"Green Bay Wouldn't Be a Bad Look"
By jasonperone
I begin with a heartfelt "thank you" to our service men and women, past, present and future. The sacrifices of those lost are not forgotten and we celebrate them today, Memorial Day.
Recently, free agent running back Adrian Peterson was asked where he would most want a chance to continue his career. One comment that he made was that "Green Bay wouldn't be a bad look."
At this point, Peterson needs the Packers way more than the Packers need him so he certainly should see Green Bay as an attractive landing spot. Peterson probably also desires a championship and high success to round out his resume as a player on the field. The Packers certainly offer that.
When Reggie White signed with the Packers in 1993, head coach Mike Holmgren and quarterback Brett Favre were a big reason why. His signing put Green Bay back on the map as a more desirable place to play. 20 years later, the Packers find themselves in a similar position.
The Packers have won a lot of games over the last 10 years under the leadership of head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is a clear draw for free agents looking for a chance to win.
Now under the leadership of a new general manager, Brian Gutekunst, the Packers seem once again willing to look at top talent from the outside to bolster their roster.
Gutekunst has already traded for DeShone Kizer as well as made a play for cornerback Kyle Fuller and signed Jimmy Graham, Muhammad Wilkerson and Marcedes Lewis.
Graham chose Green Bay over his other suitors, including the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees, to pair up with Rodgers and have a chance to win big. Wide receiver Allan Robinson nearly chose the Packers over the Chicago Bears, seemingly because of the opportunity to pair with Rodgers.
Neither Wilkerson, Graham or Lewis are in their primes any longer but the point is, players are looking at Green Bay again.
With Rodgers closing in on his mid-30's, the talk about Green Bay's "window of opportunity" only gains more steam with each passing season. Rodgers says he wants to play into his 40's and, assuming he stays relatively healthy and his skill set remains high, the Packers are theoretically looking at another five or six years of viability as a place for players to come and win.
It's still a tough destination to sell to a pro athlete who is likely looking for a place to live that has a scene, nightlife and a lot of things to do.
Many young players admit they don't know where Green Bay, Wisconsin is. Most Packers players move back to their offseason destinations as soon as the season ends. Many players do it, but to those with families, it can present a taxing number of complications.
But with the league's best player in Rodgers, they also have one of the biggest selling points. For Gutekunst, who is just starting his career as a GM, he needs to capitalize on these next five years to win another Super Bowl and set the stage for life after Rodgers.
For now, Green Bay remains a good option for the NFL's top free agents and the Packers need to make the most of every opportunity to add that talent.
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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts. You can follow him on Twitter here
Comments (31)
Savage57
May 28, 2018 at 06:39 am
I'll second the appreciation and remembrance for those who lost their lives in service to their country.
As to the AR factor for free agents, there are three paths they take to the Packers. The stars their prime, look at the cash and if it's close, AR's the kicker. Those past their prime look at the AR factor as bonus serendipity. Those trying to hold onto the unraveling threads of their careers, someone like, oh, I don't know, Adrian Peterson maybe, will say anything for a chance to play somewhere, just once more.
Since AP's a former Viking, we know he's a liar and scum who falls to the bottom of the last category.
Happy memorial day, y'all.
EddieLeeIvory
May 28, 2018 at 06:43 am
Correct but what's your opinion of Peterson?
*Where are our film guys? Andy Herman & Packers Film Room guy.....what's the tape on Peterson last year look like?
Odds are Ty + Jamaal + Jones will miss at least a combined 10-20 games next year.... is there room for an old RB if he still brings the safety up, opening up the seems & deep routes? Does 28 still command that level of respect from the D?
I honestly don't know.
mrtundra
May 28, 2018 at 08:07 am
I'd take Dez before I even considered Peterson and I don't want Dez on this team.
blue eyes
May 28, 2018 at 10:44 am
Hell i'd rather have the Packers sign the Juice over AP. Who doesn't think of taking out a cheating spouse? Not saying what he did was right but i can understand why.
I have two children and what AP did to his son was unthinkable and twisted. You've got to have deep mental issues to do something like that.
Minniman
May 28, 2018 at 04:54 pm
I view and place the 2018 versions of Dez and Adrian as purely contingency options if disaster strikes at either the WR or RB position groups.
Their addition now would come at prestige and price points that dictate that they would take vital training and game day snaps off of the junior players that the packers have drafted and invested in. Bad idea.
No sleight on Dez or Adrian, but perhaps leave them in the "in case of emergency break glass" category for now - and hope that it doesn't need to be considered.
Razer
May 28, 2018 at 09:09 am
Love how Gutekunst is building this team. The two stud TEs will help this offense more that any other player acquisition move. Staying away from Dez and Peterson is also good business. Between the TEs, full house of RBs and stocked WR's shelf, we have everything including speed to make this a great offense. Add Philbin to this mix and the formula is complete. Mike McCarthy needs to make it happen - plain and simple.
