Who Stays? Who Goes? Examining Green Bay’s Key Free Agents
Examining which pending Packers free agents are likely to remain with the team.
By markoldacres
With Green Bay’s 2022 season now over, attention turns to the construction of the 2023 team, as the Packers look to improve on a disappointing 8-9 campaign.
There are several players set to hit free agency who were significant contributors this season, and Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has decisions to make on who to keep, and who to let go.
Let’s examine each player and the likelihood of them returning to Green Bay in 2023.
Adrian Amos
Amos has generally been a rock-solid presence in the defensive backfield since his arrival from Chicago via free agency back in 2019, but 2022 was a down year for the veteran safety.
Since the 2020 season, when Amos posted an impressive 89.9 PFF grade, his play has declined each year. Amos had a PFF grade of 74.3 in 2021 and 54.2 in 2022.
He turns 30 in April, and all signs would indicate the Packers should move on from Amos, but the voids in his contract mean that it may actually be cheaper to re-sign him than to let him walk. With that in mind, expect Green Bay to at least make Amos an offer which would keep him in town.
Randall Cobb
The future of Cobb with the Packers, and indeed the NFL, appears to be tied to the future of Aaron Rodgers.
Cobb looked far from washed in 2022, and if Rodgers returns, Gutekunst may be obliged to bring Cobb back as well, and if that’s the case, it shouldn’t take much in the way of compensation to do so.
If Rodgers isn’t playing for the Packers in 2023, Cobb almost certainly won’t be.
Dean Lowry
Lowry has been the target of much criticism from Packers fans in recent years, who believe, perhaps fairly, that he hasn’t played up to the value of his contract.
Often described as a ‘steady Eddie’, Lowry has been a reliable contributor during his time in Green Bay, but with younger players such as Devonte Wyatt and TJ Slaton emerging towards the end of the 2022 season, he may be nothing more than a progress stopper at this point.
It feels like time for the Packers to part ways with Lowry.
Mason Crosby
After a dreadful 2021 season, Crosby bounced back in 2022 and was the consistent kicker Packers fans have come to expect.
However, it’s fair to question the waning strength of Crosby’s leg, as fun as it was to see his 56-yard field goal doink through the uprights against the Vikings.
Of course, Crosby may retire, but if he wants to keep playing, the Packers will probably bring him back, along with some training camp competition, to see if the silver fox can still get the job done.
Allen Lazard
From listening to Lazard’s final media appearance following Green Bay’s season-ending loss to Detroit, it certainly didn’t sound like he was expecting to return in 2023.That stance will likely be mutual.
Lazard has been an important part of the Packers in the Matt LaFleur era, but he isn’t a difference maker and will probably paid more than he’s worth on the open market.
Robert Tonyan
Tonyan may have left Green Bay last season if he wasn’t recovering from a torn ACL, instead he signed a one-year contract with the Packers, hoping to re-establish his value.
That didn’t really happen. Tonyan seemed to take a while to get back to full speed following his knee injury, and he just wasn’t a focal point of the offense.
The Packers may offer Tonyan the chance to sign another one-year deal and stay with the team, and he may have more value to the Packers than any other NFL team.
But if he thinks more money will be available on the open market, or another team would offer him a better chance to showcase his skills, Tonyan may opt for a fresh start.
Keisean Nixon
After the 2021 season, Gutekunst rewarded De’Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas, his bargain free agent pickups who turned into stars, with long-term contracts. Will the same treatment be granted to Nixon?
A solid cornerback and electric kick returner, Nixon certainly proved his value this season, and earned plenty of praise from his teammates. He seems like exactly the kind of player the Packers will want to keep around.
They will likely have competition from teams who can pay more if Nixon reaches free agency but based on the precedent set by Green Bay’s GM a year ago, it feels like a deal will get done before then.
Yosh Nijman
Nijman is a restricted free agent, and the Packers will likely put a second-round tender on him, keeping him in Green Bay for 2023 unless another team wants to surrender a second-round pick to acquire him, which seems extremely unlikely.
Serviceable offensive tackles don’t grow on trees, and Green Bay will want Nijman around next season, even if he’s not a starter.
Jarran Reed
Reed’s season was a microcosm of his entire career. Mostly average play, punctuated with some shining moments and elite performances in individual games.
The Packers could view Reed similarly to fellow defensive lineman Lowry, and therefore let him hit free agency while they turn to younger players to anchor their 2023 unit, but likewise, Reed may have shown enough for Green Bay to make efforts to bring him back.
Marcedes Lewis
Like Crosby, Lewis, who turns 39 in May, could decide to hang up his cleats, but if the veteran tight end wants to play another season, there would surely be interest from the Packers in keeping him in the fold.
Lewis is still arguably the best blocking tight end in the league, and that matters in LaFleur’s offense.
