Report: Packers to sign CB Bashaud Breeland
-- Not much time was wasted in replacing Davon House's roster spot.
After the veteran cornerback was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers are expected to sign cornerback Bashaud Breeland, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.
Breeland had been on the Packers' radar for quite some time, with the earliest reported interest being in March. That was before the Packers signed Tramon Wiliams, re-signed House and drafted a pair of rookie cornerbacks in Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson.
Alexander, Jackson and Williams were the only three healthy corners on the Packers' roster with Kevin King still nursing a groin injury.
Breeland spent his first four years in the league with the Washington Redskins, registering eight interceptions and a pick-six last season against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Breeland originally signed a $24 million dollar deal with the Carolina Panthers over the offseason, however, the deal was nullified because he didn't pass his physical. An infected wound suffered while in the Dominican Republic caused Breeland to be sidelined and miss out on potential signing opportunities throughout the summer.
Now, the 26-year-old is healthy and an instant upgrade to the depth in the Packers' secondary. For most of his career, Breeland stationed himself in the slot but played on the perimeter more often in 2017.
Prior to signing, Breeland was one of "a handful" of defensive players the Packers had in the facility for visits on Tuesday. Two others being another ex-Redskins cornerback in David Amerson and former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Arrion Springs.
The rest, according to Howard Balzer of BalzerFootball.com, were offensive tackles Anthony Coyle, Gerhard de Beer and Tony Garcia with the exception of defensive lineman Quinton Dial, who played for the team last season.
Coyle was signed to the Packers' practice squad on Tuesday as well, replacing center Austin Davis who was subsequently released.
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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (73)
PAPackerbacker
September 25, 2018 at 05:35 pm
Breeland must not have been that impressive to sign Davon House, with House already having shoulder problems, over him. I hope he does well in Green Bay. Can he be any worse than Davon House? Time will tell.
4Drumz
September 25, 2018 at 05:40 pm
He was hurt, hence why he wasn’t signed. When healthy, he is better than House. My only concern is how quickly he gets back into football shape.
dobber
September 25, 2018 at 06:23 pm
My guess is that he's healthy and in shape enough to log 25-30 snaps. Hopefully they won't need him for much more than that this week.
PackfanNY
September 25, 2018 at 05:42 pm
House was always a step slow in my mind. Sometimes more than that. Breeland had the infected foot injury which nullified $24M deal with Panthers. Ouch. He has got to be better than House.
I also heard Quinton Dial was in for work out on D-line to replace Wilkerson. He was decent rotational guy last season against run but offers zero pass rush. That sounds familiar. No signing yet but I haven't heard many other options. Lowry and Adams need to step up.
Coldworld
September 25, 2018 at 06:25 pm
We need a run stuffer to rotate in now. If they find a good one I am all for it. We don’t have one and Daniels and Clark need not to play 80% of the snaps. Lowry and Amicha aren’t that type.
Since'61
September 25, 2018 at 08:26 pm
Amicha is an OL why he would be a run stopping type unless he gets in the way of his own RBs? Thanks, Since '61
TKWorldWide
September 25, 2018 at 08:58 pm
Stranger things have happened.
JerseyAl
September 25, 2018 at 09:43 pm
He's also not on the team, so...
marpag1
September 25, 2018 at 11:55 pm
He may not be on the team, and he may have been an O-lineman, but actually he WAS "the run stopping type."
Maybe that's why he's not on the team.
RCPackerFan
September 25, 2018 at 08:40 pm
I also saw that Dial was in for a workout.
I'm curious what they are going to do. Because Nick Perry is also in the concussion protocol. If he can't go they will be down to 3 OLB's. And without Wilkerson they are down to 4 DL.
They will have to add either a OLB or DL.
Oppy
September 25, 2018 at 05:43 pm
Reading the articles is a great way to get informed
dobber
September 25, 2018 at 07:02 pm
FACTS!!!
Bearmeat
September 25, 2018 at 07:55 pm
FAKE NEWS!!!! :D
Lare
September 25, 2018 at 05:38 pm
Seems like a decent signing, I hope he can produce at CB considering how terrible the Packers safeties are.
JohnnyLogan
September 25, 2018 at 05:44 pm
But no no safeties or edge rushes, again ignoring glaring needs
dobber
September 25, 2018 at 06:21 pm
If House is going to need surgery, which sources indicate, then there's a glaring need at CB.
sardog
September 25, 2018 at 05:47 pm
Just keep Breeland away from golf carts. He was entangled with one in the Dominican Republic and opened up an old childhood wound that wasn't properly repaired. Carolina had signed him earlier but he didn't pass the physical. His last stats were just below Josh Norman according to PFF.
