Let's Go Bargain Shopping for the Packers

Who might the Packers bring into the fold on a very tight budget?

According to overthecap.com, the Green Bay Packers are projected to be around $28 million over the 2021 salary cap.  That figure fluctuates daily.  The website is using a projected cap of $176 million for next season.  The actual cap has not yet been determined, but it will be in that neighborhood and, regardless, the Packers figure to be in the red. 

 

This will likely result in the loss of several of their better players whom the team will not have the money to retain   That will create holes in their roster they will, no doubt, look to fill in the draft.  But before the draft, the first order of business will be the free agent market.  Through restructuring and release, the Packers will manufacture at least a bit of money to work with, and will no doubt peruse the bargain bin of NFL free agents to find low cost replacements. 

 

Now that Green Bay’s offseason is upon us, what say we do a little advance shopping for them?  For our player pool we’ll use the current list of available 2021 free agents provided by Spotrac.  Understand that we will make this journey knowing that many of these players will re-sign with their current teams before free agency officially begins on March 18.  But let’s assume, just for fun, that everyone on the current list is still there.  We’ll organize our shopping trip based on the Packers’ perceived areas of need. 

 

Running Back 

Anticipating the loss of Aaron Jones and/or Jamaal Williams, Green Bay will need probably two ball carriers to join AJ Dillon.  It is most likely they will address this need in the draft, but surely they will take a look at what’s out there in the free agent pool.  It’s an interesting bunch, including Todd Gurley, Mark Ingram, Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida, and Mike Davis.  All could be had for bargain prices.  Gurley is only 26 years old, but his production has gone steadily downhill since his 2018 knee injury.  This past year in Atlanta he ran for just 678 yards, but did produce 9 touchdowns.  With the Falcons rebuilding under a new coach, they may not have much interest in bringing Gurley back. 

 

Ingram is past his prime and often injured.  In 2020 he was able to answer the bell in just 11 games.  The Ravens seemed to be phasing him out in favor of Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins.  At 31, Ingram is near the end.  Davis had a pretty good year filling in for the injured Christian McCaffery.  He ran hard  for 642 yards and 6 touchdowns.  He also caught 59 passes for 373 yards and two more scores.  The Panthers are paying the big bucks to McCaffery and may not want to invest in Davis. 

 

My personal favorite would be former Wisconsin Badger James White.  He has the kind of quick burst and speed that is similar to Aaron Jones, and he excels as a receiver out of the backfield.  In 2020 he reeled in 59 throws for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns.  That’s with erratic Cam Newton throwing to him.    At age 29 he’s at that stage where RB’s begin to decline, but a one year deal at a low price?  It’s a good fit. 

 

Receiver 

It’s supposed to be another strong draft for receivers, but if the Packers want to walk down the free agency aisle, there’s a large selection.  The premium product on the shelf is Allen Robinson, though I would be shocked if the Bears don’t re-sign him.   AJ Green and T.Y. Hilton are likely to be out of their price range.  But guys like Detroit’s Marvin Jones, Cincinnati’s John Ross, and Jacksonville’s Keelan Cole are out there, at least at the moment. 

 

Jones had 76 receptions for 976 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2020.  Here again, the Lions are in full rebuilding mode, having traded Matt Stafford, and appear to be starting over.  Jones is 30 years old and Detroit may be looking to go younger.   Jones has tweeted that he would like to rejoin Stafford in Los Angeles.  

  

Ross is one of those great talents that just can’t stay healthy enough to get on the field.  Cicinnati took him ninth overall in the first round of the 2017 draft, but he’s only played more than eight games in a season once.  In 2020 he missed all but three games.  Still, he’s tempting.  A super talent with strong hands and good speed.  He would come cheap. 

 

Cole is a rising star and the Jags, awash with cap money, are likely to bring him back.  On a terrible Jacksonville team, he caught 55 passes for 642 yards and 5 touchdowns.  But here again, new coach, new system, who knows?  He might be available. 

 

 The Packers reportedly came close to trading for Houston’s Will Fuller, and now they don’t have to because his contract is up.    In 2020 he played just eleven games, but was productive with 53 catches for 879 yards and 8 scores.   He was suspended the final five games of the season for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy.  He must also sit out the first game of 2021.  At age 26, he’s in his prime.   Following his suspension, he apologized and said he was looking forward to returning to the Texans, but if the team winds up trading Deshaun Watson, they could go into full blown rebuilding mode and move on from Fuller.      

