Unlike Jordan Matthews, Packers Shouldn't Let CB Delvin Breaux Escape
-- When receiver Jordan Matthews and cornerback Delvin Breaux were reportedly set to visit the Green Bay Packers two weeks ago, it seemed likely at least one of them would end up with a contract.
Instead, Matthews signed with the New England Patriots on Thursday and Breaux has yet to visit Green Bay, leaving both options in a state of flux.
Matthews would've given the Packers a strong slot option who is also capable of playing the perimeter and Breaux would've added a strong -- when healthy -- component to a weakened group of cornerbacks.
If the Packers do end up bringing Breaux in for a visit, it wouldn't be seen as 'settling' if they did end up signing him. Breaux hasn't played since 2016 when he missed 10 games due to leg and shoulder injuries. His problems persisted into training camp the following season and he ended up being diagnosed with a fractured fibula.
The Packers would be taking a gamble on a cornerback who missed out on a college career for a stint in the Arena and Canadian Football Leagues because of a neck injury suffered in high school. However, when Breaux was healthy as a rookie in 2015, he was near the top of the chart in production.
Breaux totaled three interceptions through 16 games in 2015 but also recorded 19 defended passes. Those 19 were more than cornerback Josh Norman and versatile safety Tyrann Mathieu, who were both voted as All-Pros at their positions that season.
It was also more than Vontae Davis and Malcolm Butler, who were Pro Bowlers. Breaux, on the other hand, didn't earn any form of a nomination.
"I did too much too soon, and my leg didn't hold up too well," Breaux told the New Orleans Advocate at Mathieu's celebrity kickball game last month. Breaux was expected to return to the Saints mid-season last year, but reportedly suffered a setback in his recovery.
"It was more aggravating than anything, and coach said, if you're not going to be yourself, we'll just keep you down then."
The Packers, who have one of the more notoriously conservative medical staffs in the league, spearheaded by Dr. Patrick McKenzie, will need to get a good bearing on where Breaux's leg -- and whatever else he may be dealing with -- currently stands.
Breaux is 28 and still has upside to be unearthed at this point in his career, and working under the Packers' new defensive coordinator in Mike Pettine could be a good start. He'd instantly become a solid depth piece that would complement last year's 33rd overall pick, Kevin King, and a likely early-round cornerback in this year's draft.
The Packers signed Tramon Williams, who played cornerback in Green Bay for 10 seasons and turned 35 last month after a solid season in Arizona. They also have veteran Davon House waiting in the wing for a new deal if his meeting with the team goes well, which was scheduled to happen sometime this week.
Whenever the visit between Breaux and the Packers happen, new G.M. Brian Gutekunst would be wise to keep him in the building if everything checks out medically.
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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 (47)
Thegreatreynoldo
April 05, 2018 at 09:19 pm
I am not sure Jordan Matthews can replace Brandin Cooks as they are different types of WRs, but Belichick just completed highway robbery. Trades for Cooks, pays him $1.56M, gets 1,082 and a 16+ yards/rec average, exercises Cooks' 5th yr option, trades Cooks and his 2018 salary of $8.4M to LAR.
So he rents a player, pays him peanuts, get wonderful production, and then trades him away, and ends up netting a plus late third round pick on the whole thing. Brilliant.
Hope BG takes a long look at Breaux. A lot of this is medical, but there is a lot of possible upside, and even a possible cheap deal.
hodge555
April 05, 2018 at 09:45 pm
To get Cooks NE gave up a 1st (#32) & 3rd (#103) picks & got a 4th pick in that trade (which they lost due to Deflategate).
They have now traded Cooks for a 1st (#23) & 6th (#198) pick and given a 4th (#136).
We could say the 1st & 4th round picks cancel out (although granted the new 1st round pick is worth more than the one they gave away), so they got a good WR cheap for a year and it cost them swapping a 3rd pick for a 6th.
Was that a good deal?
Considering the good year he had and the relatively cheap 5th yr deal he's on I think they did this trade a year too early, unless he is, for some reason, upset with NE and likely not to play well as a result (maybe this 5th yr deal offended him as he was promised something else).