If Rodgers is back, Lewis probably will be too, but if not, he may take his services elsewhere or end his NFL career.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (100)
Guam
January 15, 2023 at 09:46 am
I could really use a TGR article on the state of the Packer's cap about now. If my aging and feeble memory serves, I think the Packers are about $40 million over the cap with existing contracts at this point, which leaves virtually no room to sign any free agents much less keep a number of the players currently under contract.
Of course all of this hinges on Rodgers' decision to stay or go, but I suspect the Packers' inability to sign free agents as well as keep existing players is going to weigh heavily on his decision. I wouldn't be surprised if he seeks a trade to a contender since the Packers won't be contending. TGR???
BirdDogUni
January 15, 2023 at 10:04 am
I gave you a thumbs up... From what I gleaned from Gutey's press conference, it seems as though they'll be reworking every contract they can. (SMH) The delusions of the FO continue to point towards running it back yet again. Let the insanity continue.
From everything I've heard AR12 say, I think he wants to retire a Packer. If the 9ers had gotten beat yesterday and Purdy not played like a FHOFer I could see him maybe wanting to go to the 9ers to finish his career, but I don't think that's happening.
Raiders? Maybe? I guess it could be possible, if not likely.
I've resigned myself to the fact that AR12 isn't retiring and will play for the Packers next year for almost $60 million dollars, according to NFL Network.
Going forward on that premise, I don't expect us to retain many of our own guys or sign any new FAs. Looks like draft or bust to me.
Would love to see us trade a couple pieces for more draft capital, but that doesn't seem likely either considering Gutey's comments.
James (TGR) might be able to figure out a way out of this mess, but I'm not holding my breath!
ImaPayne
January 15, 2023 at 11:01 am
Rodgers aint retiring. Would you retire if they were going to pay you 56 mil and you held all the cards and pretty much ran your own show and everyone bowed down to your greatness versus giving it up?
BirdDogUni
January 15, 2023 at 11:51 am
I never said he was retiring.
Guam
January 15, 2023 at 11:27 am
Agreed BDU. Everything I have heard points to playing it yet again. My only hope is that Rodgers really wants another championship and understands that isn't going to happen with the Packers. Some folks have speculated about the Jets and that does seem to be a match - a good team with a horrible QB problem. Probably just wishful thinking on my part.......
BirdDogUni
January 15, 2023 at 12:07 pm
Oh, I would love to see him request a trade, especially if he had his heart set on the Jets.
"History never repeats itself, but man always does." Voltaire
I just think AR12 really wants to end his career with the Packers. When he decides and nobody else. He can play the next two seasons for the Pack and nobody can change that, unless someone grows huge set of cojones...
Leatherhead
January 15, 2023 at 10:05 am
According to Spotrac, we’re $15 million over.
We’re not resigning anybody who is going to cost money.
I think we can contend with Love.
Coldworld
January 15, 2023 at 10:10 am
Sure sounds like we are going to push more and more forward into ‘24-‘26 because they think we are so close. It sounds like they will try to keep all they can and the future be damned.
dobber
January 15, 2023 at 10:13 am
It's the way of modern contracts...4 years, the first two with limited cash value and smaller hits, the last two with bigger cash value and higher cap hits--but bound to be renegotiated and pushed around if the player isn't cut. I think there's also a certain amount of expectation of a big cap expansion in 2024 and beyond.
Coldworld
January 15, 2023 at 10:42 am
There is the new TV contract and they are clearly banking on that. However, I see little evidence of any solid basis for doing so that is reflected on and off field.
The bottom line is that I haven’t had this little faith in the organization since the bad old days.
croatpackfan
January 16, 2023 at 08:06 am
And just before start of 2024 season new pandemy starts and Cap will went down dramatically. What then?
Did any remember very telling story from Bible? When Faraon dreamed about 7 fat cows and then suddenly came 7 very skinny cows and ate all 7 fat cows! What was the meaning of that?
One Faraon servant, named Joseph explained the dream to Faraon - Egypt will face 7 very successful and wealthy years. After that it will come 7 very hard and poor years. Faraon understood him. He used 7 successful years to store value gained through those wealthy years, so Egypt will survive those down years.
That is how you can run the bussines. When time is oportune, store your wealth to survive hard years.
So, pushing money in the future is like pushing costs to unknown territory or future time. Rarely you succeed.
jannesbjornson
January 15, 2023 at 01:51 pm
They're stuck with Rodgers. Bhak probably stays. I would move on from the rest. Maybe P.Smith does a refi.
4thand10
January 16, 2023 at 07:44 pm
They could rip the bandaid off and be 40 mil in the hole or trade or he retires or he backs up like what Doug Peterson did ( but his ego is too large for that) . But it’s a mutual decision. But the Packers can rip the bandaid off, it’s a young team…so one could make the case that they’re already rebuilding. If he stays…It’s going to be like last yr.
Guam
January 15, 2023 at 11:28 am
Is the $15 million based on the current cap or the projected new cap?