 

Last year’s bargain bin purchase, Devin Funchess, has yet to be unwrapped.  Will he even make it to the field, or is he already a cap casualty? 

 

Defensive Line 

There’s a pretty sharp division here between the high priced talent, and the bargain bin.  Leonard Williams, Jadaveon Clowney, Justin Houston and Ryan Kerrigan are all coming off of contracts that averaged between $11 and $14 million per year.  The Packers will not shop in that zip code.  But they can take a look at Kansas City’s Alex Okafor, New Orleans’ Sheldon Rankins, or Baltimore’s Derek Wolfe.  All have been productive and all will not demand huge money. 

 

Okafor is an eight year veteran who can be depended on for a handful of sacks and stout run defense.  He had three sacks in eleven games for the Chiefs in 2020.  Rankins was a first round pick in 2016 and has 17.5 sacks in five seasons.  His biggest year was 2018 when he had eight.  Wolfe had eight seasons with the Broncos which included a pair of Super Bowl appearances.  He signed with Baltimore in 2020 and had 51 tackles but just one sack.   

 

Defensive Back 

Kevin King’s days as a Packer are likely numbered after his less than inspiring performance in the NFC championship.  The top of the line in this category is Arizona’s Patrick Peterson.  His expiring deal averaged $14 million.  He’s going to be too pricey.  The bargain bin doesn’t do much for me.  It features guys like Indy’s Xavier Rhodes.  Yes, the guy the Vikings dumped because he was toast after 2019.  Houston’s Gareon Conley missed all of 2020 with an  injury and has had off field issues.  The 49ers’ K’Waun Williams was a very good player in 2017, but his play is declining and injuries have set him back.  I say we pass through this aisle.  Let’s hope there’s a good DB prospect in the draft. 

 

Inside Linebacker 

Wow.  There just isn’t much here.  The best of the list is probably  the Jets’ Neville Hewitt.  He played all 16 games and rang up 134 tackles and two sacks.  The Jets are another one of those teams with a boatload of cap money and they may want Hewitt back.   Detroit’s Jarrad Davis is a former first round pick in the 2017 draft.   He started just four games in 2020 and never met expectations.  Houston’s Dylan Cole is not a  better option.  Green Bay’s Krys Barnes and Christian Kirksey look pretty good by comparison. 

 

I did not walk down the aisles for offensive line, tight end, outside linebacker,  or quarterback, as the Packers don’t seem to have urgent needs at those spots.  Let’s hope Brian Gutekunst shows up this summer with a few pleasant surprise bargains in his shopping cart. 

 

Dead Wrong on Pettine 

When you’re wrong, you have to own it.  On December 10th I wrote an article stating my belief that Mike Pettine would return as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator.  I wrote that I would be stunned if he was allowed to walk. 

 

Well, he’s gone and I am indeed stunned.  I really felt the Packers ’ defense had improved enough to save his job.  Of course, I could not anticipate the gaffe in the NFC championship game on the play at the end of the half.  One wonders how much that individual play had to do with his departure.  If the Packers had held on that 4th down a play earlier, would Pettine still be unemployed? 

 

In an article for packersnews.com, Tom Silverstein writes that Matt LaFleur shares the blame for the call on that play because of a lack of communication.   He writes that LaFleur let Pettine go because of a difference in philosophy.  No doubt the coach will be asked about that in his season-ending news conference today  (Monday). 

 

 

 

 

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__________________________

Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.

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4 points
 

Comments (68)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
NickPerry's picture

February 01, 2021 at 06:34 am

Not much there in FA but there will be more FA available as teams IN the red will be cutting players to save money. I'd be happy with a DECENT D-Linemen, and a Will Fuller. Sorry guys, I love me some Will Fuller and think he's a perfect compliment to Adams.

Sorry Ken... Pettine HAD TO GO!!!

