Return to the Packers Not out of the Question for G Jahri Evans
-- The door isn't completely closed on a return in 2018 for Jahri Evans, and the former All-Pro guard is keeping his options open.
Among those options, reuniting with the Green Bay Packers for a second season with the team is one route that Evans would heavily prefer, but retirement also isn't entirely out of the realm of possibility.
"I'm not opposed to coming back to Green Bay," Evans said, according to Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. "I loved my last year in Green Bay. Green Bay was great. I loved the coaching staff, I loved the locker room. I loved the organization, the community. It was awesome, it was a great fit for me."
Evans is entering his 13th season in the league and turns 35 in August. He's the second-oldest player on the roster now -- just over three months older than quarterback Aaron Rodgers -- behind only cornerback Tramon Williams, who was signed just last month after a three-year 'hiatus' from the Packers.
"My goal is, I wanted to win another Super Bowl. I still do. So that's my focus right now. But, you know, it's still early. We're sitting in the first week of April right now. So it's very early."
Evans is one of six unrestricted free agents the Packers have yet to re-sign. They previously stood at seven until tight end Richard Rodgers was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday.
The Packers have over $16.2 million in cap space, so retaining Evans isn't a question of their financial standing, but more so whether or not they absolutely need him back on the roster and starting at right guard.
Many feel Justin McCray has deserved a shot to win a starting job along the offensive line after how well he played whilst being plugged into various positions along the offensive line last season, stepping in at both interior guard and outside tackle in place of Bryan Bulaga.
McCray was recently tendered as an exclusive rights free agent, as was fellow guard Lucas Patrick, who also showed last season that he was capable of playing both interior guard positions. The Packers have the flexibility amongst their linemen if they choose to move on from Evans, so there's no question on whether or not it'll impact them from a schematic standpoint.
The only thing that separates Evans from his younger competition is his veteran presence and knowledge of both the game and his position. Something that coach Mike McCarthy values heavily and may use as a selling point to keep Evans in town.
"He definitely thought I played well this year," Evans continued. "He liked my play. He liked my locker room presence. He liked some of the things I gave to the young guys as far as just experience, technique, talks. So eh wasn't opposed to me coming back to the Packers for another season."
The lack of solidarity and consistency is foreign to Evans, who spent 11 seasons with the New Orleans Saints -- and a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks before being released prior to the start of the start of the 2016 season -- and saw six Pro Bowls and four First-team All-Pro selections.
When he came to Green Bay on a $2.2 million dollar contract for a single season, the Packers got the epitome of a bargain who brought more than just stability to their right guard position after losing T.J. Lang.
Losing Evans would mean they're taking a chance on finding that same sense of stability in someone such as McCray or Patrick, who may or may not be the answer they're looking for. However, if last season was any indicator, McCray is more than ready to tackle the challenge in the event of Evans not returning.
“I know people are wondering if I want to play, if I don’t want to play. I don’t think that I’ll never want to play football. I wish I could play it forever. I think we all do. So, yeah, of course, I don’t think I’ll say, ‘Hey, I don’t want to play anymore.’
“It’s not, ‘Do I want to retire or do I want to play?’ It’s more so just making sure everything is stable for me at this moment."
__________________________
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 (31)
NickPerry
April 05, 2018 at 06:38 am
I'd be all in on signing Evans as long as he understood the RG spot isn't his by default, he has to EARN it in TC. If he's not starting and could possibly be a depth piece is the big question here and whether or not he'd go along with that. If he's down for that common back Jahri. The Packers HAVE to have the best 5 starting. They can't afford to play the FORMER All-Pro when a better option is sitting on the bench. Rodgers HAS to be protected!
Example...Jeff Saturday and EDS.
Bearmeat
April 05, 2018 at 11:31 am
Right. I'd love to see McCray take over at RG, but wouldn't be opposed to seeing Jahri back on another cheap one year in case that doesn't happen.
But even if he's not back and McCray isn't the answer at RG, I'm not terribly concerned. As long as you don't have "dumpster fire" at RG, you're ok. It's the least important starting position on O after FB. And maybe if FB isn't really a starter (it's not) anymore, then RG IS the least important starting position.
It's more RT that I'm worried about. Bulaga can't be depended on to be healthy and Spriggs was just plain awful last year.
dobber
April 05, 2018 at 10:55 am
It's my hope that Philbin, who has significant experience as an OL coach at both the pro and college level, might find something to help bring Spriggs around....or that Spriggs will magically turn the corner this off-season. I just don't think he's your stereotypical RT, and don't know how he'll function on that side.
