Get A Vet Across From Collins

Setting aside the question of what should be done about Nick Collins' contract (and yes, even I think the guy deserves a new contract at this point) the bigger question, to me anyway, is what should be done at the strong safety spot across from Collins?

Atari Bigby has been serviceable and has delivered some big-time shots on occasion. But that is hardly what you're looking for back there. Collins has worked with a clown car-like parade of various levels of talent across the way from him, but what he's never had is a solid, competent veteran that he can rely on. This is one of those rare instances where I would lobby Thompson to look at the available UFAs. Yes, the pickings are slim. The idea isn't to bring in a playmaker. The idea is to bring in someone who is assignment sure and who Collins can trust to do their job while he flies around.

Packer fans remember what a difference Eugene Robinson made to LeRoy Butler when Ron Wolf signed him before the 1996 season. Robinson was an 11 year vet at the time who had been to two Pro Bowls a few years earlier but who many thought was on the downside of his career. Wolf saw an experienced player who could help stabilize the defensive backfield and give defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmer the freedom to use Butler any way he wanted to. Much the same thing could really help Capers and Collins.

Sure it would be nice if the Packers could find an in-the-box type of player to compliment Collins' ballhawking skills. But really, a solid veteran presence would be a boon to a safety position that has seen a lot of bodies file through it without much quality play.

 

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Comments (49)

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hyperRevue's picture

February 01, 2010 at 02:06 pm

Hey, Mark Roman is available!

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PackerBacker's picture

February 01, 2010 at 02:09 pm

Don't ask me why since I have absolutely no quotes that back this up, but I have a feeling that TT will start playing a lot more in free agency in the next few years. I know his philosophy and, for the most part, I completely agree with it. However, I think that he is logical enough to realize that you use the draft to build yourself an upper echelon team and then you use free agency to pick up those last 2 or 3 players that put you over the edge.
Up until now the Packers haven't had the players in place to make the final push for the Super Bowl. However, I think 2009 showed us that the Packers are really close to being dominant.
I am hoping that TT can see that as well and will bring in the final 2 or 3 pieces of the puzzle.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 01, 2010 at 02:12 pm

Who of those available Safeties would you most like to see on the Packers, Aaron?

Jermaine Phillips? Sean Jones?

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PackerAaron's picture

February 01, 2010 at 02:36 pm

hyper - I wouldn't mind either one actually. Again, are they All-Stars? Hardly. But I wouldn't even mind Brian Russell. Of course the dream would be Ryan Clark hitting the market, but that aint gonna happen...

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RockinRodgers's picture

February 01, 2010 at 03:01 pm

I wouldn't be too shocked if Ryan Clark was out there. The Steelers need to franchise Casey Hampton. Clark could hit the market.

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Andrew In Atlanta's picture

February 01, 2010 at 03:20 pm

The Eugene Robinson point is a good one. He made a huge difference. Plus he pulled his night-before-the-Superbowl sexcapades after he left GB so the timing was good. Anyway, I'm not as good at keeping up with available players as some of you all, but I agree that pickings look slim. I have been a huge Bigby fan but I'm afraid we saw an absolute high in 2007. Stock down plus injury prone says we definitely need some help, and preferably a veteran. Here's to hoping...

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jerseypackfan's picture

February 01, 2010 at 03:38 pm

Poor U Rob. He killed the Falcons hopes in that Super Bowl.
Oh come on...Nobody wants to give Manuel or Peprah another go around?

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M.'s picture

February 01, 2010 at 03:39 pm

Bring Nate Allen, a probable 2nd rounder, in this guy is extremly smart on the field, and with a couple of years under his belt allen would perfectly complement collins. Moreover, Collins could then play SS, which would be a much better fit to his frame and playing style.
Until then, Bigby is not what you call a liability, just for those, who forgot, how "the guy Al Harris was yellin' at during the play" played at the metrodome.

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Pack Fan In Enemy Territory's picture

February 01, 2010 at 03:46 pm

Isn't OJ Atogwe a free agent?

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Tim's picture

February 01, 2010 at 03:46 pm

One thing to remember before locking up Bigby or a top FA long term is that Woodson seems destined to move to safety at some point, a position he would likely excel at even after he loses a step. When that day will come is anyone's guess but at this point I would prefer to develop some corners. Bigby seems fine when he's completely healthy (which is rare) so maybe bringing a veteran backup for a year or two is the answer.

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WoodyG's picture

February 01, 2010 at 03:51 pm

I like Mark Roman or Marquand Manuel ........... Wait a second ..... No, I don't ........
Use a high pick on a safety ...... You're chances are better ........ Save your FA money for the OL.

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PACKERS.'s picture

February 01, 2010 at 03:55 pm

I agree completely. A veteran is necessary. However, pigs will fly before Ted signs a FA, especially this year with so many players to be signed or let go.

Go Pack Go!

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Tim Tebow's picture

February 01, 2010 at 04:21 pm

You can have Reggie Nelson from the Jags for a 7th rounder.

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PackersRS's picture

February 01, 2010 at 04:45 pm

Can you spell O.J. Atogwe?