Any D-Coordinator who plays THAT defense at the end of the half OR never tried Tramon Williams for an obviously struggling Kevin King is a idiot. DC's like that don't stay employed in the NFL for long. Personally I'd be shocked if Pettine is a DC ever again..... Well unless of coarse McCarthy is still a HC and hires him.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

February 01, 2021 at 10:50 am

McCarthy already hired a much better DC.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:02 pm

Could be a one year lease on JJ Watt in the cards. I like the idea of James White coming on board, a big play guy that turned in solid superbowl performances. The D lineman can also come from the draft as well as the CBs and another ILB. The RBs in the 2021 draft--get two.

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tommynak's picture

February 01, 2021 at 09:47 pm

Williams should have been on the field at the least to start the 2nd half for a struggling an injured King. Honestly it was not to early after the Bucs opening score drive to make the change. Not one doubt in my mind that Tramon with experience & savvy would have hugely outplayed King and I really believe the outcome would have been flipped.

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Stroh's picture

February 01, 2021 at 10:09 pm

You do remember Tramon is the guy who gave up the TD in OT in the NFCCG cs Seattle right? Just sayin...

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Stroh's picture

February 01, 2021 at 10:07 pm

Fuller isn't any better than MVS. Why waste cap space on what you already have? They should draft a WR in rd 2 or 3 and again a bit later.

As gor the end of Half in NFCCG, that falls on LaFluer alone, he called the D, there was a miscommunication between he and Pettine and LaFleur needed to call a TO, but didn't. That is on LaFleur alone!

As usual you can't get anything right. Pettine was out of time anyways. But that play call is directly on LaFleur.

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croatpackfan's picture

February 01, 2021 at 06:43 am

Interesting shop list, but, lets be honest. Neither of those guys will not be available if they are very good, or if they are not on decline. I suppose we should look what teams with cap hell has on the shelf. Those are the only candidates from where you can get at least players that will upgrade your team.

Paying any money for washed or average players are not the way you'll become better.

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King_James's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:06 am

I much rather pay Jamaal Williams on the cheap then bring in any of those other options at RB.

I also think people are over blowing how far the cap is going to go down next year. The NFL and players agree before the season that the cap wouldn't be below 175 million, not that it was going to be that! That was just a contingency incase they lost a ton of money this year and the possibility that future years could also be in doubt. But they didn't, and they played every game without much of a hiccup, keeping all that tv and gambling money. Lowering the cap that much helps no one, so I expect the cap to stay about where it is now (around 200 million), which could give the Packers some room to make moves this off-season.

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murf7777's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:38 am

I agree with your cap assessment. My belief is it will remain as is and they will get back some of the lost revenue over the coming X amount of years. Lowering it that far would create a major problem for too many teams.

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Guam's picture

February 01, 2021 at 08:10 am

Even at $198 million (same cap as this year), the Packers would be over the cap by about $6 million. I don't see how the Packers make many if any moves in free agency with that situation. They will have to release players currently under contract (Preston Smith, Kirksey, Funchess???) to have any room for free agent signings.

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murf7777's picture

February 01, 2021 at 08:43 am

And those type of moves is exactly what they will do, move on from underperforming players and contracts and us the money to find others. They can add more by restructuring top performing players contracts as well. That said, it will take some creativity.

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Lare's picture

February 01, 2021 at 11:40 am

Another factor is how any of the current roster players fit into the scheme of the new DC.

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PhantomII's picture

February 01, 2021 at 04:11 pm

They will choose a DC that can utilize what we have, in a scheme he has ran and they fit in.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:07 pm

They have the players on the squad now to show multiple looks. They need two more CBs, DE, DT depth and another ILB.

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Stroh's picture

February 01, 2021 at 10:16 pm

New DC, New scheme, New plays to learn = Wasting a year or 2 of Rodgers short window! Remember how it took the offense a year for LaFleur?! The DC needs to hit the ground running, not wait for the players to learn a new scheme!

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 02, 2021 at 11:31 am

In 2019, Spags showed up in K.C. and they won the SB. Not buying the argument. Get a guy with experience and some energy.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

February 01, 2021 at 09:07 am

Kirksey is likely gone. Funchess is a toss up to me but probably gone as MVS, Lazard, and Tonyan stepped up their receiving game and they're still trying to find more ways to get EQ on the field.

P Smith is a toss up, but with Gary really coming on he feels like a cap casualty.

Moderate gains could be made by restructuring Adams and/or Z Smith, but the biggest issue is Rodgers's contract coupled with the first round QB sitting on the sidelines. Restructuring Rodgers makes it all but impossible for Love to see the field absent an injury.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:08 pm

They probably hang onto Kirksey. He's a WILL guy. He did show up in the CH. game.