Bearmeat
April 05, 2018 at 11:32 am
No, he's not powerful enough right now to be a RT with a Right handed QB. He's a dancer in a 300lb body - a LT through and through. But he has waaay too many mental gaffes to be trusted right now, and we already have an all pro LT in his prime...
NickPerry
April 05, 2018 at 04:26 pm
Good point dobber...Philbin does have that experience and if he can help Spriggs,Murphy or any other young O-Linemen out great. My main hope for Philbin is he helps make sure McCarthy doesn't fall into predictability this year and defenses are guessing on EVERY down. The Packers were at their best game when Philbin was here and were anything but predictable. Obviously having more talented WR's than any defense could cover helped, but Philbin is a great OC in my opinion.
carlos
April 06, 2018 at 07:51 pm
Good point Dobber. Philbin was a OL coach. Something I forgot about.
carlos
April 06, 2018 at 07:49 pm
I agree with you Bearmeat on Spriggs, but feel every position on the line is important when number 12 is back there. Guards are a very big part of a good run game. Not like I’m telling you something you don’t know. I’m more concerned about the right guard spot than I am the wide receivers.
TKWorldWide
April 05, 2018 at 06:38 am
Perfect example of mid-level veteran FA to hold down a spot until GB feels McCray or Patrick or whoever is ready to take over. Heck, that might even be now. Money talks. Interested to see how this plays out.
Savage57
April 05, 2018 at 06:43 am
Sign him. There is no such thing as too many viable options to protect Rodgers favorite escape lane between the RG and RT as he climbs the pocket and rolls right.
Since'61
April 05, 2018 at 06:54 am
I would not mind having his veteran presence back on the OL. If nothing else he would provide solid depth, but I agree with Nick that he needs to earn his spot during TC.
He could be particularly valuable on the right side if Bulaga is unable to return until later in the season, if at all. His experience could be critical in supporting an inexperienced RT. Always better to have more than less on the OL. Thanks, Since '61
croatpackfan
April 05, 2018 at 07:48 am
I think you pointed well why Packers should consider to sign Jahri one more year. It all depends on what is going on with Brian. Even if Brian will be ready for TC or week 1, his injury history should not be neglected.
Since'61
April 05, 2018 at 09:25 am
Croat - OL and QB are the only position groups where a team does not necessarily need to get younger to get better. As long as the players are healthy they can be effective on the OL. I would prefer to have a player like Evans either as a starter or backup than a younger Don Barclay or Marshall Newhouse who are just revolving doors that allow Aaron Rodgers to get clobbered. As you correctly point out, Bulaga's injury history is a factor for the right side even if he returns early in the season. Thanks, Since '61
carlos
April 06, 2018 at 07:59 pm
Yup 61, just like the Packers said. Not enough quality depth in the way of veterans. Too many young players with zero experience. It would be nice to see him as a backup, stay fresh and help develop some young lineman. After being a starter so long he may not agree to that, but it’s just a thought I had. Hate to see young guys not getting better through playing time.
stockholder
April 05, 2018 at 07:10 am
- Pass. It's time they find a Lang again. And a Rt soon. We wish we had better all last year. He needs to face it, and so do others. Find someone more capable.
Tundraboy
April 05, 2018 at 08:35 am
I agree. But keep Evans for depth.
Since'61
April 05, 2018 at 09:29 am
Stock - McCray could be that guy but Evans could be signed for quality depth providing he earns his spot. If he is outperformed during TC, release him. If not, he is a solid experienced player to have on the OL. Thanks, Since '61
stockholder
April 05, 2018 at 10:50 am
You may be right about the depth. But I'd rather move on. This team failed a lot on the OL. We saw the predictions last year. They Failed! They couldn't beat the lions even at the end of the year. The trench play has to change! We need some animals in the trenches now.
TKWorldWide
April 05, 2018 at 12:17 pm
My administration favors animals at all places on the roster.
dobber
April 07, 2018 at 10:08 am
I agree. The Packers played their JV against the Lions starters in that game. In Webster's Dictionary next to futile is the Packers' starting lineup from week 17 last fall.
cuervo
April 05, 2018 at 07:14 am
I'd be fine bringing him back for a shade over the vet minimum with the expectation that he would be a backup (assuming he'd be OK with that).
