Packers targeting LB Derek Smith (1 Viewer)

[Man in the yellow hat]

Wouldn't signing Smith preclude them from drafting Hawk? I think this makes Mario Williams even more likely at #5, but I've been wrong before.

Then again, how cool would it be to see Smith in the middle with Hawk and Barnett on the outside?

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=405216

On the lookout

One of the free agents the Packers are expected to pursue is San Francisco linebacker Derek Smith.

The 31-year-old Smith started all 16 games at middle linebacker last year and led the team in tackles for the fifth consecutive year. In his nine seasons in the NFL he has had at least 100 tackles every year and set a 49ers record with 189 in 2003.

Smith, who began his career with Washington, earned a base salary of $2.5 million last year and will probably command a similar salary in free agency. The Packers are looking to upgrade at both outside linebacker positions, but might be willing to move middle linebacker Nick Barnett outside.

Smith is the kind of tough player new coach Mike McCarthy favors. McCarthy was offensive coordinator with the 49ers last year and got a look at Smith close up.

 

[Batman30]

I would love this move by the Pack if this locks up the fact that they will pick Mario at #5.

 

[Trap Play]

Derek Smith has said that he wanted to test free agency so that we could experience what it is like to play for a winning team. By that reasoning, Smith would do well to to any overtures from Green Bay, especially with the uncertainty around Favre's return.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Derek Smith has said that he wanted to test free agency so that we could experience what it is like to play for a winning team.  By that reasoning, Smith would do well to    to any overtures from Green Bay, especially with the uncertainty around Favre's return.

Money talks, and Green Bay has some. How was McCarthy's relationship with the players in San Francisco? Anyone know?

 

[azgroover]

Who is Derek Smith?

Is he one of the top 100 linebackers in the league?

 

[Trap Play]

Money talks, and Green Bay has some.

Of course it does, which is why I always get a kick out of players who say I just want to play for a winner, and then go sign with the Cardinals (for example).Also, do not fool yourself into think that these are the same Niners teams from recent history, they themselves have a bit of cap room to spare, and, again, the point here is that a Favre-less Packer team is of no decernable difference to the 49ers, and he wouldn't have to relocate.

 

[Sabertooth]

Money talks, and Green Bay has some.

Of course it does, which is why I always get a kick out of players who say I just want to play for a winner, and then go sign with the Cardinals (for example).Also, do not fool yourself into think that these are the same Niners teams from recent history, they themselves have a bit of cap room to spare, and, again, the point here is that a Favre-less Packer team is of no decernable difference to the 49ers, and he wouldn't have to relocate.

Over the last 5 years, who has more wins than Green Bay?

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Money talks, and Green Bay has some.

Also, do not fool yourself into think that these are the same Niners teams from recent history, they themselves have a bit of cap room to spare, and, again, the point here is that a Favre-less Packer team is of no decernable difference to the 49ers, and he wouldn't have to relocate.

I'd still take a Favre-less Packer team over the Niners. However, I see your point. That's why I was aksing about McCarthy? Did the players there respect him? Would Smith consider that in his decision (I know we're talking about two different sides of the ball, but I'm just curious.)

 

[Punchie]

There will be plenty of veteran LBs on the market tomorrow. Smith certainly, but also maybe David Thornton in Indy or Derrick Brooks/Shelton Quarles in Tampa.

 

[Trap Play]

Over the last 5 years, who has more wins than Green Bay?

Well, the Patriots for one, but I really don't see how your question is relevant considering we're talking about the here-and-now not the there-and-then.

That's why I was aksing about McCarthy? Did the players there respect him? Would Smith consider that in his decision (I know we're talking about two different sides of the ball, but I'm just curious.)

Not sure. He ran the offense, so I'm not sure he even had a lot of interaction with Smith. Obviously, he saw something he liked, but I'm not sure it really gives the team any significant advantage in signing him.

 

[HateDaBears]

Over the last 5 years, who has more wins than Green Bay?

Well, the Patriots for one, but I really don't see how your question is relevant considering we're talking about the here-and-now not the there-and-then.

In the Here and Now we are all 0-0

 

[Trap Play]

Touche.

 

[Sabertooth]

Over the last 5 years, who has more wins than Green Bay?

Well, the Patriots for one, but I really don't see how your question is relevant considering we're talking about the here-and-now not the there-and-then.

That's why I was aksing about McCarthy? Did the players there respect him? Would Smith consider that in his decision (I know we're talking about two different sides of the ball, but I'm just curious.)

