pretty amazing powers of perception, almost extrasensory at times, from their vantage point on the couch.

 

[sho nuff]

I still like TT, but it's clear he was begged to come back for another contract when he seemed like he just wanted to retire. That lack of passion has been evident the last couple of drafts, but he's still better than most GMs. I'm a bit disappointed so far in his offseason moves (or lack thereof), but there's still time.

How is it clear he was begged? And when did it ever seem like he just wanted to retire?

Seems he is plenty passionate about scouting (the part of his job I think he likes most).

When he was extended in 2011, there were insider reports that he wanted to retire but that Murphy et al encouraged him to stay a few more years. I remember reading a (brief) interview with him around that time, and although he said all the right things, you could tell he was wearing down.

So...its not really clear....you just took something from an interview and ran with some internet rumors as if they were fact.

 

[Sabertooth]

He retired from drafting good defensive players right after the Matthews pick.

 

[sho nuff]

He retired from drafting good defensive players right after the Matthews pick.

Zing...even as inaccurate as it is.

Mike Daniels, Casey Hayward, Micah Hyde all say hi...as do others who, despite not being great at this point are still early in their careers and many already would give up on them.

 

[Sabertooth]

Hyde was decent but he just isn't a good enough athlete. Daniels is a rotation guy and Heyward is incomplete. The fact that you didn't mention Jones, Perry, or worthy speaks to my point.

 

[sho nuff]

Hyde was decent but he just isn't a good enough athlete. Daniels is a rotation guy and Heyward is incomplete. The fact that you didn't mention Jones, Perry, or worthy speaks to my point.

Hyde was pretty good as a rookie.

Just isn't a good athlete...hilarious.

Nothing wrong with rotational guys in this defense. They are needed and he actually provided a push up the middle.

Hayward has talent...but its funny you just call him incomplete but basically have your mind made up on Daniels and Hyde already.

Jones, Perry, and Worthy were mentioned "as do others who, despite not being great at this point are still early in their careers and many already would give up on them".

Right there in my post. Talk about incomplete. They are young players who still have a lot to prove...but also who have the ability to prove they can play in this league.

 

[Pipes]

Hyde was decent but he just isn't a good enough athlete. Daniels is a rotation guy and Heyward is incomplete. The fact that you didn't mention Jones, Perry, or worthy speaks to my point.

Hyde was pretty good as a rookie.

Just isn't a good athlete...hilarious.

Nothing wrong with rotational guys in this defense. They are needed and he actually provided a push up the middle.

Hayward has talent...but its funny you just call him incomplete but basically have your mind made up on Daniels and Hyde already.

Jones, Perry, and Worthy were mentioned "as do others who, despite not being great at this point are still early in their careers and many already would give up on them".

Right there in my post. Talk about incomplete. They are young players who still have a lot to prove...but also who have the ability to prove they can play in this league.

Thompson's been below average drafting on the defensive side of the ball in the last 4 drafts. That's not even debatable. With all the picks they've spent and Hayward, Hyde and Daniels isn't saying a whole lot. Yes part of the problem has been due to injury (Worthy and Jones) I think still have potential. Perry's been injured too but I think he sucks and I hated the pick at the time too big to play LB and too small to play the line.

Thankfully he's been great on the offensive side of the ball with Cobb, Lacy and Bahkatri recently and guys like Sitton and Jordy going back to the Rodgers draft. If only he could transfer some of his eye for offensive talent to the defensive side of the ball the Pack will be in good shape.

 

[Sabertooth]

Hyde was decent but he just isn't a good enough athlete. Daniels is a rotation guy and Heyward is incomplete. The fact that you didn't mention Jones, Perry, or worthy speaks to my point.

Hyde was pretty good as a rookie.

Just isn't a good athlete...hilarious.

Nothing wrong with rotational guys in this defense. They are needed and he actually provided a push up the middle.

Hayward has talent...but its funny you just call him incomplete but basically have your mind made up on Daniels and Hyde already.

Jones, Perry, and Worthy were mentioned "as do others who, despite not being great at this point are still early in their careers and many already would give up on them".

Right there in my post. Talk about incomplete. They are young players who still have a lot to prove...but also who have the ability to prove they can play in this league.

i didn't say he wasn't a good athlete. They are all great athletes. But he certainly wasn't athletic enough in the San Fran game. Or the packers could have won.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

I still like TT, but it's clear he was begged to come back for another contract when he seemed like he just wanted to retire. That lack of passion has been evident the last couple of drafts, but he's still better than most GMs. I'm a bit disappointed so far in his offseason moves (or lack thereof), but there's still time.