No, for real, if TT hires an elite FA, it'll be for the OL... We'll get the likes of Anthony Smith again... Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

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PackersRS's picture

February 01, 2010 at 04:46 pm

My money, BTW, if he hits FA, is in Donald Penn...

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Aaron Rogders's picture

February 01, 2010 at 05:02 pm

It's not like Thompson wants play makers anyways otherwise he would of kept Smith.

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PackmanAZ's picture

February 01, 2010 at 05:49 pm

Lots of good OL men that TT will have a chance to go for. I will be very very surprised if we don't go for one of them. Atogwe would be nice but we don't need to spend that kind of money on the spot, like Aaron said a good vet will do just fine. Just throwing this out there but what about one of the top 3 WR's? I know Marshall has baggage but Green Bay has proved to turn players around. I am not sold on Austin after one big year. Rodgers would be unstoppable if he had a big threat at WR.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 01, 2010 at 06:54 pm

I would be beyond shocked to see the Packers go after a free agent WR, especially a malcontent like Marshall (they've already been down that road with Walker). And I don't believe Austin is a UFA.

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jerseypackfan's picture

February 01, 2010 at 07:05 pm

I see another one is with me on the Donald Penn bandwagon. Plenty of room guys!

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jerseypackfan's picture

February 01, 2010 at 07:06 pm

Should we start the Peppers talk now or wait a few more weeks?

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PackersRS's picture

February 01, 2010 at 07:34 pm

jerseytalk. RE: Penn. Fixture on our LT for the next 8 years at least! Much better than anything we can get at the #23. I'd go as far as to say much better than anything we can get in the draft this year PERIOD.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 01, 2010 at 07:36 pm

Is Penn a UFA or RFA?

If the Pack were able to get a LT in free agency, man, that'd really open up their first round pick options.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 01, 2010 at 07:59 pm

I'm a bit concerned about your state of mind Aaron.

"But I wouldn’t even mind Brian Russell."

If you are thinking about Russell as a starter, go to the E.R. IMMEDIATELY, somebody slipped you something.

That kid is TERRIBLE (take my word for it, I unfortunately watched alot of him with the Hawks), not too many people I would say this about, but, I'd rather keep Bigby.

While we're on Safety's, I hope we stay clear of Taylor Mays at all cost. He's Bigby with better measureables.

GBP 4 LIFE

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Brett Cristino's picture

February 01, 2010 at 08:40 pm

A safeties that I like that will be UFAs reguardless of what happens with the CBA are: Sean Jones(Eagles) and Ryan Clark(Steelers), both guys cut their teeth in the 3-4 Defense, both are under 30 and both guys are career starters, nice players.

As for the Draft, Earl Thomas is 2nd on my wish list behind Bulaga. The guy is a STUD, he's great in run support despite his small frame, and he covers ground like a tractor. Kid may end up being better a better Pro than Eric Berry, and I say kid because he doesn't turn 21 until May. He's going to be a good one, and would be a PERFECT compliment to Collins back deep.

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jerseypackfan's picture

February 01, 2010 at 09:10 pm

PackersRS totally agree but after looking it seems Penn is a RFA...bummer.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 01, 2010 at 09:36 pm

Brett,

With you on E.T., Clark too, but I don't see him getting out of the Burgh.

GBP 4 LIFE

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Brett Cristino's picture

February 01, 2010 at 09:42 pm

Yeah, me neither, especially with the type of season Polamalu just had.

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PackersRS's picture

February 01, 2010 at 10:22 pm

jerseypackfan, he was undrafted. Unless they offer him the highest tender (correct me if I'm wrong), for tons of money, we can get him for a good value. I'd more than happy to part even with a 2nd rounder for him...

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PackersRS's picture

February 01, 2010 at 10:25 pm

BTW, TT, if you're reading this, Taylor Mays is possibly the most overrated player to ever come out of college. He's Aaron Rouse. Big, not very fast, and dumb as wood. The kid is terrible. But he has hearth. Maybe in 2 years, with great coaching, he could be a very good SS. If he's still around in the 3rd round, I wouldn't mind taking him. But anything before that is a huge reach...

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 01, 2010 at 11:06 pm

"If he’s still around in the 3rd round, I wouldn’t mind taking him. But anything before that is a huge reach…" Totally agree, If we could get him in the 3rd, FINE, but he will go in the 1st. And you know, TT be reading this byatch nightly!

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DanTX's picture

February 02, 2010 at 12:39 am

Philadelphia is disappointed in Sean Jones year. Ryan Clark will be caught in a "how much less do I take to stay with Pittsburgh" contract discussion. Either one would be an improvement. Not sure of Sensabaugh is going to be in play from Dallas, but he and Clark has ideal 3-4 experience.