Not sure. He ran the offense, so I'm not sure he even had a lot of interaction with Smith. Obviously, he saw something he liked, but I'm not sure it really gives the team any significant advantage in signing him.

So how long ago is relevant? I mean I thought everybody was 0-0-0 right now.

 

[Sabertooth]

I guess I quite reading too early.

 

[P Boy]

Derek Smith has said that he wanted to test free agency so that we could experience what it is like to play for a winning team.  By that reasoning, Smith would do well to    to any overtures from Green Bay, especially with the uncertainty around Favre's return.

Let's see. GB has a top 5 draft pick, gets a ton of significant talent back at both RB & WR after recovery from injuries, and their secondary gained great experience.

GB is a team that played a lot of teams last season awfully close despite being almost dismantled completely by injuries. If you're going to pick a team to rebound from a bad year, the Packers are about as good a choice in the NFL as there is. Favre's not going anywhere. This is a challenge I don't think he'll be able to turn down, and he is starting to get a lot of significant career records for QBs in his cross hairs.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Derek Smith has said that he wanted to test free agency so that we could experience what it is like to play for a winning team.  By that reasoning, Smith would do well to    to any overtures from Green Bay, especially with the uncertainty around Favre's return.

Let's see. GB has a top 5 draft pick, gets a ton of significant talent back at both RB & WR after recovery from injuries, and their secondary gained great experience.

GB is a team that played a lot of teams last season awfully close despite being almost dismantled completely by injuries. If you're going to pick a team to rebound from a bad year, the Packers are about as good a choice in the NFL as there is. Favre's not going anywhere. This is a challenge I don't think he'll be able to turn down, and he is starting to get a lot of significant career records for QBs in his cross hairs.

Favre's entire career he has been waiting to be at the controls of an offense with legitimate threats at both W.R. spots as well as at T.E. and R.B. The reason he was looking forward to last year is that he finally looked to have that oportunity. Injuries prevented that from happening but the opportunity remains. I don't see him turning his back on it.As for rebounding the Packers with the addition in free agency of one quality guard they can be better than they were in 2004 than ks to their improved D. (assuming they retain Walker). I like their chances.

 

[Bojang0301]

Derek Smith has said that he wanted to test free agency so that we could experience what it is like to play for a winning team.  By that reasoning, Smith would do well to    to any overtures from Green Bay, especially with the uncertainty around Favre's return.

Let's see. GB has a top 5 draft pick, gets a ton of significant talent back at both RB & WR after recovery from injuries, and their secondary gained great experience.

GB is a team that played a lot of teams last season awfully close despite being almost dismantled completely by injuries. If you're going to pick a team to rebound from a bad year, the Packers are about as good a choice in the NFL as there is. Favre's not going anywhere. This is a challenge I don't think he'll be able to turn down, and he is starting to get a lot of significant career records for QBs in his cross hairs.

Favre's entire career he has been waiting to be at the controls of an offense with legitimate threats at both W.R. spots as well as at T.E. and R.B. The reason he was looking forward to last year is that he finally looked to have that oportunity. Injuries prevented that from happening but the opportunity remains. I don't see him turning his back on it.As for rebounding the Packers with the addition in free agency of one quality guard they can be better than they were in 2004 than ks to their improved D. (assuming they retain Walker). I like their chances.

Not to mention they're in a weak division... no matter what Chicago tells you.

 

[larry_boy_44]

Derek Smith has said that he wanted to test free agency so that we could experience what it is like to play for a winning team. By that reasoning, Smith would do well to to any overtures from Green Bay, especially with the uncertainty around Favre's return.

WTF are you talking about??? The Packers WILL be above .500 this year, I garuntee it... (assuming Favre returns... if Rodgers starts I'm not as sure of that statement)...EVERYONE was hurt last year...

 

[larry_boy_44]

seriously, in 2006 the Packers, will have a killer team...

Favre at QB with Walker, Driver, Ferguson, & Chatman (a legit #4, if not better than that) at WR and Franks at TE... Gato, Fisher, possibly Green & Davenport, plus maybe a rookie at RB... that's a good offense (when healthy)...

ADD A GUARD IN FREE AGENCY!!! A GOOD ONE DANGIT!!!! (especially if we are 30 million over the cap)

add Derek Smith at LB, & a DL (either DE or DT) in the draft with the #5 pick, maybe Hawk at LB (to have Barnett, Hawk, & Smith at LB)...

we had a very good team last year that got decimated completely by injuries but still played close week after week after week... the Packers are legit Super Bowl contenders in 2006...