How is it clear he was begged? And when did it ever seem like he just wanted to retire?

Seems he is plenty passionate about scouting (the part of his job I think he likes most).

Many Packer fans have pretty amazing powers of perception, almost extrasensory at times, from their vantage point on the couch.

Do you guys ever leave this forum and actually watch, listen and read Packer-related stuff (especially games)? Or do you just sit here and feed off each other's comments, supplying your own opinion but demanding fact from others?

This may come as a surprise to you, but often times PR information isn't in line with what's actually going on. Translating someone's comments and body language in front of a camera isn't rocket science.

 

[Sabertooth]

The other problem of course being that the defensive players seem to top out in their rookie seasons. They just don't see big improvements.

 

[sho nuff]

Hyde was decent but he just isn't a good enough athlete. Daniels is a rotation guy and Heyward is incomplete. The fact that you didn't mention Jones, Perry, or worthy speaks to my point.

Hyde was pretty good as a rookie.

Just isn't a good athlete...hilarious.

Nothing wrong with rotational guys in this defense. They are needed and he actually provided a push up the middle.

Hayward has talent...but its funny you just call him incomplete but basically have your mind made up on Daniels and Hyde already.

Jones, Perry, and Worthy were mentioned "as do others who, despite not being great at this point are still early in their careers and many already would give up on them".

Right there in my post. Talk about incomplete. They are young players who still have a lot to prove...but also who have the ability to prove they can play in this league.

Thompson's been below average drafting on the defensive side of the ball in the last 4 drafts. That's not even debatable. With all the picks they've spent and Hayward, Hyde and Daniels isn't saying a whole lot. Yes part of the problem has been due to injury (Worthy and Jones) I think still have potential. Perry's been injured too but I think he sucks and I hated the pick at the time too big to play LB and too small to play the line.

Thankfully he's been great on the offensive side of the ball with Cobb, Lacy and Bahkatri recently and guys like Sitton and Jordy going back to the Rodgers draft. If only he could transfer some of his eye for offensive talent to the defensive side of the ball the Pack will be in good shape.

I would agree he has not been great drafting since then.

Just not going to claim he has not drafted some good players.

 

[sho nuff]

Hyde was decent but he just isn't a good enough athlete. Daniels is a rotation guy and Heyward is incomplete. The fact that you didn't mention Jones, Perry, or worthy speaks to my point.

Hyde was pretty good as a rookie.

Just isn't a good athlete...hilarious.

Nothing wrong with rotational guys in this defense. They are needed and he actually provided a push up the middle.

Hayward has talent...but its funny you just call him incomplete but basically have your mind made up on Daniels and Hyde already.

Jones, Perry, and Worthy were mentioned "as do others who, despite not being great at this point are still early in their careers and many already would give up on them".

Right there in my post. Talk about incomplete. They are young players who still have a lot to prove...but also who have the ability to prove they can play in this league.

i didn't say he wasn't a good athlete. They are all great athletes. But he certainly wasn't athletic enough in the San Fran game. Or the packers could have won.

Because he dropped an INT?

 

[sho nuff]

Looks like Neal has agreed to a 2 year deal to stay.

 

[sho nuff]

I still like TT, but it's clear he was begged to come back for another contract when he seemed like he just wanted to retire. That lack of passion has been evident the last couple of drafts, but he's still better than most GMs. I'm a bit disappointed so far in his offseason moves (or lack thereof), but there's still time.

How is it clear he was begged? And when did it ever seem like he just wanted to retire?

Seems he is plenty passionate about scouting (the part of his job I think he likes most).

Many Packer fans have pretty amazing powers of perception, almost extrasensory at times, from their vantage point on the couch.

Do you guys ever leave this forum and actually watch, listen and read Packer-related stuff (especially games)? Or do you just sit here and feed off each other's comments, supplying your own opinion but demanding fact from others?

This may come as a surprise to you, but often times PR information isn't in line with what's actually going on. Translating someone's comments and body language in front of a camera isn't rocket science.

Sure...watched every game.

Listen to several radio shows and read both JS and the Press Gazette as far as Packer news (among other sources).

Not sure how you can watch games and figure out that Ted Thompson wanted to retire though.

TT just does not give many comments and his body language is nearly always the same.

