Cory's Corner: Keep The Man In The Middle
Campbell must be brought back to prove that the inside linebacker position is a priority.
The Packers have restructured defensive lineman Kenny Clark and running back Aaron Jones.
Of course, all this is a preamble to NFL free agency, which is set to kick off on March 16 at 3 p.m. CT.
The Packers have to bring back the man in the middle. No, I’m not talking about No. 12, I’m talking about No. 59.
I still don’t think many people truly understand how good Campbell was last year. Since he was able to play pass coverage, something the Packers thought they had in Christian Kirksey, the Packers were able to be more versatile and fluid.
“He’s wearing a lot of hats for us,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur in October. “He’s obviously the guy communicating out there, but he’s in all those different personal groupings and asked to fill multiple responsibilities. We’re lucky we have him. He’s definitely been productive. But he’s also been a great asset to our locker room. He’s earned the respect of his teammates. That was a really great pickup for us.”
And the reason this is even more amazing is because Campbell played five largely pedestrian seasons before arriving in Green Bay. It didn’t take long for Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry to see Campbell’s athleticism and instead of bringing in another defensive back, he solved it with having two linebackers. With Campbell being the main person that he could always count on.
You want to be strong up the middle on defense and the Packers have ignored that position for way too long. Whether it was Sam Barrington in 2014, Nate Palmer in 2015, Joe Thomas in 2016, Jake Ryan in 2017, Antonio Morrison in 2018 or Christian Kirskey and Krys Barnes in 2020. That integral defensive position has been allowed to erode because of neglect.
But now the Packers have someone that has great instincts, has amazing energy and really wants to be here. He has rejuvenated his career in Green Bay and I cannot think of a better place for him to be.
I’m going to leave the dollars and cents to Russ Ball, but when it strictly comes to football, there’s no doubt that Campbell needs to be back. The Packers rose four spots in takeaways and giveaways from last year to this year and a lot of that is because of Campbell. He’s perfect because he is agile enough to play the pass but still hits with the power of a sledge hammer.
When he was signed June 9 last year, nobody thought he would be one of the best defensive players in the game. I honestly expected another Kirksey — athletic but makes too many glaring mistakes.
In an age when offenses are becoming more difficult to stop because players are doing more things, as evidenced by how the 49ers used Deebo Samuel, Campbell is the antidote. Offensive coaches want players to do multiple things to create mismatches in different situations. Maybe they will get a slow linebacker on a speedy running back that can change the complexion of a game.
Everyone has been screaming more offense for the Packers this offseason, but it’s time to keep this defense together. That unit is special. Clark is one of the best defensive linemen in the game and Jaire Alexander keeps climbing the ladder as the top cover corner in the game.
The Packers have to find a way to make it work because if they don’t, how long will we see another glaring hole in the middle of that defense?
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
__________________________
Comments (27)
mrtundra
February 26, 2022 at 08:00 am
Keep Campbell! Rasul Douglas should come relatively cheaply, too.
packer132
February 27, 2022 at 08:16 am
Guam's post is spot on. If Rodgers and Adams are back, that's $75-$80 million. Packers will not have money to sign Campbell, Douglas, and many more, plus draft class and operating for the season. Douglas said it wouldn't take a big increase to come back after the season ended. You know his agent hit the ceiling, and it will not be cheap. I would not want to be Gute or Russ Ball making these decisions. Hopefully we all will be smiling soon though with good news.
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2022 at 12:03 pm
I love the way Campbell plays the middle. Would love to be able to bring him back as well, but if he prices himself out of GB, we could always draft my guy:
https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/darrian-beavers/Tc1KUfFhWl
Hell, I hope they draft Darrian Beavers even if we do bring back Campbell on a three year deal!
When I saw Douglas say he wouldn't need a "big increase" I smiled too, knowing his agent was laughing all the way to the bank! Hoping we can get him back into the fold because he seems like a great kid and is always in position to play the ball, which we need more of.
Guam
February 26, 2022 at 08:38 am
Everyone wants Campbell, Douglas and many others back, but the Packers have no choice but to let all of them including Campbell test free agency until they can get the Adams and Rodgers situation resolved. Adams and Rodgers will drive the cap dollars they Pack have available. If they pay Adams and Rodgers anywhere close to what they reportedly want ($25 million AAV and $50 million AAV), the Packers will be able to sign very few if any other free agents.
NickPerry
February 26, 2022 at 08:35 am
This past Summer Aaron Rodgers said "It's not about the money'. Fast forward to February of 2022 it's rumored Rodgers wants $50 million a year. He wants to be the HIGHEST paid player in the game.
So my questions is this...If Rodgers stated more than once last summer it's not about the money. Then WTF is he asking for $50 million from the GBP for?
I have to believe and hope Gute isn't stupid enough to do something like that. Yes, they can figure out a way, but what it would do to this cap after Rodgers is gone would be unforgivable IMO.