CheesyTex
May 28, 2018 at 01:06 pm
I hope you are right that "we have everything including speed to make this a great offense." IMO WR speed is still in question -- burners = Davis and the three draftees. Don't see Davis making it as a receiver, so my hope for speed rests in the 3 rookies.
Moore and St. Brown appear most likely to get snaps this year, although Valdez-Scantling tests as the fastest. Would love to see all 3 fight their way onto the 53. As Dick Vermiel said (back in the day) "speed kills".
stockholder
May 28, 2018 at 04:33 pm
Good for you. Moore tested faster than expected, and was brought in prior to the draft. St Brown can line up right or Left. I still expect them not to give up on Davis. Look for MM to stay with Adams, Cobb and Graham. Should be a good Dog Fight at Wr again this year.
4thand1
May 28, 2018 at 09:11 am
Watched some WWII documentaries, some I haven't seen, and many from all wars over the years. Our veterans deserve a lot more than just a thank you. Thank you, all the best in years to come.
Donster
May 28, 2018 at 09:11 am
God Bless the fallen heroes that gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedom we enjoy every day. Never forget them!
As for Adrian Peterson. He's done. Packers are good at RB. Would be a waste of money, and a waste of a position on the team.
4thand1
May 28, 2018 at 09:22 am
Still a lot of AP talk, let him sit, were good without him. Remember when the Packers offered Favre like 10 mil just to stay retired? Maybe offer AR a retirement package, a few mil a year for several years after retirement. It wouldn't be much of a cap hit, and if a team doesn't have that guy at QB who demands 25 to 30+ mil a year, room to sign FA's.
PatrickGB
May 28, 2018 at 09:26 am
As I said about Dez, I would PAY money to keep him away.
On Memorial Day, I remember friends and relatives lost and honor their sacrifice.
Since'61
May 28, 2018 at 12:34 pm
I will second the Memorial Day tribute to all of our courageous service men who have paid the ultimate price for our country. Good job Jason!
As for AP, as I posted in yesterday's article. We don't need him as an RB, he is no longer an effective player. And we don't want a child beater on our team. This guy should not be in the league on any team. Does anyone is this league have any values left besides money and winning??? Case closed!
Thanks, Since '61
Spock
May 28, 2018 at 11:50 am
'61, Agree with what you're saying. Just a note: you need to correct your line on AP to read "shouldn't" not "should" although obviously your sentiment came through. AP = Washed up + Child beater = not a consideration to wear the Green and Gold.
Since'61
May 28, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Spock - appreciate you pointing out my error. I have made the correction. Needs at other positions like OL, ILB and OLB would be much better served than adding an old RB with no other team to play for. Thanks, Since '61
jeremyjjbrown
May 28, 2018 at 03:24 pm
What does "Washed up" have anything to do with it?
The guy beat a small child. The pictures are online if you have the stomach to view them.
Kaepernick is locked out for kneeling (at the request of an Army Ranger BTW) but owners are fine signing AP. I have no idea how to comprehend it.
Spock
May 28, 2018 at 03:32 pm
Jeremyjjbrown, Agree that "washed up" has nothing to do with it. Just added that as another reason not to sign him. As you correctly pointed out the beating of his child with a "switch" is reason enough!!!!!!!!! Disgusting behavior that he apparently feels no remorse for. What a 'role model' for young/old viewers to see.
Tundraboy
May 28, 2018 at 10:41 am
Go Pack Go.
ricky
May 28, 2018 at 11:25 am
What bothers me is we honor the vets one day a year, then ignore them the rest of the year. How many times have you heard the phrase "Homeless vet"? I've heard it way too often. Why are vets homeless? Why aren't they getting the best mental and physical care in the world? As far as Peterson, no thanks. As noted, he needs the Packers more than they need him.
Since'61
May 28, 2018 at 02:03 pm
Ricky - I share your frustration about how our veterans are treated. I sit on the board of directors for a non-profit veterans support organization. Fund raising is a constant but very worthwhile struggle. There are many dedicated donors and volunteers but never seems to be enough.
If you want to make a difference volunteer and/or donate to a veterans support organization, either a local organization or a national organization. If you know a veteran or the family of a veteran disabled or lost in action buy tickets to a sporting event, concert or theatre show you know they would enjoy but either can't afford it or they can't get there on their own. Give blood and request that it goes to wounded troops. There are numerous things you can do and maybe you do so already, in which case I applaud your efforts.
Remember, what our veterans want the most is that we the living and the survivors of combat live the best and happiest lives that we can. They made the sacrifice so that we can live in peace and freedom. The best way to honor and remember them is to make the most of the opportunity they have provided us. If we all do that then we honor our veterans every day. Thanks, Since '61
Point-Packer
May 28, 2018 at 03:21 pm
Why aren't they getting the best mental and physical care in the world?