Skip greenBayless
September 25, 2018 at 05:57 pm
Signing House a second time just didn't feel right for some reason. Same with the Ahman Green signing a few years ago. No different than going back with an ex. It's never as good as the first time. House was a nice guy and I wish him well.
dhusting
September 26, 2018 at 10:39 pm
We're sure lucky Williams was available
Rossonero
September 25, 2018 at 06:21 pm
He's not a world beater, but the Panthers thought enough of him to offer that 3 yr, $24M deal a few months ago.
When most fans would be complaining about Ted Thompson's lack of action, I appreciate Gutekunst being aggressive and signing a veteran rather than some undrafted guy who has even slimmer odds of panning out.
4thand10
September 25, 2018 at 11:45 pm
Brieland I has huge upside, PFF grades, 26 yrs old. A good corner. If his foot is better and he’s in shape.....way way better than House. I will say this about house though...when he was younger...he was pretty good. All cbs get burned, but he played well when young. Shut down corner? No, but in his hay day...good player. Carolina has had a good defense for awhile and if they wanted Brieland ... I like this signing, now just go get Reid. I still can think Brice can turn it around.
croatpackfan
September 26, 2018 at 02:22 am
Watching last year Davon House I believed he will not survive cuts. There was 4 rookies better than Davon House on 90 men roster. He confirmed what I saw in this 3 weeks. Now, he is on IR and I truly believe he is done...
dobber
September 25, 2018 at 06:21 pm
A move out of line with past Packers player management. Solid, smart move.
Lare
September 25, 2018 at 06:29 pm
Good point, Thompson would have signed an UFA fullback in this same situation.
flackcatcher
September 25, 2018 at 09:14 pm
I like FBs. Wish we had some in the NFL.......
4thand1
September 25, 2018 at 06:36 pm
Our safety play has gone back to the days of M D Jennings and can't remember the other stiff, WTF! What the hell do the coaches see when they watch game film? Breeland should be an upgrade, Reid is still out there.
EdsLaces
September 25, 2018 at 06:50 pm
Are you talking about Charlie "salt and " Peprah ...or Atari Bigbi?
Bert
September 25, 2018 at 06:59 pm
I think the "other stiff" was McMillan. Ted drafted him out of Maine U. How you can start at safety at Maine U and not succeed in the NFL is beyond me. Breeland should be an upgrade over House and may be asked to play quite a bit given King's injury history. Starting to wonder if King has the body to take the pounding in the NFL.
4thand1
September 25, 2018 at 07:05 pm
A groin is kinda a freak injury. Usually is the good ol hammy, ankle,or shoulder for DB's.
TKWorldWide
September 25, 2018 at 09:00 pm
“Groin” and “freak” are really personal matters best left up to the individual.
dobber
September 25, 2018 at 07:07 pm
At this point, Reid has his grievance with the league and likely won't take the kind of contract most teams are going to be offering. Settling for that kills his legal play. I thought for sure the Falcons would be beating down his door with the losses they've had. Still, his legal play may very well have killed his career for good.
4thand1
September 25, 2018 at 07:33 pm
If he's offered a decent contract that kills his legal argument. Also Thomas seems to really want out of Seattle, a deal could be done, one of our 1st rounds picks for an all pro safety is well worth it.
Skip greenBayless
September 25, 2018 at 07:56 pm
4th and 1. there's a reason Reid is still out there. Reid is another Martellius Bennett. The Packers usually don't make the same mistakes twice. This guy Reid is total trouble in more ways than one.
Bearmeat
September 25, 2018 at 08:21 pm
Completely incorrect. Reid has been, by all measures except protesting, a model teammate and citizen. I wanted him coming out of NIU 5-6 years ago. He's a heck of a player. Not a probowler, but Brice and HHCD are mediocre, that's for dang sure.
Skip greenBayless
September 25, 2018 at 10:52 pm
"except protesting". Aah, that's my whole point. Bennett did the same damn thing and got Kevin King and Kendricks to go along with him and ticked off many veterans and 52% of the Packers fan base. Why would GB take on a Reid/Bennett again when at least from a normalcy no drama/chaos standpont it's back to normal this season? Not gonna happen Bearmeat. They'd bring Eugene Robinson out of retirement before they bring in this Reid guy. I get it we do need some safety help soon if Brice doesn't get his act together but it won't be Reid the angry protester.
GB Jacker
September 26, 2018 at 03:11 am
If its true that 52% of the GB fan base was 'ticked off' with three players peacefully, non-violently, protesting social inequality and systemic racial violence - then that's a pretty rough indictment of the intelligence of this fan base. I hope the reality is a significantly smaller percentage.