Thegreatreynoldo
January 16, 2023 at 05:11 am
It's based on a projected $225M salary cap for 2023, at least at OTC (negative $16.28M cap space for GB) and Spotrac (negative $14.88M). Most sites now that teams have signed futures with their PS guys) note a roughly $10M charge for effective cap space - draft picks, PS and 52nd/53rd contracts.
BirdDogUni
January 15, 2023 at 09:47 am
Out with the old and decrepit ~ In with the new and talented. :P
Nijman should be retained. Playing hurt he didn't look very good last week, but we've seen him play much better and he's talented enough to bring back.
Nixon -- If he wants too much, draft Dell out of Houston to return punts and KOs.
Lazard -- Will probably not be a Packer next season unless he comes back at a reasonable price and I am sure he's looking to cash in and there will be plenty of teams to vie for his services.
Tonyan -- Let him test FA and then decide if the value is there.
Everyone else should be thanked for their services...
ImaPayne
January 15, 2023 at 10:59 am
I'm with you out with the old and in with the new. I see no one worth paying big money to keep.
Wondering if Love starts saying he wants out. Cant blame him, its time to play football for him.
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 12:56 pm
Which is why you trade him.
jannesbjornson
January 15, 2023 at 01:55 pm
Nijman is not your starter. Get an OT with a high pick to solidify the spot.
PackyCheese500
January 15, 2023 at 07:53 pm
We have other bigger needs that must be addressed. If we don't draft a high Safety and TE, we will struggle to have a roster with those positions next year.
BirdDogUni
January 15, 2023 at 09:16 pm
We need to draft a TE but he doesn't have to be drafted high. Need more Pass Rushers than we need S/TE. A decent Pass Rusher does our DBs more good than a 1st round S will IMO.
We haven't used a TE correctly since before MM, so why would we draft one high? Wasted value if you ask me. Not saying we don't need to draft one, or that a TE can't be effective, but MaLF better rework his playbook if you expect a TE to get the looks we need, because he's been terrible designing plays for TEs. I guess he did use Big Bob quite a bit a couple years ago before he got hurt, but on the whole MaLF hasn't been great.
If I had my way, I'd go BPA. If we go by positions, I'd draft OLBer, WR, S, TE in that order. We need more pass rush in my opinion. We need another supremely talented WR if we want to scare anybody. Safety is more of a priority than TE in my opinion. We did sign Austin Allen at TE, who is 6' 8" 260 lbs, so maybe we draft two TEs? One in the 4th and one in the 5th? IDK, but no way the value is there earlier, especially with our other needs.
HawkPacker
January 16, 2023 at 08:17 am
BDU, I agree with a lot of what you state, however, not sure if we need to wait until the 4th or 5th to draft a TE. Yes, there are a bunch of TE's this year, and I believe we should draft two of them but we may want to draft one in the 2nd or (gulp) 3rd round depending on how they fall. The gulp was added based on our history of 3rd round picks!
Many here feel that we already have enough wide outs. I disagree and think we should grab one early if it is the right fit.
I like your positions to draft but I may add the DL if the right one is available. We need to stop the opponents running game, and I think if we can get a good one, we should do so.
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2023 at 12:24 pm
TE by round two, maybe one of the top five drop to the third. The Big Ten guys will go in round four. The Days of Ted and Roses are over. It is the reason I push for at minimum two selections in round two. Cannot sit on his hands, or resign Tonyan, a shell of himself. I would trade A.Jones and get one of the top RBs. One of these Years, they should snag a guy who can get the 3rd and short; 4th and goal etc. OT is a priority and pair him with Bhak.
So many holes, so few draft selections.
LLCHESTY
January 16, 2023 at 08:28 pm
I'd argue that a very good tackling safety is at least as important as an Edge player. But history says you can find safeties later.
dobber
January 16, 2023 at 07:38 am
It sounds like people expect the Packers to be picking 6 times in the first 100...
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2023 at 07:54 am
Four, trade into the second rd. Move players and picks.
BirdDogUni
January 15, 2023 at 09:21 pm
We do have Bakh and Tom as starters. Nijman as swing Tackle, and when he's healthy he is starter quality.
HawkPacker
January 16, 2023 at 08:20 am
We do have a decent OL other than a good back up in the interior, unless Sean Rhyan gets his act together so we may want to draft one of those as well. Still a bit disappointed that we took Myers a few years back with Creed Humphries was still available. Poor decision.
Minniman
January 16, 2023 at 02:58 am
While I subscribe to the BPA Draft philosophy I agree that the o-line needs to be a high interest area.
Look no further than the Lions game for justification - for whatever reason they got bullied by the lions D line….. especially on the right side (actually neither Myer or Runyon had a career game, so whomever is RT needs to cover the edge on their own).
It doesn’t matter if it’s Rodgers or Love under Center, they’ll need all the protection that they can get.
ImaPayne
January 15, 2023 at 10:56 am
Lazard really plays the tight end route running for this team and I see him taking the money and bolting. I think there are teams in need of his services and will out bid the pack.