 

[Birdie048]

If they acquire Derek M Smith and plug him into MLB, and move Nick Barnett to outside..... who covers the other side?

And would Barnett be SLB since his has the experience and ability but is a little undersized at 6'2" and 230 lbs?

Don't they still have Raynoch Thomas (from Arz?)? He'd be a better suited WLB than SLB in this scheme and Barnett at SLB.

While I agree GB is in dire need of LB talent, this would seriously hurt my IDP team!

 

[Aaronstory]

add Derek Smith at LB, & a DL (either DE or DT) in the draft with the #5 pick, maybe Hawk at LB (to have Barnett, Hawk, & Smith at LB)...

Um, if we take Williams or any other DL at #5, it would be quite a feat to watch TT pull off the trade that would land us Hawk as well...

 

[Aaronstory]

Don't they still have Raynoch Thomas (from Arz?)? He'd be a better suited WLB than SLB in this scheme and Barnett at SLB.

Thomas was let go before the season started last year.

 

[larry_boy_44]

add Derek Smith at LB, & a DL (either DE or DT) in the draft with the #5 pick, maybe Hawk at LB (to have Barnett, Hawk, & Smith at LB)...

Um, if we take Williams or any other DL at #5, it would be quite a feat to watch TT pull off the trade that would land us Hawk as well...

I was saying either we'd get a DL or Hawk, not both... either way we'd be improved greatly with Smith coming here, too...

 

[Big Score]

Chatman (a legit #4, if not better than that) at WR

Scratch Chatman.

Packers informed Chatman's agent Friday that they would not offer him the $712,000 tender as a restricted free agent and thereby were relinquishing their rights.

www.jsonline.com

 

[ffchamp1]

seriously, in 2006 the Packers, will have a killer team...

Favre at QB with Walker, Driver, Ferguson, & Chatman (a legit #4, if not better than that) at WR and Franks at TE... Gato, Fisher, possibly Green & Davenport, plus maybe a rookie at RB... that's a good offense (when healthy)...

ADD A GUARD IN FREE AGENCY!!! A GOOD ONE DANGIT!!!! (especially if we are 30 million over the cap)

add Derek Smith at LB, & a DL (either DE or DT) in the draft with the #5 pick, maybe Hawk at LB (to have Barnett, Hawk, & Smith at LB)...

we had a very good team last year that got decimated completely by injuries but still played close week after week after week... the Packers are legit Super Bowl contenders in 2006...

I may be wrong but Gado is the only RB under contract and Chatman was released.Tom

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

seriously, in 2006 the Packers, will have a killer team...

Favre at QB with Walker, Driver, Ferguson, & Chatman (a legit #4, if not better than that) at WR and Franks at TE... Gato, Fisher, possibly Green & Davenport, plus maybe a rookie at RB... that's a good offense (when healthy)...

ADD A GUARD IN FREE AGENCY!!! A GOOD ONE DANGIT!!!! (especially if we are 30 million over the cap)

add Derek Smith at LB, & a DL (either DE or DT) in the draft with the #5 pick, maybe Hawk at LB (to have Barnett, Hawk, & Smith at LB)...

we had a very good team last year that got decimated completely by injuries but still played close week after week after week... the Packers are legit Super Bowl contenders in 2006...

I may be wrong but Gado is the only RB under contract and Chatman was released.Tom

You're right.It'll be more like Walker, Driver, Gardner, Ferguson.

I also think Green will be resigned cheap with Gado backing him up. I have a feeling Davenport is as good as gone. I doubt Fisher will command much in free agency, so he could also be back cheap.

 

[P Boy]

I may be wrong but Gado is the only RB under contract and Chatman was released.Tom

That's true, but everything right now points at A Green signing a contract at a reduced value.

 

[Aaronstory]

add Derek Smith at LB, & a DL (either DE or DT) in the draft with the #5 pick, maybe Hawk at LB (to have Barnett, Hawk, & Smith at LB)...

Um, if we take Williams or any other DL at #5, it would be quite a feat to watch TT pull off the trade that would land us Hawk as well...

I was saying either we'd get a DL or Hawk, not both... either way we'd be improved greatly with Smith coming here, too...

I know, I know..just giving you ####... I hope we either pick Williams at 5 or trade down a bit and pick the DT from Oregon and get a few extra picks...

 

[Big Score]

I may be wrong but Gado is the only RB under contract and Chatman was released.

Tom

That's true, but everything right now points at A Green signing a contract at a reduced value.

That's true as well, but everything right now points to Green's groin being less than a 100% to start the season.