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King_James's picture

February 01, 2021 at 09:52 am

The Packers are likely to release P Smith and Kirksey no matter what the cap is next year as their contracts don't equal their production. That's a savings of 13.5 million right there. Dean Lowery could also be a cap casualty. It doesn't make sense to cut Funchess without seeing what he can do as that only saves about 1 million.

Another easy way to free up cap space would be to resign Davante, which needs to happen regardless with only 1 year left on his contract. Restructuring Rodgers or ZaDarius contract could save a lot of space as well. So there are plenty of options and ways to get more cap space.

2 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

February 01, 2021 at 11:18 am

Adams could be tough to resign just based on how good he is. You may need to do 4-5 years with a huge signing bonus and very backloaded salaries that would force another restructure to in a couple years and the Packers don't usually do that. With his hands, football IQ and intangibles like his footwork he could remain a high level receiver even if he loses some speed/burst, but the Packers probably need to start targeting their next long-term option whether or not they can lock up Adams for a few more years.

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King_James's picture

February 01, 2021 at 12:25 pm

No doubt Adams is going to demand top dollar, that being 20+ million per year. And he's totally worth it.

I'm not worried about the future cap and don't mind backloading. The gambling money is just starting to come in, the players just agreed to a higher percentage of the revenue, and with a 17th game comes more tv money. In 2-3 years the cap is going to skyrocket. We'd already be there now if not for the virus.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 01, 2021 at 01:17 pm

We could just trade Adams, save the money , and draft a super duper WR to replace him. That would surely be a cure for Davantevision, right?

I think that the plan is to bring Rodgers and Adams back next season. Beyond that, I don’t think it’s written in stone. A lot will depend on how the team does and whether Love is ready.

I’m only being partly facetious about the draft. Obviously, whether Adams leaves via trade or free agency, you’re going to have to draft a guy who can replace what he gives you. Not that easy, but doable.

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PeteK's picture

February 01, 2021 at 01:13 pm

We already have two lg receivers, so we could move on from Funchess.

1 points
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Guam's picture

February 01, 2021 at 01:49 pm

I agree that P. Smith and Kirksey are likely cap casualties, but that opens up two spots on the roster to have to fill. Ditto with Lowery. And all of them are starters that will need to be replaced. While replacements are waiting in the wings for P. Smith and Kirksey, it still means you have to find new, quality backups.

Cutting existing players to create cap space is a two edged sword because it leaves you with roster voids to fill. How much cap space are you really saving on a net basis after finding replacements? Starting $6 million in the hole and then having to find replacement players for the cut players is not going to leave much room for actual additions to the team.

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PeteK's picture

February 01, 2021 at 01:08 pm

Add Jackson to that list.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

February 01, 2021 at 08:50 am

I would expect to see a reduction, but how significant remains to be seen. The more interesting thing is the draft - scouts are going to have less to go on with the number of programs that either didn't play or that played shortened seasons, and I think predraft activities like pro days are going to be severely limited where some quality players can be unearthed. I think there will be an increase over typical years of guys who get overdrafted, as well as more guys who fall through the cracks and can be available as either later round picks or UDFAs.

4 points
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flackcatcher's picture

February 01, 2021 at 12:59 pm

" I think there will be an increase over typical years of guys who get overdrafted, as well as more guys who fall through the cracks and can be available as either later round picks or UDFAs." Which plays into the hands of a front office operation like Green Bay's, which relies on their scouts and grinds though player video like no one else in the league. I like to get a look at their database. It must be insane...

-1 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:19 am

I don't know how big of players we will be in FA this year. With the questionable salary cap. I haven't heard what the salary cap will be like for next year. There were reports that it could be a lot lower, but then other reports of late that it might drop some but not as significant as previously thought. If it is lowered the only way I see us being players is if we go for some of the bargain FA's.

There were reports that the Packers have tried to resign Jones. And reports that they haven't had any talks with Linsley. I am not sure about any other FA they have. But those are 2 that I have seen things written about. My guess is both of them leave, they try to resign Jamaal Williams.