Cobb will stay if they can keep him on the cheap. Rodgers feels better if he is on the team.
Again lots of deadwood on this team that can leave but your again, not improving because your using newbies who make mistakes to replace them.
Doesnt matter this team in the cellar next year. No talk of wow our d will shine and we have great receivers bs. The d wont shine and the receivers are avg is all.
splitpea1
January 15, 2023 at 11:18 am
I disagree that Lazard isn't a difference-maker in this offense. If the Packers don't re-sign him, fine, but they'll need to find another WR who can block as well as catch.
Keep Nijman, try your best to retain Nixon, and move on from the rest in this list.
Omission: I'll be disappointed if the Packers don't retain Ford. He was a key ST contributor and did a reasonably good job on defense. Given the Packers' questions at the safety position, it would be wise to bring him back.
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2023 at 12:28 pm
If they want perimeter blockers to screen defenders, then use TEs. The blindside block is now Illegal. John Harbaugh just showed the League how to use the TEs as effective weapons.
Vachio
January 15, 2023 at 12:02 pm
I would be absolutely shocked if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return for one more year. It just doesn't seem to be in his makeup to walk away after arguably the worst season of his career. When he retires, it will be after hoisting a Lombardi, playing lights out and getting close to one, or when he's simply not physically able to play. The team isn't in a position to get rid of him, so the decision is his and his alone. And I don't see any way he decides to leave after laying such a big egg. He's going to want to prove he's not washed up. He lives for that shit.
Lazard is probably worth more to us than to any other team in the league. Same with Tonyan. I'd love to see both back on at least somewhat team friendly deals (aka the only kind we can afford right now).
croatpackfan
January 16, 2023 at 01:30 am
"And I don't see any way he decides to leave after laying such a big egg. He's going to want to prove he's not washed up. He lives for that shit."
I agree. That would be a good move. Packers may have one of first 5 draft choice 2024!
That is positive thought!
GP1
January 16, 2023 at 03:41 pm
Young men get better. Old men only get worse. Ali stayed to long; because his ego wouldn't let him face reality ie that he was passed it; ended up a bum Rogers has the same problems; too much ego, too much age.
Qoojo
January 15, 2023 at 12:45 pm
Keep Nixon if affordable and Nijman.
Cobb shouldn't have been kept this year even. How upset will AR be if Cobb is released?
Keep all the ST additions from this year.
dobber
January 15, 2023 at 12:58 pm
Cobb's contract is done...all he has left is accrued void year value. If he's willing to play for about that value, he could be back.
"Keep all the ST additions from this year."
DAllin Leavitt is probably history.
Coldworld
January 15, 2023 at 01:56 pm
Cobb is a great guy, but for most of last season his snaps were extremely unproductive. Quite probably he kept a more productive option off the field. In fact that argument can be made if LaZard when not blocking, though to a lesser extent.
Last year arguably we may not have had a better option (though I think we could have got both Doubs and Toure slot action more effectively). Next year if we don’t have better options we are wasting our time with Rodgers.
Lazard’s estimated pay has consistently been estimated at around an AAV of 11 million. Good for him, but if he gets that, it shouldn’t be from us.
13TimeChamps
January 15, 2023 at 02:37 pm
If MVS, with his 15 TDs in 5 years and his 50% catch rate can command $10 mil/year, Lazard, with his 20 TDs and 65% catch rate over 4 years (he only played in one game his first year), plus his blocking ability, should command at least as much.
Unfortunately, whether he's worth it or not, GB is probably not in position to pay him that much. Without a home team discount, I doubt he's back next year.
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 12:47 pm
If we're in a rebuild. There isn't anyone who can't go
Which is why I think Robinson RB from Texas should be drafted.
Next; Screw Lazard- So many drops. And his height is replaceable.
With three excellent WRs on the return.
Lazard can easily be replaced with the #2 pick.
Next Safety- Trade them - I believe we can find secondary help.
Either by the draft. Or finding CBs that want to move.
Who the packers keep is fine. But draft a FB. Dillion Regressed.
If they have faith in their return./comeback. No problem.
jannesbjornson
January 15, 2023 at 02:03 pm
Still like Tucker to replace Jones. Fast guy with moves. Good btw the tackles and in the passing game. They're probably stuck with Savage as they panicked on his option. He may be able to maintain the short zones.
PackyCheese500
January 15, 2023 at 07:51 pm
The Packers won't draft RB, a luxury position, until the very late rounds at earliest. They have more pressing needs.
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2023 at 07:59 am
The talented backs are rounds 1-3. A.Jones should be traded. They have needs galore because of their drafting.
Minniman
January 16, 2023 at 03:15 am
Re drafting a FB:
This weekend I just watched Kyle Juszczyk from the 49ers and Patrick Ricard from the Ravens really demonstrate the value of good FB play - especially as lead blockers or backfield protectors.