Guam
February 26, 2022 at 08:50 am
The $50 million number reportedly came from "Rodgers camp" and Rodgers promptly denied it, calling it categorically false. More of Rodgers' games or genuine discord in Rodgers camp? I don't know. However after two consecutive MVP seasons, Rodgers' asking price is going to be high.
As you very correctly pointed out NP, Rodgers is well known for his manipulative discourse. What his real number is remains to be seen, but between Adams and Rodgers (and I do believe they are a package), there won't be much left over for the rest of the team.
My worry is not Gute, but Murphy and LaFleur. I get the feeling that they are calling the shots on this one and they might do something stupid. Murphy wants a Super Bowl win before he retires (which will be soon) and LaFleur likes his winning record with a future HOF QB at the controls. Gute may be outvoted and outranked in this situation.
Coldworld
February 26, 2022 at 08:58 am
Never mind whether it’s 50 or 40, until Rodgers shows that he’s willing to play for less than market value, he’s essentially looking to just get paid as much as he can. That’s not a 2 way deal to keep the band together, that’s asking the Packers to pay him as much as he can and then deciding whether to agree.
There are still a lot of people who don’t seem to see this for what it is on his part: a hard nosed commercial transaction. Not that I necessarily blame him for that, but there’s a view here that this is an emotional would be reunion based upon loyalty and that Rodgers is giving the Packers some sort of favor. It’s emotion from fans not him. He’s never ever said that he will do anything other than take as much as he can get. We will see, but too many emotive lenses shaping how people see this.
NickPerry
February 26, 2022 at 09:36 am
"My worry is not Gute, but Murphy and LaFleur."
My worry is about Murphy as well Guam. Personally I was okay with the Murphy who was here with Ted Thompson. Ted was able to do his job that way a GM of the GBP SHOULD be able to do it...WITHOUT Mark Murphy's hands in it. Gute has been trying to do this with one hand tied behind his back.
Like Coldworld, I've lost some respect and have questions about MLF. While it's admirable he doesn't throw his players and coaches under the bus with each loss, it's hard to watch when he NEVER seems to learn from his mistakes. I can name several HC who would have WON a SB with the team the Packers had in 2020 and 2021. In 2020 I was willing to give LaFleur some slack. But last season, last season with the ST situation the way it was ALL year, and lose a playoff game when your defense doesn't give up a TD? Well that's just plain foolishness!
Thegreatreynoldo
February 26, 2022 at 09:51 am
There is no evidence that I know of to support the notion that AR wants $50M AAV. The $50M AAV was a hypothetical tossed out by Joel Cory in an article. I don't recall any comment by AR suggesting that he will demand to remain the highest paid QB in the NFL.
Fans just don't know what AR is thinking. It is all a narrative. Now Davante Adams has said that he wants to be the highest paid WR. Adams has made $62M in his career.
Edit: Okay, I've been off for a bit. There ARE a lot of articles and some tweets tossing around $50M. I myself wrote about the Joel Cory suggestion of 2 years, $100M, $75M signing bonus. Glass houses, and all that, though I was trying to throw scorn on the notion.
If Gute, Murphy and/or Ball give AR $50M AAV, I think they are setting themselves up for some unbelievable levels of vitriol if they don't reach a super bowl.
dobber
February 26, 2022 at 10:32 am
The best I can figure is that the $50M number emerged as an extrapolation based on the "wants to be highest paid" rumor. Unlike other ARod rumors, this one seems to have been kicked down pretty quickly by the ARod camp...the only reason to do that would be to maintain some kind of public profile. Whether it's to be viewed more positively by Packers fans or to not dissuade suitors, we'll find out soon.
Coldworld
February 26, 2022 at 10:39 am
I find the source highly dubious. I suspect it’s groundless in the sense of true knowledge, but the fact remains that there is no evidence that Rodgers wants anything other than the most he can get. As such the ensuing debate, though based on puffery, has at least created a focus on a very relevant aspect of this whole situation.
Coldworld
February 26, 2022 at 10:48 am
“ If Gute, Murphy and/or Ball give AR $50M AAV, I think they are setting themselves up for some unbelievable levels of vitriol if they don't reach a super bowl.”
And by doing so almost certainly ensuring that they won’t. I know I have been a depressing voice, but reality here was determined last year. It is one or the other now and neither is a sound basis for unemotional expectations of success. That’s the point, the ideal isn’t really attainable.
Guam
February 26, 2022 at 10:47 am
We are all just guessing at AR's number right now and the $50 million was put out there. I doubt the actual number will be that high, but I will be very surprised if it is under $40 million a year given what other QBs are being paid and two consecutive MVP awards. As TGR noted, Davante has put the $25 million number out there. If the total between Rodgers and Adams is in the $65 million ball park, the Packers won't be resigning many, if any, of their other free agents.