Again...seems you ran with some rumor and are trying to defend that now acting as if you watch and listen and read more than others.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

I still like TT, but it's clear he was begged to come back for another contract when he seemed like he just wanted to retire. That lack of passion has been evident the last couple of drafts, but he's still better than most GMs. I'm a bit disappointed so far in his offseason moves (or lack thereof), but there's still time.

How is it clear he was begged? And when did it ever seem like he just wanted to retire?

Seems he is plenty passionate about scouting (the part of his job I think he likes most).

Many Packer fans have pretty amazing powers of perception, almost extrasensory at times, from their vantage point on the couch.

Do you guys ever leave this forum and actually watch, listen and read Packer-related stuff (especially games)? Or do you just sit here and feed off each other's comments, supplying your own opinion but demanding fact from others?

This may come as a surprise to you, but often times PR information isn't in line with what's actually going on. Translating someone's comments and body language in front of a camera isn't rocket science.

Sure...watched every game.

Listen to several radio shows and read both JS and the Press Gazette as far as Packer news (among other sources).

Not sure how you can watch games and figure out that Ted Thompson wanted to retire though.

TT just does not give many comments and his body language is nearly always the same.

Again...seems you ran with some rumor and are trying to defend that now acting as if you watch and listen and read more than others.

So when I find the article-- what then? Some BS excuse that it's not a named source... Just curious.

 

[sho nuff]

The other problem of course being that the defensive players seem to top out in their rookie seasons. They just don't see big improvements.

Shields has improved over his career.

Neal has as well (and actually was ok in his transition to OLB).

Daniels improved over his first year as well.

Perry's first year was injury riddled...as was last year...but he looked decent (not great).

Hayward was great his rookie year...but has been hurt since.

So who has topped out their rookie year and just not improved other than Burnett maybe? (I think more of that is having someone like Collins next to him made him look better than he is).

 

[sho nuff]

I still like TT, but it's clear he was begged to come back for another contract when he seemed like he just wanted to retire. That lack of passion has been evident the last couple of drafts, but he's still better than most GMs. I'm a bit disappointed so far in his offseason moves (or lack thereof), but there's still time.

How is it clear he was begged? And when did it ever seem like he just wanted to retire?

Seems he is plenty passionate about scouting (the part of his job I think he likes most).

Many Packer fans have pretty amazing powers of perception, almost extrasensory at times, from their vantage point on the couch.

Do you guys ever leave this forum and actually watch, listen and read Packer-related stuff (especially games)? Or do you just sit here and feed off each other's comments, supplying your own opinion but demanding fact from others?

This may come as a surprise to you, but often times PR information isn't in line with what's actually going on. Translating someone's comments and body language in front of a camera isn't rocket science.

Sure...watched every game.

Listen to several radio shows and read both JS and the Press Gazette as far as Packer news (among other sources).

Not sure how you can watch games and figure out that Ted Thompson wanted to retire though.

TT just does not give many comments and his body language is nearly always the same.

Again...seems you ran with some rumor and are trying to defend that now acting as if you watch and listen and read more than others.

So when I find the article-- what then? Some BS excuse that it's not a named source... Just curious.

What article?

The one that will show that you ran with an internet rumor? Are you trying to prove my point, or yours?

 

[Touchdown There]

He retired from drafting good defensive players right after the Matthews pick.

Zing..

Double zinger. I did a giggity.

 

[Sabertooth]

The other problem of course being that the defensive players seem to top out in their rookie seasons. They just don't see big improvements.

Shields has improved over his career.

Neal has as well (and actually was ok in his transition to OLB).

Daniels improved over his first year as well.

Perry's first year was injury riddled...as was last year...but he looked decent (not great).

Hayward was great his rookie year...but has been hurt since.

So who has topped out their rookie year and just not improved other than Burnett maybe? (I think more of that is having someone like Collins next to him made him look better than he is).

Hawk Matthews Burnett Perry Heyward Bush Williams Raji. None of these guys are noticeably better than when they entered the league. Many due to injuries but maybe he doesn't get them properly with the medical staff.

 

[sho nuff]

The other problem of course being that the defensive players seem to top out in their rookie seasons. They just don't see big improvements.

Shields has improved over his career.

Neal has as well (and actually was ok in his transition to OLB).

Daniels improved over his first year as well.

Perry's first year was injury riddled...as was last year...but he looked decent (not great).

Hayward was great his rookie year...but has been hurt since.

So who has topped out their rookie year and just not improved other than Burnett maybe? (I think more of that is having someone like Collins next to him made him look better than he is).

Hawk Matthews Burnett Perry Heyward Bush Williams Raji. None of these guys are noticeably better than when they entered the league. Many due to injuries but maybe he doesn't get them properly with the medical staff.