It’s probably a position that would help protect a less mobile Rodgers or help the Packers maintain a run game. Perhaps also as an insurance policy to do some of that dirty work blocking if\when both Lazard and Lewis leave in FA.
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2023 at 08:02 am
They had two chances to secure Alec Ingold. This team is soft because they follow a finesse offensive scheme and will not deviate when a power play is needed.
dobber
January 15, 2023 at 12:54 pm
The running theme for many is "let them walk and draft their replacements", but the Packers' MO has almost always been to cover huge holes through signings, and allow themselves to pursue players they really like freely in the draft...so I think they'll find ways to bring back more of these guys than we think. I don't think this FO sees itself as being stuck in a deep rebuild, and the more pressure they put on the draft, the more they buy into a deep rebuild mode.
I think Cobb, Crosby, Lazard, Lowry, Lewis--those guys are going to the open market or retirement. It's possible that if Cobb, Crosby or Lewis play at a reduced level and 12 returns, they return as well. I think Lazard knows he'll earn more than the Packers can pay, but he has an important role in the offense and isn't as easy to replace as we might think.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers try to bring Amos back. Reed and Tonyan, too. The cupboard is too bare at both positions without them (even though a vet minimum safety or two plays well above their contract each year--do you want to try to guess right on that guy?). Rasul Douglas is the unknown on the S position and it could be that Savage pulling out of the doghouse muddies the waters a little, too. Tonyan probably caught the quietest 53 passes (at about an 80% catch rate) in the league, and might be more affordable than we think.
Nixon has made himself a priority re-sign. A special teams standout who also contributes on the depth chart on defense? He takes some of the pressure off the draft to find an additional CB, especially given the disappearance of Shemar Jean-Charles.
The Packers might be riding the edge a bit on Nijman with a 2nd round tender. If you're a team drafting in the last third of the round with some need (or the Bears, with dire need on OL and looking to stick it to the Packers, and with Getsy who knows NIjman well), a guy with a solid resume blocking on the outside is likely worth a 2nd. There are a couple teams with a huge number of early round picks who might look at that as found money, too. It has everything to do with what the Packers plan to do with Bakhtiari and how much they still think Jenkins figures into their OT depth chart. Tom has inserted himself into the discussion, but how they handle Nijman will be among the most interesting developments.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 16, 2023 at 05:28 am
The Bears have the 56th pick (2nd rounder). They traded their own 2nd for Claypool.
Pick 33 is much different than pick 56.
dobber
January 16, 2023 at 07:37 am
Thanks, TGR.
Is a starting OT worth the 56th pick? Probably.
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2023 at 12:32 pm
Clifton was #44.
lozmel
January 15, 2023 at 01:27 pm
Can we make the print larger for your articles ? It is so small that i stopped reading your articles because of this.
HawkPacker
January 16, 2023 at 08:29 am
I knew before I saw the total article that the author was Oldacres and the type would be small. Many have requested in the past to make the type larger and it has fallen on deaf ears!
Philarod
January 16, 2023 at 09:30 pm
...or blind eyes, as the case may be.
jhtobias
January 15, 2023 at 01:43 pm
I really hope Jerry Grey Gets the Defensive Coordinator Job in Atlanta it will validate the awesome Job that Lafluer has done hiring Coordinators minus Rich B .. LMAO clown show going on. Maybe Lafluer can hire Joe Berry Wife to Be the passing Coordinator DB coach heck she is probably more than capable than Joe Berry and Lafluer is an easy sell
13TimeChamps
January 15, 2023 at 02:54 pm
I very much enjoy reading the articles and comments on this site, but why juvenile, idiotic comments like this gets thumbs up is hard to fathom.
BAMABADGER
January 15, 2023 at 03:33 pm
Personally, I'd like Nijman, Reed, Amos, and Lazard stay. With that said, the FO need not get into bidding war for any of them. Nixon is a wildcard. He has proven what he can do to ignite the ST return and can provide decent backup on D. As with AR last year, several to consider trading before their contracts are up, Bak and Aaron Jones. Let the cat calls begin!
Spawny
January 15, 2023 at 03:45 pm
Rodgers renegotiates and brings back Lazard, Nixon, Cobb, Nijman.
Pack dump Lowry, Reed. Pack trades Clark for 1st round pick. Pack trades Love for 2nd round pick. Pack will take a defensive lineman in round 1. Pack will take a safety in round 1. Pack will take a tight end in round 2. Pack will take a wide receiver in round 2. Pack will take outside linebacker in round 3 and 4.
Bahktiari and Jones will renegotiate down to stay. Getting rid of Clark saves enough on cap. Renegotiating with Rodgers opens up huge cap space. If Love was the future he would have replaced Rodgers. Reed and Lowry are stiffs so goodbye. I would also bring back Amos on a one or two year deal.
Crosby retires.
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 05:37 pm
I don't see Clark going. He played good down the stretch.
If he is/ leaves, Rodgers won't be back.