Something that I could see happening in FA is players signing a more affordable 1-2 year deals to try and get more $ in the future. A guy like Allen Robinson for example. His numbers were down in Chicago, so what if he came to GB for 1 year deal? His numbers will go up meaning that he will be more attractive next year. Will he take a better deal to gamble on himself?

If you look at what Gutey has done in the past and try to bring it forward, the one player he may try to make a splash with is Will Fuller. Previously he tried to trade for Zadarius Smith. He wasn't able to trade for him, but went in the offseason and signed him. This year they tried trading for Will Fuller and couldn't. If they were willing to trade for him, you have to believe they are wanting to go after him in FA. Allen Robinson is another guy they tried signing a couple of years ago, but he chose the Bears over GB. Will the go after him too?

With Pettine, I wasn't surprised either way if he was to stay or go. IMO, if he was under contract I think he would have stayed. But beings he didn't have a contract it was easier to part ways with him.

My biggest questions with Pettine were about the player usage. Some examples:
We go out and sign Snacks and he plays a decent amount against the Bears, the next game against the Rams he barely plays. Then they go and sign Tramon Williams, and he doesn't play a snap? If any player available could have came in and played a role in this defense it was Williams. I said before the game that I thought he would take over for Redmond in his role. A role that played 14 snaps. There is no reason why he shouldn't have been out there for those 14 snaps. I have said this before but on that play before halftime, I have 0 doubt that Williams catches that ball that Redmond let go through his hands.
Other players I have always questioned about why they didn't make it on the field more. Josh Jackson is one. Was he any worse then King or Sullivan? No he wasn't. So why was he not being played?
Redmond is another guy I don't get why he got as much time as he did. When Greene went out they essentially tried using Redmond in his role. Problem with that is Redmond is not Greene. I thought Vernon Scott was better in the action he played. Why wasn't he ahead of Redmond?
Earlier in the year it was clear that Adams was one of the best Interior run stoppers. Yet he was not getting on the field much.

I just question why these guys weren't used more.

I think it will be interesting to see how all of these guys get used with whoever the new DC is.

4 points
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x24's picture

February 01, 2021 at 09:10 am

Tough to bet on any potential defensive players without knowing who will be coaching

1 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

February 01, 2021 at 10:56 am

I thought Williams would at least rotate in and give guys not named Jaire a breather. King was playing hurt, Sullivan is just a guy. CBs are easy to rotate, unlike DL.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:14 pm

Why would you rotate Jaire? He holds down a third of the coverage. The Fail traces to the selection of Jackson, (Jones previously) that drained resources. When Jackson couldn't show anything in 2019, he should have been moved.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

February 01, 2021 at 12:06 pm

The Adams foot injury was worse than what the Packers thought. I was told their medical staff shut him down for the year. Jackson never got over the hump technique wise. On a different team like Tampa's, he might have been able to get away with grabbing. The game crews make that call against Green Bay's secondary, and have been for years. It's the main reason why both King and Jackson played so much off coverage this season. What's really sad is Gray and Pettine wanted to play him on the boundary, but they could not risk it, with him being a walking holding or PI machine at that point in the season.

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TheBigCheeze's picture

February 01, 2021 at 09:14 am

defense gave offense numerous opportunities to score.....Pettine is the scapegoat....blame LeFleur for no play action...

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 01, 2021 at 11:29 am

We don’t have money to bargain shop. We don’t have the money to buy a bus ticket to the flea market. We may have to release proven vets under contract because we can’t afford them.

Teams that go to the championship game two years in a row shouldn’t need new coaches and six new starters. Like the author, I’m kind of stunned we parted with Pettine, but “philosophical differences “ often means “I’m tired of this person” and it’s water under the bridge now.

A starting corner
A Jenkins-type lineman
A defensive lineman to play along with Clark for four years.
Help/insurance for Dillon at RB.

We could fill all these needs in the top 95 of the draft. We don’t need to pay for 29 year old guys. Rookies are cheaper and they get better.

6 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

February 01, 2021 at 12:00 pm

I'm so tired of GB needing to draft DBs in the first 2 rounds but I agree corner and DL/OL will make up at least 2 of the top 3 picks this year. They will need to immediately replace Linsley with a new player should he not be resigned, or plug the hole left from another OL moving to center, and also have another 1-2 players in the wings as Turner and Wagner are both up at the end of 2022, and Patrick is up at the end of 2021.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 01, 2021 at 02:45 pm

DBs are half the defense. You need 9 good, healthy , DBs on gameday out of the 21.