Hawk improved over his first year and just became a steady player.

Matthews best year was his 2nd year and when healthy was very good in 2012.

I gave you Burnett but think he just never was great and was a product of Matthews being a beast, the corners playing well, and Collins being so good. Even then his best year was his 2nd year. You realize he is only in his 5th year now right?

Perry was hurt his first year...was better last year and is now just going into his 3rd year.

Williams? Talking about Tramon? He got hurt a few years ago...last year played noticably better after a bad 2012.

Raji...again, best year was not his rookie year but his next 2. His last 2 years were sub-par.

Heyward has been hurt since his rookie year...nice job.

Not sure you are coming close to proving your point that these guys top out their rookie year.

 

[sho nuff]

On Neal...thought he may get a Walden like overpayment elsewhere with his size and versatility.

Are they done at OLB now or now I wonder if they are wanting to put him on the line again and then read this...

"Tom Silverstein ‏@TomSilverstein 1m

Re: Neal. McCarthy said he wanted to play him more at DT next to Matthews last year but couldn't because of injuries. #Packers

 

[Sabertooth]

I hope they can add a Ton of talent because the defense was a disgrace last year. Not looking good so far.

 

[sho nuff]

I hope they can add a Ton of talent because the defense was a disgrace last year. Not looking good so far.

They have kept 2 talented players on the team.

Seems like a good move.

Again...did you expect Ted to really add anything big on day one?

Now bringing in two other guys for visits (Woods for the DL and Daniels at TE). Both places that need depth.

 

[Sabertooth]

The defense doesn't need depth. It needs quality starters and competent coaching. They have whiffed in three key picks in the past two drafts. Perry, Worthy, and Datone do not look promising.

 

[jurrassic]

People are completely overreacting 2 days into FA. The Packers have kept two ascending players on the defensive side of the ball and haven't mortgaged the next two years by signing an aging and injured player like Ware. Assuming Neal has a cap number of $3 million, they are still about $24 under. My guess is they bring Raji back on a 2 year/$12 million deal, sign Kuhn and Pickett to 1 year deals and get a tight end and a few backup linemen. The biggest move no one is mentioning is extending both Jordy and Cobb before the season. That is where a lot of this money is going to go. This is Ted's MO. You can want more but it isn't happening

 

[sho nuff]

The defense doesn't need depth. It needs quality starters and competent coaching. They have whiffed in three key picks in the past two drafts. Perry, Worthy, and Datone do not look promising.

It needs a lot of things.

Including depth.

So that when people get hurt, there are people behind them to play (that was a huge issue last year with the injuries).

Why don't Perry, Worthy, or Datone look promising?

You seem to give up on players quickly.

Did you have the same opinion of Rodgers after 1 year? 2 years?

 

[The Kerminator]

I hope they can add a Ton of talent because the defense was a disgrace last year. Not looking good so far.

They have kept 2 talented players on the team.

Seems like a good move.

Again...did you expect Ted to really add anything big on day one?

Now bringing in two other guys for visits (Woods for the DL and Daniels at TE). Both places that need depth.

Keep fighting the good fight Shonuff. I think the Packers are pretty much doing what I expected so far and I'm fine with that. They managed to keep 2 of their 3 top free agents (Deitrich-Smith being the 3rd). Everybody likes the splashy new free agent but keeping your own is just as if not more than important. I think they still sign Kuhn when the market figures out his value (if there is a market for him). I'd like to see them bring in Daniels but I think he'll be too expensive. Once all the dust settles in free agency I think the Packers will be more active. And they will manage to keep some cap room available to sign Nelson and Cobb to extensions. Let's not forget that both of them are free agents after next season and the Packers need to keep cap room available to sign them and ifthey can front load those contracts to this year it would be very helpful.

 

[sho nuff]

People are completely overreacting 2 days into FA. The Packers have kept two ascending players on the defensive side of the ball and haven't mortgaged the next two years by signing an aging and injured player like Ware. Assuming Neal has a cap number of $3 million, they are still about $24 under. My guess is they bring Raji back on a 2 year/$12 million deal, sign Kuhn and Pickett to 1 year deals and get a tight end and a few backup linemen. The biggest move no one is mentioning is extending both Jordy and Cobb before the season. That is where a lot of this money is going to go. This is Ted's MO. You can want more but it isn't happening

Not even really 2 days. Its been almost 27 hours.