Reed will/ should be offered. But will leave on his own.
Lowrey will play for Houston. Maybe Reed too.
PackyCheese500
January 15, 2023 at 07:49 pm
Most we could get for Clark would be a round 2 pick. Even so, they would be CRAZY to trade one of their best defensive players!
No one else will give a 2nd for Love. They have only seen 9 snaps and a bad Chiefs game from him. He has much more value to GB than to anyone else. Best they could get for him is a mid day 3 pick. That's why Gutey will keep him, like it or not.
Rodgers retires or gets traded. The MVP magic is gone, as we saw against Detroit. There is no reason to pay him 50 million dollars to play like a slightly better Trubisky. It makes more sense to invest in the younger, cheaper QB who is on the rise with more upside than the aging, expensive, QB on the decline.
I would go TE round 1, Safety round 2, WR round 3, and OLB round 4. Maybe we switch OLB and Safety, perhaps?
Keeping Bakh and Jones, given their cap hits, is not only foolish, it is unrealistic
Spawny
January 15, 2023 at 04:44 pm
Other moves by Packers. Let Tonyan test market. He is an average receiving tight end. Let him go or keep him at average price.
The most important move the Packers should take is to promote Grey to defensive coordinator and send Barry to the Lions again.
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 05:31 pm
Tonyan wants to stay. He'll take less than market value. Especially if Rodgers comes back.
SinceLombardi
January 15, 2023 at 05:56 pm
Keep Nixon. Good bye to the rest. Unfortunately the ones that need to go wear headsets, and suits.
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 06:43 pm
Nixon got hurt. He also fumbled but they got it back.
I say the offer should be- Much like Lewis' contract.
BAMABADGER
January 15, 2023 at 06:48 pm
And Cousins chokes!
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 07:11 pm
Would you trade Love for Jefferson?
Untylu1968
January 16, 2023 at 08:20 am
I'd trade Rodgers for Purdy, straight up..
BAMABADGER
January 16, 2023 at 08:43 am
No, but I would trade ACR for Jefferson.
Packerpasty
January 16, 2023 at 06:01 pm
not really he had a very good game, defense sucked again though..
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 06:59 pm
The Fix-
Nixon gets Lewis contract. Lewis retires.
Tonyan gets a 2 year @ 5 mil. a year. Degura gets cut.
Lazard is Gone. A trade for a veteran is coming.
Crosby signs a 1 year - 2.5 mil. contract.- as Love is traded.
Reed and Lowrey go to Houston. Wyatt and Slaton start.
Savage replaces Amos. Ford is resigned.
Bahk and Rodgers adjust their contracts. 1 more all in year.
Cobb re-signs again to play with his friends. Under the cap.
Because you don't trade all-pros.
canadapacker
January 15, 2023 at 07:19 pm
Nope - AR gets traded to Vegas for a second or 3rd rounder and maybe a defensive player . He agrees if Vegas picks up his full salary - going out in glory with Adams. Lazard is back Crosby is done = Reed is back Ford is back Bak is back =- Cobb is gone Wyatt is back - Lewis is gone - Deguara is gone. Jones renegotiates his contract to allow signing of Nijman and maybe some lesser lights - Love starts and they will be looking for a seasoned vet as a back up. Although these rookies who havent played much all season are playing well in the playoffs even
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 07:26 pm
Never get a 2 or 3 with the retirement talk. It would be one or the other.
I wouldn't mind having Reed back. But they won't pay him.
I forgot about Nijman- But Love for a Veteran WR makes perfect sense.
Because Rodgers will be back.
PackyCheese500
January 15, 2023 at 07:23 pm
Why all the hate for Deguara? He does his role well - he was never intended to be a Kelce or Gronk TE, but more of a Kuhn-esque-FB. His main duty is blocking, which he has greatly improved at
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 07:27 pm
Cap. And the TE room must change.
dobber
January 15, 2023 at 07:35 pm
He's on a rookie deal, makes next to nothing, and cutting him amounts to next to no savings. He'll be in camp trying to win a job. The changes at TE need to happen above him.
jannesbjornson
January 15, 2023 at 09:07 pm
Tonyan goes along with Lewis. Draft Two TEs from this draft group. Deguara is not played to his strengths and he works as the lead blocker. Davis plays a blocking role. The Coaching Staff must change.
PackyCheese500
January 15, 2023 at 07:26 pm
I would opt to let Tonyan (who will be 29) go and to re-sign Lewis instead. My reasoning for this is that Lewis will be cheaper on a 1yr deal and his blocking and off-the field leadership are invaluable to this team. He has said he wants to play for 1 more year, and then he'll hang up the cleats. Maybe he returns to GB as a coach?