Coldworld
February 26, 2022 at 11:01 am
Even if Rodgers did agree to pay under the anticipated market price, Adams has said he will not. I’m not sure I can fault him for that, but add up even the current Rodgers cost and a 20 million plus deal for Adams, back loaded as much as possible and, in addition to a lot of potential negative future impact, we won’t be in a position to resign or add any cream.
dobber
February 26, 2022 at 12:14 pm
As they say, it's a zero-sum game. Even if ARod comes in a little lower than speculated, it might create an opportunity for Adams to maximize his deal...so how they divvy up that chunk of cap space is mostly irrelevant. The devil is in the details, of course.
NickPerry
February 26, 2022 at 08:56 am
YES, I'd love to see Campbell back in Green Bay in 2022 and beyond, but I got to tell you, I wonder what Joe Barry might be able to do with say Vander Esch of Dallas. Could the Packers get him cheap? Damien Wilson from Jacksonville who had somewhat similar stats to Campbell.
Now I admit, I don't know a lot about most of the LB'ers listed as Unrestricted FA on Sportac, but I bet Joe Barry and Gute do. Joe Barry has a history of taking very middle of the road LB's, and turning them into All-Pros. He did it with Corey Littleton in LA, and he did it with Campbell last year in GB.
The absolute best case is to bring back Campbell for 3 years for $18 million to maybe $20 millon with some incentives. Anything else IMO is just reckless based on his previous 5 seasons of very mediocre play.
Coldworld
February 26, 2022 at 09:02 am
Campbell is going to test the open market and who can blame him. This is his best and perhaps only chance to cash in the right side of 30. Unless other teams really don’t buy into his performance last year, these are the kind of players the Packers likely can’t afford given the apparent direction.
PeteK
February 26, 2022 at 09:26 am
I agree fully with your fair contract scenario for Campbell who is a bit long in the tooth for an NFL ILB at 28. Martinez was 26 when he got 3yrs 30 mill but only 19 fully guaranteed for his numerous solid seasons. Also, if we can get a very solid disputing mate for Clark it would go a long way in helping whoever else we have in the middle.
splitpea1
February 26, 2022 at 11:13 am
That's why I'm waiting for the scouting article on Jordan Davis....Sure, he's largely a one-dimensional player at this point, but if you're looking at help for Kenny Clark and whoever is behind him, here it is.
Probably all a moot point, as it might be a stretch to think he'll still be available at the end of the first round. And then Gute would have to want to select a DL that early, so that's a double whammy.
LLCHESTY
February 26, 2022 at 04:11 pm
Wyatt is a better fit for the Packers than Davis.
jannesbjornson
February 28, 2022 at 10:39 am
If they stay near # 28, I would target Wyatt up to #25-26.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 26, 2022 at 09:16 am
This is the funny part for me. A lot of people want Rodgers and Adam's back but essentially they also want all the talented Packer players back too. It doesn't work that way! You cannot have them all so who do you resign as essential and who do you let walk?
croatpackfan
February 26, 2022 at 09:25 am
I believe it is simple conclusion here. If Packers restruct and pay Diva and Davante, there will be no money to sign impact FA from Packers or from market and Packers team will be at least slightly worse than 2021 team. With one year older QB on decline, he might hit the father time wall and than Packers are screwed for substantial years in near future. I will not going into injury possibilities of main players from the team, but we have to understand that you have to count there will be injuries. It strikes every team every season. The question is which player will be injured. If it will be impact player, w/o free money to sign good replacement from the market, you have ruined season...
LambeauPlain
February 26, 2022 at 11:35 am
Campbell's performance was the best by a Packer ILB since they moved to a 3-4. Who had a better year as 3-4 ILB for the Pack? Completely changed the soft middle of the D into a strength and earned All Pro.
Gutey needs to use a day 1 or 2 pick on a DL player...and maybe even select a second DL on day 3 as some day 2 prospects may be pushed into day 3 due to the quantity of good DL prospects.
However, if Campbell leaves, even if the DL is shored up, our front 7 will be treading water. Barnes is OK at times, and hits like charging bull, but he can't cover and gets out of position too often. Campbell can do it all. The talent in the ILB room after him is average/below average.
LLCHESTY
February 26, 2022 at 04:13 pm
This isn't a good year for D linemen, it's just not as bad as last year. Edge is where you'll see good players pushed down because of the number of good players at the position. D linemen will be at a premium.
jannesbjornson
February 27, 2022 at 11:07 am
Yes, get one for the D -line by rd two. Campbell is a guy that has to be retained. Douglas is not a priority. I would snag two Edge people in this draft.
beerandbrats
February 26, 2022 at 12:43 pm
We've had to deal with a lot of injuries to our ILBs. DeVondre Campbell's availability was another plus. He's definitely a keeper!