As regards the Oline, considering the uncertainty about Bakhtiari and Lane Taylor, and the departure of Linsley, it’s important that we add a good player there.... not a last day project.

Our opening day line probably has Turner and Wagner at the tackles, Jenkins at center, and Patrick at guard. We need a starter, not just backups.

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PeteK's picture

February 01, 2021 at 01:29 pm

My sentiments exactly, we will have to/can reload through the draft. I wonder if we draft a center as they usually don't go high or move Jenkins there. I would prefer Jenkins at C and Runyan at LG, draft a RT in later rounds. A decent draft puts us on track for another run anything better is gravy. Remember Tonyan ,even if he is a RFA, has to be signed.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 01, 2021 at 02:46 pm

As does Lazard.

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PeteK's picture

February 01, 2021 at 04:39 pm

Yes, it will be cheaper at least for one year as he is an ERFA, which only guarantees him a minimum contract while Tonyan has to be tendered.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 01, 2021 at 05:01 pm

Yes, Lazard and MSV and EQ are all cheap for one more year. And there’s one more year on Adams deal. I’m sure it’s a total coincidence and not part of a plan.

I mean, this is the start of year 4 in Gutekunsts 5 year deal. If they fall short with the same group it might be time for changes. I suspect we’ll give our offense one more year together to see.

Tonyan, IMO, would have to be insane to agree to any deal that doesn’t include Rodgers throwing to him.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:18 pm

Still believe Jenkins is a better guard than center. I would maintain negotiations with Lindsley.

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PhantomII's picture

February 01, 2021 at 09:29 pm

I think Jenkins is a better OG or OT than anyone else that is not on IR.

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Stroh's picture

February 01, 2021 at 10:37 pm

They very well might need an OT that is ready to play immediately. Turner is one, but they can't count on Wagner (if he doesn't retire) fo a full season. Bahktiari is out until November for sure. Either a viable starter on FA or the draft is a must!

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NickPerry's picture

February 02, 2021 at 06:07 am

You have no idea how long Bahktiari is going to be out...None!

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Leatherhead's picture

February 02, 2021 at 08:12 am

No, but it’s a safe bet that he won’t be ready for the opener. And when he does return, he might need a little while to get up to speed.

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stockholder's picture

February 01, 2021 at 10:28 am

I don't like shopping Bargains. Especially from a League opponent. Fill ins; never give you championship results. You must play your best against the best. Most Fail! But Not All!! Nothing is going to change unless it comes from the Draft, or you pay the price. Cut the failures, draft the best. Sign your own.!

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

February 01, 2021 at 10:59 am

Bargain shopping.

When you have a list, and you're actually hoping that most are unavailable or already purchased to save you the embarrassment of having to justify the non-bargain you paid for.

4 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

February 01, 2021 at 11:03 am

Bargain shopping part 2.

When the bargains are worse than what you lost, put more concentrated effort into developing what you already have in the clubhouse. A practice that already needs to be changed in the more efficient era of ready to play QBs.

1 points
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CoachDino's picture

February 01, 2021 at 03:07 pm

I would say the trend is just the opposite unless speaking to veteran QBs. The packers as a Franchise have zero chance of drafting a ready to play QB. That's why the Love pick was so worth the risk. Please name the ready to play QBs taken outside of the top 10 picks in the NFL drafts over the last 10 years? The ones that you are inferring too as examples for the Packers to follow?

I know it was popular to say having QBs on Rookie Contracts is the way to go due to having the cap money to spend elsewhere. Just overall that doesn't work. Mahomes is the example of one working but what happened with him? He signed a huge deal. It sounds great et all but in reality its a very risky plan and one that is an outlier not a proven process.

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TarynsEyes's picture

February 01, 2021 at 03:40 pm

I wasn't referring to GB selecting a QB or referencing Love, but other position players needing to grow faster to make the first 4 years of the ready to play QB not wasted. Rodgers can still use faster growing players, but time is running out for Rodgers, and Love's early years and possibly more, if players take too long to grow.