The whole NFL ownership group is colluding to keep Reid out of the league - that seems pretty clear. So it's not the same situation as Marty B who is a completely different personality to Reid by all accounts.
GB Jacker
September 26, 2018 at 08:21 am
But on topic - Breeland seems like a great signing - young experienced player with a high floor (I hope). Wanted him in FA originally actually as always impressed whenever I saw him. Hope its a 2 year deal for decent money, not a one year prove it. Then we'd be set at CB for next two seasons. King, Alexander, Jackson, Breeland, Williams would make an excellent position group - one of the better CB rooms in the league. Really hope King can stay healthy - we are such a stronger defensive unit when he is healthy and on the field.
dobber
September 26, 2018 at 10:10 am
Martellus Bennett always had a reputation for "walking to the beat of his own drum". Some called him a "character", but the bottom line was that no team seemed to want to keep him--regardless of his production--beyond the end of his contracts...and that was before the flag protest stuff. Reid certainly doesn't have those same kinds of issues.
MITM
September 26, 2018 at 03:01 pm
Jimmie ward was from NIU reid is LSU both 49ers so simple mistake
croatpackfan
September 26, 2018 at 02:26 am
I do not know what news you are reading, but what I read was that Earl Thomas only wants better contract with Seattle, not any other team... Schneider knows that and he Seahawks are not shopping him around!
LambeauPlain
September 26, 2018 at 10:55 am
Oakland wasn't shopping their holdout either...
[email protected]
September 26, 2018 at 07:28 am
Thomas is an impact player at safety exactly what the Packers need
sonomaca
September 26, 2018 at 08:32 am
With Garopplo done, Arizona in shambles, and the Rams very thin in the secondary, Seattle May have some hope in the West. Doubt they would part with Thomas before the Rams game next week.
Cubbygold
September 25, 2018 at 07:05 pm
Great pickup. Big upgrade over House. Likely will give TW a chance to move to saftey if Brice can't get it together
dobber
September 25, 2018 at 07:08 pm
Agreed. Their personnel got better today.
Cubbygold
September 25, 2018 at 07:35 pm
Hopefully not a sign that king is hurt worse than they've said
Skip greenBayless
September 25, 2018 at 07:51 pm
This is exactly what that means. King is a pretzel and the Packers know this now and can't afford not to cover themselves going forward. House wasn't getting it done and they needed an upgrade. Good signing if the kid is healthy.
RCPackerFan
September 25, 2018 at 08:22 pm
I think its more about House having to go to IR.
They currently would only have 3 healthy CB's for this week (assuming King coudln't play).
They have to add a CB so why not go out and get one of the best from Free Agency.
sonomaca
September 26, 2018 at 08:36 am
Lucky they beat the Rams to the punch. Talib is likely done for the year and Peters is gone for a month.
RCPackerFan
September 26, 2018 at 08:45 am
Also the Saints were going after him. They just put Patrick Robinson on IR.
They were going to bring him in, and instead they brought in Amerson who was also in GB.
Community Guy
September 25, 2018 at 07:12 pm
i am somewhat optimistic about Breeland signing. i really wish the front office would bring in safety help while it is still on the market.. i am pretty tired of seeing H2CD's missed tackles.. and, now, Brice's.
Bure9620
September 25, 2018 at 07:14 pm
I do feel this is an upgrade, gives some solid veteran depth at corner. He played well in Washington. I believe TT does NOT make this move at this juncture in the season. I can't tell if this is a desperation signing, or just one that was just the right time.
Ustabeayooper
September 25, 2018 at 07:20 pm
The Packers were lucky to sign this guy. Take a look on pro football rumors and see how many teams are looking for CB help. He was available because of an injury not because he couldn' t contribute. We need 5 cbs and he was the best option out there. Hopefully, we can get by this week facing a rookie QB. The offense needs to get off to a fast start rather than last week's fiasco. It would be nice to see a ball control offense with some balance. Aaron Jones needs to be used in the running and passing game.
RCPackerFan
September 25, 2018 at 08:06 pm
This is another great move by Gutekunst.
Now as long as Breeland has been out I don't expect him to come in and play right away or play a lot at least.
But once he gets going he will provide a really good option at CB. He was one of the top CB's in Free Agency in spring and they are now getting him in September.
This is also another move made by Gutekunst that we never would have seen Thompson do. Thompson would have activated someone from the PS. So this move again shows that Gutekunst is interested in getting the best option available.
I really like this move.
dobber
September 26, 2018 at 09:24 am
He steps in immediately as the 4th CB so long as King is out. I think he logs quite a few snaps on Sunday depending on game flow.
The nice thing is: if he shows well, he's a keeper, House (and maybe even cut Williams) walk, and they're still solid 1-4 at CB.