Guessing the same on Raji and Kuhn...no thanks on PIckett...probably Flynn and a TE and a lineman.

And one of the two of Cobb and Nelson should be extended this year. Would guess Cobb gets done first.

 

[sho nuff]

I hope they can add a Ton of talent because the defense was a disgrace last year. Not looking good so far.

They have kept 2 talented players on the team.

Seems like a good move.

Again...did you expect Ted to really add anything big on day one?

Now bringing in two other guys for visits (Woods for the DL and Daniels at TE). Both places that need depth.

Keep fighting the good fight Shonuff. I think the Packers are pretty much doing what I expected so far and I'm fine with that. They managed to keep 2 of their 3 top free agents (Deitrich-Smith being the 3rd). Everybody likes the splashy new free agent but keeping your own is just as if not more than important. I think they still sign Kuhn when the market figures out his value (if there is a market for him). I'd like to see them bring in Daniels but I think he'll be too expensive. Once all the dust settles in free agency I think the Packers will be more active. And they will manage to keep some cap room available to sign Nelson and Cobb to extensions. Let's not forget that both of them are free agents after next season and the Packers need to keep cap room available to sign them and ifthey can front load those contracts to this year it would be very helpful.

Yes..>EDS is another. But they seem to be happy to let him see what is out there and play Tretter.

Interesting move.

 

[The Kerminator]

Starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, some NFL general managers will lose control of their common sense and spend money on unrestricted free agents like there’s no tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Packers’ Ted Thompson will sit quietly in his office, keep his checkbook under lock and key, and wisely stand pat.

Thompson knows better than to jump into bidding wars and overpay for players who weren’t retained by their former teams.

The opening days of free agency usually are spearheaded by desperate GMs who can’t resist the temptation to indulge in lavish shopping sprees.

Oddly enough, Thompson normally receives his loudest criticism in March when impatient fans demand instant gratification and don’t see the big picture.

The truth is, Thompson spends money generously on free agents, it’s just that he prefers to use it on his players.

That’s not sexy in an NFL world dazzled by the latest free-agent hot commodities, but it’s a smart way of doing business.

Last year Thompson doled out a five-year, $110 million contract extension to quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a five-year, $66 million deal to linebacker Clay Matthews.

No NFL free-agent signing this week will come close to matching the impact of those moves to lock up the Packers’ two best players.

While Thompson often has been accused of being too conservative, he showed his daring side over the weekend when he agreed to give impending free agent cornerback Sam Shields a four-year, $39 million contract.

Some say Thompson paid too much for Shields, who has yet to play at a Pro Bowl level in four NFL seasons. But Shields is young (26) and ascending, and Thompson is willing to gamble that his speedy starting cornerback will only get better.

Rather than hand over fat stacks of cash to an outside free agent who isn’t familiar with the Packers’ system, Thompson prefers to promote homegrown talent. Packers coaches know Shields is a good fit in the locker room and think highly of his untapped on-field potential.

Re-signing Shields also reinforces the notion among young Packers players that they eventually will be rewarded for their efforts.

In the past, Thompson has followed that blueprint in re-signing guards Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang, tight end Jermichael Finley, cornerback Tramon Williams, linebacker A.J. Hawk, kicker Mason Crosby and punter Tim Masthay, among others.

A good general manager like Thompson keeps his eye on long-term and short-term needs. While some GMs will burn holes in their pockets on overpriced talent this week, Thompson is expected to use restraint.

Such a strategy will enable Thompson to keep enough money in the till to re-sign key receivers Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, whose contracts run out after the 2014 season.

Thompson doesn’t have a perfect track record. The Packers let defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins (2011) and center Scott Wells (2012) walk away in free agency with no adequate replacements on the roster.

And although the jury remains out, Thompson paid too much on new deals for safety Morgan Burnett and linebacker Brad Jones based on the way they played in 2013.

This year, after landing his most important free agent in Shields, Thompson must determine which other players are worth keeping, and at what price.

In many cases the market will determine their value, but the Packers should give strong consideration to retaining defensive linemen B.J. Raji and Johnny Jolly, center Evan Dietrich-Smith and Finley.

The Packers can’t keep anywhere close to all of their 16 remaining unrestricted free agents. To fill holes at safety, linebacker and the defensive line, Thompson no doubt will rely on the draft.

But he also should take a hard look at the secondary free-agent market — players still available when the dust and dollar bills settle after this week’s feeding frenzy.