Better starting talent than Evans should be the expectation, but having him as backup guard for both sides would be one hell of alot better than tossing some unproven rookie or UDFA in when the injuries occur.
Tundraboy
April 05, 2018 at 01:01 pm
Amen
RCPackerFan
April 05, 2018 at 07:17 am
I wouldn't mind seeing him come back. But like as Nick said, that he has to earn the spot. That it wouldn't just be handed to him.
Evans played great earlier in the year but towards the end of the year he slowed down. If they do bring him back I hope they have a good insurance plan for him.
cuervo
April 05, 2018 at 07:52 am
That's why asking him to be a backup may interest him and the Packers. He get's another year of NFL pay, he'll almost certainly play because of injury, but hopefully won't have to absorb a 16+ game NFL season with a 35 year old body.
dobber
April 05, 2018 at 08:05 am
You have to ask yourself what positions he can play on the OL. If he can back up both G positions, but not C, is he a better game day active than a guy who can back up all 3 interior line positions and be serviceable at all 3?...and likely not cost you much more than the minimum?
Thegreatreynoldo
April 05, 2018 at 08:47 am
Versatility and game active decisions do matter. I suppose he could be inactive for a game and then activated for the next game if there is an injury. Not ideal but still. Plus, the draft might intrude: I've seen an OC - OG (Ragnall or something) mocked to us in the third at times. Still, he is quality depth at a reasonable price, something not to be lightly discarded.
Evans made $2.325M last season. It may be that he could be signed with the understanding that he has to earn the starting role. He could be given a modest base/workout, perhaps $1.5M, and a combination of game active roster bonuses and snap count incentives that could push him up to $2.5M or so. Folks love to say sign X for vet min, but I don't think that is Evans' market. Who knows what his market is, though.
Tundraboy
April 05, 2018 at 08:38 am
Exactly why he is a perfect veteran presence piece to have. Depth wins Championships.
OnWisconsinGoPack
April 05, 2018 at 09:20 am
I agree with most comments on the board, bring back Jahri and let him compete on a cheap deal or at least provide quality depth.
My question I'd pose is, wouldnt we have a bigger need then at Tackle as oppose to Guard from a draft perspective? Everything I've read has been that McCrary is ready to take over at Guard, not Tackle, yet everyone thinks we need to address Guard in the draft. I know Bulaga is still young, but his health has diminished a ton over the last couple years and we need to start thinking of an insurance policy at ROT, not guard. It is the least sexy position to draft, especially, when it's not in the top 5, but I could honestly see the Pack going for the OT in the first 3 rounds which bums me out.
If nothing else, I hope TT was kept around to work his 4th to 5th round lineman magic, the only thing TT was truly exceptional at, to help us land some better OL prospects.
cuervo
April 05, 2018 at 09:40 am
I think that GB is thinking (hoping) that either Spriggs or Murphy can be the right tackle assuming Bulaga can't. Murphy to date has shown more than Spriggs, but certainly neither is a known quantity at this point.
Razer
April 05, 2018 at 10:40 am
That was Ted's thinking. Not having a solid option for Bulaga at RT could be a season killer for this offense and Aaron Rodgers. Just another critical hole that Gutekunst needs to take care of quickly.
Razer
April 05, 2018 at 10:09 am
Can the draft just get here already! I can't muster enough interest to even talk about Jahri Evans. For what it's worth the hole is at RT and a tackle backup. If Spriggs doesn't pan out, Ted's miss on this front will rival the mess that became our secondary.
Ryan Graham
April 05, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Honestly I'm not even worried about who would start if they resigned Evans. I want him back not only because of his leadership and locker room presence, take the DEPTH and security he provides ARod. He wasn't the Packers number one lineman in 2017 but McCarthy can plug him in and know that he knows how to work with the unit out there and hes dependable on the field and in the locker room.
I can see BG drafting 2 college tackles - one for guard and the other more of a tackle at the NFL level - or even a G/C versatility guy. Behind the depth chart roster of Bhak, Taylor, Linsley, currently McCray or Patrick, and Bulaga the team is extremely thin and no one can be trusted at this point. One can argue Bulaga can't be trusted with his injury history. It is time for Spriggs, Murphy, and Patrick to step up there game if they want to make the 53... more so toward Spriggs and Murphy.