RCPackerFan
September 26, 2018 at 09:31 am
Yeah, i was thinking the same thing. He will be the 4th CB used in certain packages. Especially for this weekend.
I just don't know how much they will use that package. Will it be 10 plays, 20, 30? I don't know.
dobber
September 26, 2018 at 10:07 am
They really seem to like Whitehead in coverage, which might ease the demand for snaps from Breeland, but I think he'll be active and 20-ish snaps for a vet with his skills wouldn't be out of the question. With House done, I don't see how Breeland won't be active (unless he's a trainwreck).
Lphill
September 25, 2018 at 08:21 pm
The Patriots always fix holes throughout the season it seemed to work for them maybe that's how the Packers will operate. I like Montravis Adams but would like to see another big body brought in.
NickPerry
September 26, 2018 at 04:43 am
Maybe with he play of the team I haven't noticed nor did I bother to check how many snaps he's played before making this comment but had Adams even played this regular season? I mean I totally forgot he was even on the roster until I read his name in a few comments.
Sigh...Getting older sucks!
Would love to see the Packers operate more like Pats. Signing Breeland is such a refreshing move, one we KNOW Thompson wouldn't make in a million years. I think Gutekunst is looking to possibly trade for a Safety. He's a smart guy and has to know the Packers don't have a chance o win a SB with Brice.
Since'61
September 25, 2018 at 08:32 pm
Breeland is a good signing under the circumstances.
My guess is that we will not see House in a Packers uniform again. Another move by Gute to move on from TT personnel.
Given our limited remaining cap space I would be interested to see how much they signed Breeland for and what's left for an OL and/or DL. Thanks, Since '61
Sir Cheese 82
September 25, 2018 at 08:57 pm
I'd love to see Tramon Williams moved to free safety, provided King gets healthy. With Breeland, King, Jackson and Alexander manning CB, we could roll out Tramon at FS, HHCD at SS, and play a combo of Brice/Jones in that 3rd safety spot, I feel that's the best way to get the most talented players on the field.
flackcatcher
September 25, 2018 at 09:22 pm
It's coming. We would have seen something like that probably just before mid season. Now, with injuries and ineffective play at the back end, their hand has been forced. It's the kids time now. Going to be a bumpy ride....
dobber
September 26, 2018 at 10:04 am
I think you're right in that moving Williams might be the natural adjustment. If anything, injuries and the like might force them to hold off until the CB situation stabilizes, but Breeland might right that ship more quickly.
4thand1
September 25, 2018 at 10:44 pm
Breeland 5' 11" w 195, 40 time 4.62, not a burner.
dobber
September 26, 2018 at 09:25 am
He's not a lover, he's a fighter.
Lphill
September 26, 2018 at 05:26 am
Earl Thomas Seattle or Cowboys . That's what he wants.
mattnw94
September 26, 2018 at 06:40 am
The best thing I feel like we can do is what every Green Bay fan has been talking about. Continue to upgrade, we all know Breeland is an upgrade. We should have let Brice go along time ago, I have never seen someone blow as many coverage's as that guy and I am a high school and middle school coach. We have our rookies that have time, but there is also other opportunities to pick up guys like Reid, Thomas and after that who else is available?
ShawnO
September 26, 2018 at 10:48 am
Quote From my Redskins loving friend "This guy is maddening – he’ll either play out of his mind (rare) or you’ll hear his name on every passing play (more common). "
LambeauPlain
September 26, 2018 at 11:08 am
Reid was transitioned to full time ILB last October by the 49ers.
He couldn't run very well any more...but the Niners felt he could still cover TEs as a LB in the hybrid mold.
He hasn't played safety for almost a year now.
Josh Jones is a better option at S. I cannot simply understand MM making Pettine's decision for him blurting out that Brice will remain the starter at SS.
Brice had a decent game vs Chicago but has been poor to awful since.
mattnw94
September 26, 2018 at 11:50 am
Brice has always been garbage.
PatrickGB
September 26, 2018 at 05:55 pm
L-Plain, I agree. Reid is a strong/box type safety. What we really need is a free safety. HHCD is not doing his job.
Royalty Free GM
September 27, 2018 at 12:13 am
#38 Tramon Wiliams has been a star so far... in opponents TD highlight reels. It’s like... hey look Tramon is there... let’s throw an easy TD again.
mattnw94
September 27, 2018 at 10:59 am
So if I am not mistaking, I researched it to make sure I was correct. If I am wrong though just correct me. Isn't Jeremy Lane, Byron Maxwell and T.J. Ward still available... I mean awesome we got Breeland. Reid just signed as well but what about these 3 playmakers?