Thompson isn’t afraid to spend money, but it comes down to picking his spots. Shopping for players this week at premium prices is neither the right time nor place for that.

http://www.packersnews.com/article/20140310/PKR07/303100351/Mike-Vandermause-column-Thompson-picks-his-spots-then-spends

 

[The Kerminator]

Packers Talkback: Thompson bashers need to chill

Every March, without fail, some Green Bay Packers fans come out of the woodwork to bash general manager Ted Thompson for his lack of participation in unrestricted free agency.

While fat stacks (of cash) were flying in Day 1 of NFL free agency on Tuesday, with more than $1 billion of contract money allotted in the first 24 hours, Thompson stood pat and signed no player from another team.

Thompson’s reluctance to join the NFL free-agent bidding wars drives some impatient Packers fans crazy. Below is one example of the sentiment held by some in Packers Nation.

As always in my Packers Talkback blog posts, I will offer a response.

Ken Brunasky, Bridgevillle, Pa.Hi Mike,

And, Ted Thompson will do everything within his power to make sure he doesn't go one dollar below 29 million... take that to the bank.

After making all kinds of noise and blustering how they were going to spend some money in FA on defensive linemen, it appears as though they are backing away from both Lamarr Houston and Arthur Jones... very disappointing. After Bennett re-signing with Seattle it looks like the Bears are going to do whatever they can to get Houston. Instead of aggressively going after him Ted is just going to let it happen.

WHY?

They could easily out-bid Chicago for his services because of all their cap space. Common sense tells me I'd much rather have Houston on my team, chasing Cutler twice a year, instead of him chasing my QB, A. Rodgers. But, that is what Ted does. He's more interested in saving money than improving his roster.

This team has so many needs on defense and also a need to replenish the WR position (REALLY thin after Nelson & Cobb) that there is no way possible to accomplish everything through the draft. Thompson could stand to learn something from John Schneider. It is sad.

The nucleus of this team is good enough that a couple of impact FA signings and a couple of impact rookie draft picks could make the Packers true Super Bowl contenders. Yet, the stingy Thompson is content to let the roster deteriorate while he pinches his pennies and fiddles on. Ted is going to force the same fate on Rodgers that he put Favre through.

I wish the Packers would fire him and get a real GM. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Regards.

My responseThanks Ken for your passionate email, and you no doubt speak for a sizable number of Packers fans that are frustrated by Thompson’s inactivity in free agency. But I must respectfully disagree with your stance on this.

I believe, as Thompson does, that it’s foolish to pay inflated prices for players that for one reason or another weren’t retained by their former teams. I think Thompson is wise beyond his years to resist the temptation to start throwing money around like a drunken sailor.

I agree the Packers’ defense probably has more holes than the draft can fill, which is why I think Thompson should let the market settle after the first few days of free agency and go shopping for some more reasonably priced talent.

I disagree with your premise that Thompson is stingy and his only goal is to save money. That makes no sense. Thompson receives no personal benefit from spending less money overall. He simply chooses to spend his allotted salary cap cash in a different way than many other GMs. That is, he likes to spend money to keep the best free agents on his own roster.

The contract Thompson doled out to cornerback Sam Shields (four years, $39 million) this past weekend was at or near the top of the list of deals given out in Day 1 of free agency. How can you accuse Thompson of being a cheapskate after what he gave Shields? The fact is, Thompson generally uses his cap money to retain the best free agents on his own roster, which isn’t splashy but is in the best interest of the Packers over the long haul.

You mentioned receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, who are two key cogs in the Packers’ explosive offense but will become unrestricted free agents after the 2014 season. By not spending "stupid money" yesterday, Thompson has positioned himself to make offers to Nelson and Cobb in the coming year that will keep them in the fold.

You praised the Chicago Bears for their active participation in free agency. The last time I checked, the Packers won the NFC North the past three years, and the Bears were sitting home for the playoffs. The point is, teams don’t win football games in March. They never have and never will.

Your wish that Thompson should be fired smacks of a toddler throwing a tantrum after his parents said he couldn’t have a piece of candy.

Thompson’s approach is sound, and the Packers’ record of success proves that. No other NFC team has qualified for the playoffs the last five years like the Packers.

Do the Packers have needs, particularly on defense? Absolutely. Should Thompson do a better job filling those voids than he did a year ago when he left the safety position wanting? Absolutely.

But the early portion of free agency, generally speaking, is not the best time to restock the cupboard. Let’s allow the entire offseason to play out and see how Thompson addresses the Packers’ needs before throwing him under the bus.

I think Mike Vandermause pretty much nails it in this column.