-2 points
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2
Dragon5's picture

February 01, 2021 at 12:16 pm

Release who needs to be released, restructure Rodgers contract, go get JJ Watt. His wife plays soccer in Chicago to boot. One of the best additions we can make. Better front improves linebacker and secondary performance. Being a 7 life path, pray he doesn't get injured. If he believes Ben can still get it done, PIT an option to play with his brothers, otherwise KC & TB the logical choices.

Avoid James White as he'll be in his enemy year for 2021--high odds of a bust regardless of circumstances.

-4 points
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5
flackcatcher's picture

February 01, 2021 at 12:48 pm

For the Packers, the Cap only matters in how many veterans will they be forced to release this year. (Cap Man wins. Cap Man always wins...) I think the main question being asked at 1265, is the current roster good enough for one more Superbowl run. At that point it will be three years for most of the players on this roster, and with the number of contracts that will be up, the front office will have limited options. So next season looks like Superbowl or bust. After that, some sort of rebuild will take place, how extensive will depend on this year's draft. One final point, like Mike Pettine last year, Matt Lafleur is now in the final year of his contract. For various reasons, the current relationship between Gute and Lafleur is uncertain. With the rebuilding cycle so short in the NFL, Gute as GM may want to go in a different direction than with Lafleur as head coach. After this upcoming season, there could be more drama coming out of 1265 than expected.

-1 points
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Dragon5's picture

February 01, 2021 at 01:06 pm

Gute is an OX while Murphy, who hired LaFleur are GOATs. Packers franchise founded in a GOAT year in 1919. OX and GOAT are enemy signs. We enter the year of the OX on the 12th.
Nathaniel Hackett, LaFleur's OC, is also a GOAT. Outside of Gute, oppositional energy challenging to say the least for Packer franchise & management for the coming OX year.

2 points
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CoachDino's picture

February 01, 2021 at 03:19 pm

Wrong in your prediction, yep but why? Firing Pettine wasn't due to performance, so when evaluating why he'd be back, most predictions would use performance results as the metric. It will be interesting to find out, most likely not for years, why he chose to leave or wasn't pursued after his contract expired.

I tend to believe it has to do with a combination of things.

1) Was never ML guys. That's a bigger deal than one might think
2) Philosophy - I wonder what ML is looking for in those terms
3) Performance - I'm a huge believer in following the quantitative analysis / Facts / Results. All point to very successful stay in GB.

Stats don't always tell the whole picture and maybe there are areas that improvements can be made.

Haven't yet heard a name that sounds like an improvement. Then again never really heard ML name for HC jobs either and that turned out pretty well.

2 points
3
1
PhantomII's picture

February 01, 2021 at 04:36 pm

Pettine was not resigned because of his lack of pressure that was applied on down and distance. He was never in a timeline of need to apply enough pressure to insure the rush got there or forced a TO or TO on downs (punt). Letting secondary play off WR's when short yards were needed for a first down almost giving it to them . He would stiffen more when the opposition got into field goal distance, giving them the 3 instead of 7, but took a lot of time off the clock doing it and tiring his Defense doing it. Basically he was not as aggressive as ML wanted to be to get the ball back to the offense so they could get ahead and make the other team one dimensional in trying to keep up. Teams were in games longer than they should have been. Pettine should have been starting Gary over P. Smith, he was playing better. We needed a better CB opposite Alexander to take the next step. Philosophy: Attack the LOS/ QB and cover the outlets tight = pass rush/QB mistakes and turnovers/ punts.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:25 pm

Brady should have been under constant pressure the entire first half. He schemed like it was some mid-season game, waiting out tendencies.

3 points
3
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Nate-1980's picture

February 04, 2021 at 04:42 pm

Pettine performance stunk, I guess we watched different games where he almost single handedly lost them..

0 points
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Packer_Fan's picture

February 01, 2021 at 03:23 pm

Doesn't look like there is much out there at this time. But unless the owners and players union negotiate a relief on the cap, then there will be lots to choose.

On the Pettine deal, here is my rub for him. Other than the Tennessee game, there was never a game where the defense stood out. Always a bend but don't break. And the three man rushes, soft coverages on third and long and finally the gaffe in this last game was always inexcusable for me.

4 points
4
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Packer_Fan's picture

February 01, 2021 at 03:23 pm

Doesn't look like there is much out there at this time. But unless the owners and players union negotiate a relief on the cap, then there will be lots to choose.