Thegreatreynoldo
April 06, 2018 at 01:10 pm
It was a freaking great deal. I omitted the numbers so eyes didn't glaze over, but here they are using the Drafttek trade chart;
NE sent #32 + #103; got Cooks + #118.
NE got #23 + #198 for Cooks, LAR gets #136.
Cost: 32 (590 pts) 103 (88) = 678. Got 118 back (58) = 620.
Recoup: 23 (760) 198 (11.8) = 771.8. Sent 136 (37.5) = 734.3.
Cost to Acquire Cooks net: 620
Recouped net of 734.3.
734.3 minus 620 = 114.3. Trade chart says 114.3 = pick 96 or 97. Late third rounder.
Tremendous deal for NE. They get 1,082 yd, 16.6 yard average from Cooks for $1.56M and after all the trading is done, they net the 96th pick in the draft. Brilliant.
Chuck Farley
April 06, 2018 at 06:44 pm
U mean brilliant versus the pack just letting guys go to save a buck, and getting what, a late 7th round compensary pick. Who have the pack traded other than Randall who they said yelled at them
Thegreatreynoldo
April 07, 2018 at 11:50 am
NO used #32 to select Ramczyck. Since he looks good and plays RT, an important position though perhaps not quite as important as LT, CB, OLB, it worked out for NO pretty well. But that's just hindsight. What if the 32nd pick had been a meh or a bust?
The real issue is trading a proven #1 speed WR (who is going to cost about $10M over the 2017 and 2018 seasons) for the last pick in the first round in general. No one knew which players would be available at #32. It helps that 2017 was an insanely deep year for talent. There was a good chance of a guy with first-round grade (or at least the high end of that 1/2 designation one sees) being around.
Proven player vs. crapshoot of the draft vs. cap space vs. deep draft makes this hard. IDK what I would have done (but if I thought AR had 2 or 3 years left, the proven player would take on a lot more value for me). I would not have done what Belichick did by trading Cooks after one year with Brady getting older. Which is why he might be the best GM/Coach since Lombardi.
flackcatcher
April 05, 2018 at 10:16 pm
Belichick is a evil genius. How he gets these guys to do these trades with him is beyond me. This year is off the charts, even for him. Got what New England need this year. Drafting numbers, youth, and rookie contacts. If he hits this year on the the draft, with the AFC the way it is, he could making SB runs way into late 2020's. Unreal. TGR I hope BG takes a pass on Breaux. With the Packers injury history, it would not if, but when. There is something strange going on with this team and injuries......
Finwiz
April 06, 2018 at 04:18 pm
I agree on the injury thing.
There's a reason why nobody's signed him yet, and GB didn't even have a look-see.
Hopefully the landscape of player eval has changed significantly with the new GM.
Bearmeat
April 05, 2018 at 09:39 pm
I don't think Matthews was ever really going to be worth the money he'd command unless he was there to replace Cobb on a mid-range 2-3 year deal. I'm not upset we didn't sign him.
Breaux and/or Breeland. Or mayybe even House... although I'd prefer either of the more upside former players...Yeah. We absolutely NEED another veteran CB who can still play. And we need that guy before the draft.
Colin_C
April 05, 2018 at 09:50 pm
I'd be fine with Breaux, but Breeland's the guy I really want to see. Excellent man coverage corner with a much shorter injury history. He'll cost more, but we have the cap space to sign him.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
April 05, 2018 at 10:12 pm
If we sign someone pricey at CB, say goodbye to Matthews.
croatpackfan
April 06, 2018 at 03:27 am
Cheatriots signed Matthews. So, say goodbay to Matthews...
Oppy
April 06, 2018 at 04:39 am
Might mean Clay Matthews?
oceanstrength
April 06, 2018 at 03:14 am
Another tiring article about signing some guy just to sign a guy. Who cares that he has significant injury history. Every team can only keep so many guys. If injuries hit it doesn't matter how good your players are, or even your depth if you have to seek help on the waiver wire in mid season. Two good corners who stay healthy are 100 times better than two great corners that don't.