The Packers need to invest heavily in the TE position. I would suggest getting TE Michael Mayer at pick 15. He ran a 4.65 40 and can block really well. All the elite teams have a difference maker at TE, whether it be Kelce or Kittle. GB needs an elite, reliable TE. After years of second and third rate players, GB needs a long term solution
Crosby is too old. Would not be surprised to see him retire. We need to get younger at the Kicker position, and perhaps Ahmed, the new White, or maybe Jake Moody of Michigan could fill his role. We shouldn't be paying a kicker 2.5m.
Rodgers is not an all pro anymore. His magic is gone. I was rooting for him in the season finale, but that is when I knew that the Rodgers era is likely coming to a close. Either he retires or gets traded.
I think the Jets are a logical option, as they have a great supporting cast and defense, and are looking to win now but have QB instability. Plus, they can easily create enough cap space to take on AR's contract. The Raiders will be pursuing Tom Brady and have a mostly crappy roster. I don't think Rodgers or the Raiders would want to unite on the same team.
Rodgers won't take a salary cut if he comes back. If he wanted a competitive roster to win a Super Bowl, why did he demand 50m per year in the first place?
Bakh is a still good, but will be in his 30s and with a bloated salary cap hit that could be mitigated with a post June cut or trade to pay for the 2023 rookies. I think we let Tom beef up in the offseason and become the full time LT. It isn't ideal to cut all-pros, but salary cap is another thing to consider, and I don't think the benefits outweigh the costs, considering his age and injury history.
Cobb could come back, but I think he likely retires.
Lowry and Reed are free agents; we won't be able to trade them. Who knows where they go.
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 07:34 pm
You got to keep Rodgers Happy. He will never throw to Deguara.
Rodgers will keep Tonyan in GB. His Family is happy here.
The TE room must change. Gutey has tried to get the raiders Te.
PackyCheese500
January 15, 2023 at 07:40 pm
Draft Mayer at TE. He will be an excellent player, whether it is Rodgers or Love under center in 2023
I don't think you understand; Deguara is not primarily supposed to be a pass catcher, he is almost exclusively a blocker. He is like a Fullback, or an off-ball TE. He is supposed to be more like Kyle Jusczyk or John Kuhn than Kelce or Kittle
croatpackfan
January 16, 2023 at 01:16 am
Still, he caught all throws darted to him - 100%!
barutanseijin
January 17, 2023 at 01:30 pm
Why yes indeed! If the Packers can only keep Aaron happy they can go 7-10 or something next year! I’m sure you’ll be happy seeing such Greatness. Don’t know about anyone else.
dobber
January 15, 2023 at 07:33 pm
"Because you don't trade all-pros."
That would be Nixon and Alexander.
Anyone else is a former all-pro.
stockholder
January 15, 2023 at 07:35 pm
True - but you still look at the resume.
PackyCheese500
January 15, 2023 at 07:42 pm
Robert Quinn is a former all pro, but he has one sack this year. ONE! Being a former all-pro means nothing about a players present value
Tundraboy
January 15, 2023 at 07:20 pm
Skol long Vikings!
PackyCheese500
January 15, 2023 at 07:25 pm
LOL!!! The Vikings Choked!! Much good it does you to have the #1 WR in the league if you don't have a defense!!!
Gman1976
January 15, 2023 at 07:52 pm
*Amos was a great pickup, but his play has been declining. We need to draft a S for the future now to replace him. Amos may only have a year or 2 left.
*Cobb may be AR’s friend, but his decline is obvious and should not be brought back. His staying would prevent our rookie WRs from growing.
*Lowry shouldn’t be resigned. Our line play improved when he went out with an injury.
*Crosby’s accuracy is too good to pass on at this point. Sign him to a favorable deal.
*Is Lazard worth $11M/year? Only if we can afford him. We all know he can block, but we don’t get much after the catch.
*Tonyan still hasn’t recovered his speed from his injury. Bring him back on another 1 year prove it deal.
*Nixon proved his worth. Sign him and reward production.
*Nijman is an above average OT when healthy. Definitely bring him back.
*Reed didn’t light the world on fire, but made some splash plays. We could resign him at a reasonable price.
*Love Big Dog’s blocking, veteran presence and sneaky catches. Let’s sign him up for another year.
Rarescope
January 15, 2023 at 08:51 pm
Is anyone considering the malleability of NFL contracts in any of these predictions? JC it’s only wild card weekend. Way too soon to be talking about next years roster.
dobber
January 16, 2023 at 08:00 am
"Is anyone considering the malleability of NFL contracts in any of these predictions?"
Of course not. The structure of contracts means much more than the AAV, but most people only see the AAV.
Quick: what was ARod's cap hit in 2023? It isn't $50M....not even close. He doesn't have a $50+M cap hit until 2025...but everyone calls him a $50M/yr QB. The equation changes a little when you ask, "Did 12 play like a $31M QB in 2022?"
Many of these guys could be brought back on contracts that have small 2023 (or even 2024) cap hits that push the cash value of the deal out into future years and could never really impact the Packers then if the players are cut or traded, but the problem is that all those 2023 hits add up--especially in comparison to rookie contracts and UDFAs--and the 2023 cap is tight. The Packers need to be very strategic in terms of which of these guys come back.