One could point to our government's priorities. Orange man prioritized veteran's health to such a degree that he appointed his personal doctor to the head of the VA, despite absolutely zero experience. Priorities.
Spock
May 28, 2018 at 03:25 pm
Since '61, Fabulous post! I would not have thought of the suggestions you put forth. It is beyond comprehension that so many vets are now homeless and so many have committed suicide due to PTS. I will try to find who the local vets are and implement some of the ideas you've described. I was 'lucky' enough to be crippled for life stateside although I signed up for the draft. My father was a decorated WW2 veteran (purple heart, other medals) who was the only survivor of a mortar attack on his unit and was in a comma when the war ended. He never talked about the war but was scarred in more ways than one by the experience. I applaud what you are doing with the board you are on. These men and women deserve our support now more than ever! Keep doing what you are doing. You have my deepest respect. I am sincerely humbled by your actions. I hope others will follow your suggestions. Living here in Tucson, AZ we often see vets in wheel chairs (many obviously homeless) and it is heartbreaking to see how shattered their lives have become. I hope that your message will make a mark on the 'average Joe' at home and they will help make this right. I will always honor our servicemen and servicewomen but you've given the readers of this site some tangible ways to do that. Thank you for that and kudos to you for the work you are doing.
Since'61
May 28, 2018 at 08:26 pm
Spock - I appreciate your generous comments. My Dad was also a decorated WW2 combat veteran of the war in the Pacific. He too shared the mental and emotional scars which all combat veterans from every war share. Thanks, Since '61
Ferrari Driver
May 30, 2018 at 06:21 pm
"61"
Liked your post and I also have the greatest respect and admiration for the combat soldiers who have sacrificed and suffered both physically and mentally to keep us free and safe. I can only imagine the emotional stress they must endure on a regular basis.
They have created an environment which has allowed us to get our educations, have our jobs/careers, and enjoy time with our families most every evening.
They are truly the heroes of our society.
Also, "61", I appreciate the time you spend on the board of your non-profit. I do what I can by donating financially to veterans organizations and helping my wife once in a while with the wounded warrior program. I and I know many other grateful citizens have the checks sent to our table when we notice a soldier dinning in the same establishment. If it can be done anonymously, all the better.
Thumbs up to you.
periodically picking up the restaurant check for soldier Those heroes do their job for a small amount of money and anything we can do as fortunate and grateful citizens is a
Spock
May 28, 2018 at 12:06 pm
I just wanted to share this story. A few weeks ago I met a French couple at the pool visiting their daughter for the next month. The wife's English was way better than my high school French. Anyways, I asked her where they lived in France and she said they had recently moved to Normandy. She spent the next 10 minutes giving a heartfelt "Thanks" to all the American GI's who died at the beach and in France during the war. She continually brought up how much she and her countrymen owed the U.S.A. for the sacrifices of the servicemen who died at Omaha beach and other places during the war. I was quite moved by her passionate speech. Today is just one day, but we owe our servicemen and women more than just a one day "thank you" for their service. I personally think the minimal medical, psychological, and post-service job and school training we give to them in this country after their sacrifices is pitiful. We need to do more and (at the risk of being political) we need to let our representatives know with forcefully written letters that our current "solutions" are not enough!
Mojo
May 28, 2018 at 02:11 pm
Sure ARod and Brett attracted a lot of top name FA's but it's likely the Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley & Family Fun Center put them over the top. Follow that up with a Cheese Factory tour at Renard's and what else more is there to do?
Seriously though, in the post-Harlan era, I've noticed quite a few Packers coming up for contract renewals expressing a strong desire to stay in GB.
From time-to-time you'll come across a player who wants out, but the vast majority like the overall atmosphere of the organization. Something quite unfamiliar to those who played in the couple decades pre-Harlan.
NickPerry
May 29, 2018 at 04:53 am
Mojo makes a great point here. The players the Packers attempt to sign once they become or will be becoming FA normally end up staying. IF the Packers WANT a player to stay they stay. Perry, Matthews, Adams, Jennings, Jones, Sitton, Bakhiteri, and Lang to name a few all received 2nd contracts and weren't in any hurry to get away from Applebees.
Point-Packer
May 28, 2018 at 03:18 pm
I'd take Vince Workman right now over Adrian Peterson. He's not only washed up, but a garbage human being.
zeke
May 29, 2018 at 01:21 am
Agree, but you spelled "Eric Torkelson" wrong.
jeremyjjbrown
May 28, 2018 at 03:20 pm
"Adrian Peterson" == False
Lare
May 28, 2018 at 05:35 pm
Green Bay doesn't need Adrian Peterson or Dez Bryant. The media just needs to forget about them and move on.