Everybody is a GM playing fantasy football. How about just watching the games, rooting for your team, and reporting the news.
dobber
April 06, 2018 at 04:52 am
Makes for a mighty long off-season.
Since'61
April 06, 2018 at 08:49 am
No one is forcing you to post here. For me it's great to discuss Packer football with fellow fans from the U.S. and around the world.
Thanks, Since '61
Finwiz
April 06, 2018 at 10:30 am
Everyone thinks a guy with a bit of success is going to be an instant fix, just because he played CB.
I agree completely with this...."Two good corners who stay healthy are 100 times better than two great corners that don't."
This is the point people.
We need players that can STAY HEALTHY.
Guys that are banging around now looking for a contract are sitting out there for a reason.
dobber
April 06, 2018 at 10:14 am
"Everyone thinks a guy with a bit of success is going to be an instant fix, just because he played CB."
That puts him ahead of all but one CB currently on the Packers roster...and he's 35 years old.
Finwiz
April 06, 2018 at 10:44 am
So the bar has been set based on 35 year old CB's.
As long as we get a guy close to that level or slightly above, we should be able to have a functional defense.
Count me as a skeptic. I think they have an alternate plan, and FA moves are likely done until after the draft.
dobber
April 06, 2018 at 12:38 pm
I wouldn't say that. I was pointing out that there's very little experience or proven track record at CB at all on this roster as it stands. It's that thin.
bodei1newbie1
April 06, 2018 at 04:36 am
you might as well wish for gold they won't sign him,the packers are a slow team at signing people
dobber
April 06, 2018 at 04:54 am
It's been no secret that I've liked Breaux for some time. His background is unusual, but he's been productive when he's played. Since his injury background has revolved primarily around a broken leg (and assuming he could pass a physical), it doesn't bother me so much as repeated soft tissue injuries would. A solid get if the money is right.
4thand1
April 06, 2018 at 06:20 am
Yes dobbber, a bone should be 100% now. Re injuring an acl would be worse. Every one freaks out when we've had nothing but bad luck with injuries. I would be really happy with him in the backfield. He's sat out a while so the rest of his body hasn't taken a pounding.
CheesyTex
April 06, 2018 at 07:30 am
Agree, and they could do the same at safety with Tre Boston. Could free Clinton-Dix to play where he is most effective, and thereby solidify back end. Worth the gamble in both cases if the $ are right.
marpag1
April 06, 2018 at 05:49 am
There is no way to make this call without medical information that we don't have. It doesn't even pay to debate.
rstain99
April 06, 2018 at 06:21 am
Sorry watched Cooks all fall no loss to Pats, down field receiver that dropped a ton. Would not go over the middle in Pats offense. Packer fan in NE tough to watch them sign guys that the pack are interested in hope new GM is not TT in disguise. Please grab one of these CB's soon before you need to go back and see what kind of shape Herb Adderley is in or maybe checking with Willie Wood to see if he could cover someone. Spend some money of defense!
4thand1
April 06, 2018 at 06:28 am
McKenzie may look at him and recommend we sign him to the pup list.
Packer_Fan
April 06, 2018 at 06:30 am
It's time for BG to fill out the CB and WR positions before the draft. We are headed towards a CB position with lots of unknowns. Doesn't look good
dobber
April 06, 2018 at 07:07 am
What's left at WR that's an upgrade over what is currently on the roster? Jeremy Maclin? What else?
4thand1
April 06, 2018 at 07:15 am
Don't expect much more to be done in FA.
Lare
April 06, 2018 at 04:56 pm
"Don't expect much more to be done in FA."
Gutekunst is acting a lot like his mentor.
Chuck Farley
April 06, 2018 at 06:54 pm
Russ ball is the deal maker and controlls the purse strings not butt or Ted. Ball runs this op
Donster
April 06, 2018 at 07:03 am
Looking more and more like Gute is going to rely on this years draft and maybe sign a cut veteran or two at the end of training camp. Looks like we will go into the 2018 season with a bunch of rookies and second year guys with little to no experience. If so, and the usual injury bug hits again, the team will be lucky to finish in third place if the division, even if Rodgers stays healthy. TT really screwed the franchise over big time the past 4-5 years. And it still pisses me off that he is even around.