Aaron Jones will be back on a reworked deal that recoups most of what the Packers would gain in cap space in trade or with a cut. Dillon's lackluster 2022 performance will make it necessary to support either 12 or 10 with a RB opposing DCs will need to scheme against. Everyone says "draft a RB, there are always good RB late in the draft". I think they still will even with 33 and 28 in the backfield, but it takes the pressure off the draft to get a guy who plays day 1 and can do all the things a Packers RB is asked to do.
Guys like Amos and Cobb, who have void year money the Packers are going to have to pay, anyway, could be brought back for little more than they already count against the 2023 cap...and Cobb makes 12 happy. People complain about Cobb stealing snaps from developing WR---well, that didn't really happen this year. He played 33% of the offensive snaps, and that was with Watkins, Doubs, and Watson missing a bunch of games.. If Lazard is gone, it probably doesn't happen next year, either. You've got to have 5 WR who can play: those guys are thoroughbreds and too prone to soft tissue injuries to go too light (ahem, 2022). I'm not on the Cobb bandwagon, I'm just saying that I wouldn't be surprised if he's back--that is, assuming he doesn't retire.
HawkPacker
January 16, 2023 at 08:44 am
I think we would have a problem next year if both Cobb and Lazard are gone. We need one of those guys as they are long term veterans with GB.
canadapacker
January 15, 2023 at 09:32 pm
AR is not going to be the Packers starting QB next year - take it to the bank. Jordan Love - they are not going to trade him and then have to go through the same try and get somebody that they dont know. Now they can see what is happening around the league - Brock Purdy, Skylar Thompson , Tyler Huntley - all sitting in the background - some even 3rd stringers and now performing well. #4 was not at his end when the Pack pulled the pin. I figure that now that Carr is gone and with the weapons that the Raiders have both on offense and defense - they need a guy with at least 2 years left. They will ask AR to leave ( behind the closed doors) and they will only get back something enough to salve AR's ego - but most of it will be his full salary.
BirdDogUni
January 15, 2023 at 09:43 pm
"AR is not going to be the Packers starting QB next year - take it to the bank."
I'll take that bet.
AR12 has all the power and he won't retire, so he'll be starting for the Packers, unless he decides otherwise...
canadapacker
January 15, 2023 at 10:54 pm
That is what I am saying - he will be talked into going to the RAIDERS
BirdDogUni
January 15, 2023 at 11:27 pm
Well, I don't see it, but I suppose it could happen? That would actually be the best for all concerned. I don't see Rodgers playing as bad next season as he did this season, unless he gets hurt again.
If we could possibly trade Rodgers to the Raiders, Jets, or even Houston, that would be the best thing for the Packers, but I'm not sure Murphy or MaLF want that. (Gutey probably does, just my opinion.)
Guess we'll see, but I'm 98.9 percent sure he'll be in shotgun for us next season...
dobber
January 16, 2023 at 07:46 am
IF ARod were to be traded, he's going to have to want to go where he's dealt or he could just retire. I think there are only a couple places he would agree to go. I don't see him going to Houston.
HawkPacker
January 16, 2023 at 08:46 am
Me either but you could possibly add Miami to that list!
nicka
January 16, 2023 at 01:02 am
I would think about both Jones and Bakh carefully. They are old and cost a lot.
LambeauPlain
January 16, 2023 at 07:30 am
Tonyan, a WR remolded into a TE had one good year. Maybe he regains that promise before the ACL, but IDK...he plays very stiff now and his blocking has always been a weakness...the ACL didn't help that skillset.
Lazard, can be remolded into a TE too and is just as big, is faster, and a superior blocker.
I think Lazard replacing Tonyan would be an upgrade for the O. It would depend on Lazard embracing the move. But MLF's feet of clay probably makes this a moot point.
egbertsouse
January 16, 2023 at 07:34 am
Since Gutey appears to be putting the band back together, I’m sure he will start overvaluing and overpaying all these guys. I wouldn’t mind if he didn’t sign any of them. It’s time to move forward.
dobber
January 16, 2023 at 08:11 am
If the boss tells him to do it, that's what he's going to do.
Coldworld
January 16, 2023 at 08:37 am
Since Ball is the guy who controls the contracts, there’s really no way this is happening except at Murphy’s behest. It’s increasingly impossible to obscure the fact that Murphy is the active driver behind this.
Oppy
January 16, 2023 at 01:56 pm
Out of this limited list, nijman and Nixon are the only ones I’d prioritize. Everyone else kind of falls into “itd be nice if they’re cheap but I’m not losing sleep if they go elsewhere.”
I wouldn’t break the bank on either Nixon if nijman. But I’d like to have them back.
Amos is easily the best player on this list, but I’m not sure he’d agree to terms that would make sense for the packers after an up-and-down year and with the cap limitations we’ll face.