On the Pettine deal, here is my rub for him. Other than the Tennessee game, there was never a game where the defense stood out. Always a bend but don't break. And the three man rushes, soft coverages on third and long and finally the gaffe in this last game was always inexcusable for me.

1 points
1
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CoachDino's picture

February 01, 2021 at 03:35 pm

Appreciate that the article realizes bargain shopping is, for the most part, where the Packers will be. If the cap space goes up, it does so for all teams so in terms of so the packers will still be at basically the same disadvantage when competing for FAs. Lower the cap the more depressed salaries will be (less the stars) higher the cap the higher the salaries needed to be paid to retain.

The Loss to TB really exposed the packers weaknesses.

#2 outside Corner
#1 Slot DB

OT - Billy Turner is a liability and not that much better at guard. I'd cut him, keep Wagner and sign a Bargain OT to play until Bak comes back. Use that savings to sign Cory Linsly. IMHO he is so much more critical than we give him credit for. He's the Best Center in the Game. Turner is IMO in the bottom 1/3 of OT and/or Guards. The OL is what makes AR better, which makes our Recs better.

What is the outcome of the game if the Packers have Bach at LT and a decent #2 CB and Slot DB. IMHO its easily where you get the biggest bang for the buck.

ps..Not saying don't cut Kirksey but he's not that expensive, he really came on down the stretch, the savings isn't all that vs replacement. (Cut Summers & Burkes)

1 points
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PhantomII's picture

February 01, 2021 at 04:54 pm

Agree with the game exposing the weaknesses. I'm surprised they did not move Jenkins out to R/L OT for the game or at least after the initial beatings/ sacks. Nijiman is huge, I don't know if he is too slow or what, but he is a big guy and I don't think he gets moved easily. Hopefully he can play RT at least next year and #1 can go on CB. I would like a 1 pick at CB and if we do cuts get an above average starting CB if we can, maybe the rook could start in the slot. DL next to Clark would be nice. I wish Gute kept Breeland at CB.

1 points
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flackcatcher's picture

February 01, 2021 at 05:15 pm

"I wish Gute kept Breeland at CB." So do I. But there was no way with what his agent was asking for.(Heck if Martin hadn't flamed out or Jackson learned to trust his footwork a little more...)

0 points
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PhantomII's picture

February 01, 2021 at 06:09 pm

Breeland making under 5 mill. Not sure, he suppose to offered team discount at time but who knowns. Doesn't really matter. He has at least 1 ring lately and going for 2. Good for him.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 01, 2021 at 07:51 pm

Turner held his own at RT, they offered him minimum help at LT during the CH Game. Draft will go CB and OT with a high pick as Bhaktiari is more likely to land on the PUP. Then CB, WR with speed, and DTs RBs at least one with the quicks. A fast ILB. They have to establish a return game to enhance field position and get people who can get downfield fast to contain the opposition. The 42 yard return in the game stole 17 yards from the defense and the offense has a longer Field. I believe La Fluer wants to see Total Football. His old man was a coach
so he understands fundamentals.

0 points
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CoachDino's picture

February 01, 2021 at 05:06 pm

Nijiman is the big unknown. He's good enough that they put him on the 53 the last 2 years. I know he was a developmental guy but it's time. To your point than the focus could move to CB. Alim McNeill is the only one that I'm high on (Barrimore but he won't be around) for DI.

The position that I would take a chance on is Edge if one falls. With Preston gone and Z year 3 on his contract they could use another guy in the wings. Its such a critical position along with OT and CB.

3 points
3
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MarkinMadison's picture

February 01, 2021 at 05:53 pm

When it comes to available cap space nearly half of the teams are in the red, but it looks like the Packers take 3rd place for the deepest shade of red. Short of a couple of major restructures (and possibly even with a couple of major restructures) it looks like time for some hard cuts. Preston, thanks for the memories.

1 points
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TheKanataThrilla's picture

February 01, 2021 at 06:58 pm

With the trend in college leaning towards the 3-3-5 I wonder if we would be interested in a college Defensive Coordinator. Jon Heacock from Iowa State could be an interesting candidate.

-1 points
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AdamPena's picture

February 05, 2021 at 07:21 pm

Let's get aggressive with the free agents and trades like other NFC teams (Rams) are getting! Let's go!!!

Adam

0 points
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