Packmaniac
April 06, 2018 at 07:31 am
Yup
DD
April 06, 2018 at 07:38 am
I said this after the first two FA signings. They don't have the cap space!
Lare
April 06, 2018 at 04:58 pm
Thank God for undrafted free agents.
Razer
April 06, 2018 at 07:33 am
I like that Gutekunst didn't add another mid talent WR to the roster. I am sure that we have that production in our current receivers. We can add another WR in the draft and setup for the next roster turnover. I am not a fan of adding average, particularly at that position.
As for Breaux, do we really need another guy that can't stay on the field? His long history of injury is not enough warning? I would only touch him if he came in as a tryout with no guarantee money.
Sorry, the draft and training camp cuts are the next stop.
DD
April 06, 2018 at 07:36 am
RAZER: Yeah, that's why the patriots signed a mid talent receiver. Really? The Patriots don't know what they're doing right? Lol.
John30856
April 06, 2018 at 08:02 am
receivers a dime a dozen.
DD
April 06, 2018 at 07:36 am
RAZER: Yeah, that's why the patriots signed a mid talent receiver. Really? The Patriots don't know what they're doing right? Lol.
Razer
April 06, 2018 at 08:06 am
Sorry, he has never impressed me. For that matter, other than slot receiver and Gronk, the Patriot WRs have never been that good. As for the Patriots not knowing what they are doing - I would never say that. they picked up a decent receiver and didn't pay a lot. Good business for them
Chuck Farley
April 06, 2018 at 06:51 pm
Well they do have the best qb giving the 6eam a huge discount so they can acquire players and Rogers is milking the packers so bad all the top free agents were passed over.
DD
April 06, 2018 at 07:34 am
Told all of you Matthews wouldn't be signed by GB. Left town, done deal. Wake up fans. Da.
stockholder
April 06, 2018 at 07:52 am
I wouldn't sign anyone. ( exception House) Gute's done. The eyes are on the draft. Josh Jackson.
Tony Baloney
April 07, 2018 at 11:58 pm
Agreed. Jackson had a poor 40 at the draft combine and his pro day ran a 4.52. He might drop a few positions from original mock drafts according to the draft gurus. If Gutey rolled the dice, do you think trading down 5 spots to add a 3rd would be worth the chance ? Will Jackson drop that far ?
I like the kid. He plays smart. His size is perfect. Maybe add 10# of muscle.
His 40 time doesn't concern me.
Handsback
April 06, 2018 at 08:05 am
I mentioned Breaux several weeks ago as a CB that could be like signing Hayward. He's very talented, but had some injuries (like Hayward) that has taken some shine away from what he did on the field. I think NO gave up on him way too soon and once healthy....could be a huge difference in the pass defense.
The big issue with Breaux and Matthews are their injuries. How bad and can they go this year? Seems like a simple question, but when we are talking about people, nothing is simple. When healthy, I like Breaux over Breeland but only Green Bay's doctor can make that call on their health.
I see what BB is doing at NE and have to wonder if he's trying to set them up to take a QB in the first round? Only way I can see taking one of your best weapons and trading for some draft picks.
TJ Coon
April 06, 2018 at 09:03 am
All of these second, third, fourth, fifth, etcetera tier free agents are all just guys. We've got a solid Bevy of picks in the upcoming draft and I don't see us not picking up a couple defensive backs. The draft is stock full of some pretty talented dudes. It's pretty deep in defensive backs whether it's safety or cornerback. I'm just not worried about these scrubs on the free-agent Market. Especially, when there are at least 10 guys out there in the draft that are better than what's left in free agency.
Richard Smith
April 06, 2018 at 09:33 am
I'm with the side that doesn't think they should sign any more FA until after the draft. One, I don't think any are worth it and we have guys on our roster that are probably equal in value. Two, GB needs to consider the in house FA they will have over the next two years. As much as it pains me to say, I don't think we are going to do it this year. However, the way they are rebuilding the roster could set us up for a couple more runs over the next part of Rodgers career in GB. Might just have to eat it and take a step back this year in order to find what we are all looking for the years following.