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LACheez's picture

February 02, 2010 at 01:35 am

i love the idea of TT being more active in FA and bringing in the final pieces of the puzzle. we should go for O-Line, CB, RB in the draft (maybe a P or K as well?) and then beef up the D with Free Agency. I saw Joey Porter is requesting a trade from Miami...or a certain pass rusher from Carolina. has anyone mentioned bringing back darren sharper - he played great this year - maybe if the saints win, he retires, but maybe he also would want to retire after a final year with the team that drafted him...? with another veteran or 2 on defense, leading with Wood, could add a whole other level of psycho.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 02, 2010 at 09:35 am

Concerning RFAs, are those so-called poison pill contract provisions still allowed by the NFL? I'm talking about like how the Vikings put a provision in Steve Hutchinson's contract offer that said he wasn't allowed to play more than 4 games a year in Seattle or something or the entire contract would become guaranteed, thus making it impossible for Seattle to match the offer (and Seattle returned the favor for Nate Burleson).

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Dilligaff's picture

February 02, 2010 at 10:56 am

I still say the problems in our secondary are a reflection of our front 7 not being able to get pressure on the QB. Johnny Jolly is great against the run but leaves a lot to be desired in his pass rush. AJ Hawk is pathetic in his pass rush/pass coverage skills and is becoming average against the run. Barnett and Brad Jones are question marks IMO at this point, but a solid veteran in any one of these positions that bring pass rushing/coverage skills will greatly help our secondary with the talent we already have. You add another veteran to our secondary will have little effect if our front 7 can't do their job.

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Ron LC's picture

February 02, 2010 at 12:00 pm

Listening to PF Weekly with Arkish Sunday AM, they wre explaining the FA if no CBA by March. To say it's complicated is an understatement. As I understand RFA will be reduced subtantially by the 4 to 6 year change. Add to that the tenders which may make a move prohibitive for an RFA. And each team will be allowed 3 "Franchisers" for the coming year. It seems to me that there will not be an awful lot available in the FA market. And for those who do make it the cost could be prohibitive for the Packers.
______
I'm thinking the Packers may have to rely on the trade route to achieve any upgrades outside the draft.

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jerseypackfan's picture

February 02, 2010 at 03:18 pm

Packers RS I agree I would let a second rounder go too as long as we draft Jahvid Best in the first round! If not Best, I would take that hopefully rehabilitated problem child LeGarrette Blount in the 3rd round if he is still around. He may have some character issues which is going to scare a lot of people but the guy is a beast at running back.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 02, 2010 at 08:00 pm

Jersey,

LeGarrette Blount is exactly the type of back I want to steer clear of. We have a decent one trick pony in Grant, and I think Blount falls into the same category (downhill runner, THAT'S IT).

I want a shifty "ELECTRIC" guy (with you on the Best Bus). Somebody who can Run/catch maybe return some punts, and most importantly is a "THREAT TO SCORE" EVERY time he touches the ball (just a Marshall Faulk or L.T. type, is that too much to ask). If we get a back like that added to the arsenal, it will really force a Defense to play us honestly or risk dyer consequences.

I think Spiller and Best are the 2 top candidates, will either be there @ 23?

GBP 4 LIFE

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 02, 2010 at 10:10 pm

HOLY SHIT,

Check these pics of Brent post-game (Saints). He IS one tough SOB, I'll give him that. Wonder if he woulda been able to playon that ankle this week, glad we didn't find out though!

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=PluckPersona...

GBP 4 LIFE

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Anderson's picture

February 03, 2010 at 02:10 pm

People mentioning Manual and Roman make fair points. Thompson has tried this kind of experiment before, and has picked the wrong horse. But those guys were never good enough. You need someone who maybe isn't at the top of his game anymore, but it is really bright, tenacious and assignment-sure. Personally, I would have loved for the Packers to have signed Brian Dawkins last offseason.

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Pack Fan In Enemy Territory's picture

February 03, 2010 at 07:25 pm

PackersRS... Oshiomogho Atogwe... No I didn't have to look that up either... JK.

Born & raised in Canada. A product of Stanford too. That would be a perfect fit for the Packers IMO. It probably won't happen, but one can wish, can't they?

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andrew's picture

February 04, 2010 at 06:27 pm

dilligaff... we have an AMAZING linebacker group we have a lot of guys that could start everywhere else i dont know where people get what people watch but if aj hawk went to any other team he would start nd he would be developed into an all star if hawk ends up flopping it will be the fault of the coaching staff he has plenty of potential as a zone coverage run stopper he might not get a lot of pressure but he is also playin MIDDLE LINEBACKER middle linebackers dont really have #1 priority on pass rush that would be brad jones nd matthews job.. again barnett stellar linebacker but again a MLB not responsible for blitzing brad jones is a slightly undersized OLB nd a ROOKIE so your being ridiculous

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PackRat's picture

February 04, 2010 at 09:29 pm

Hey Aaron, how about a thread "Free Agents We Wish Ted Would Have Signed in 2009"

My "wish" would have been for Brian Dawkins. Can you imagine how great it would have been to have him in the defensive backfield from Day 1?

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BigbyATTACK's picture

February 05, 2010 at 01:20 am

Okay, I'm a Bigby fan, but I'm not just trying to defend him, I think I have a point. Somebody gets to be a veteran by playing and improving, through personal play and coaching. Late in the season a lot of defensive guys were making mistakes. That's when Bigby started getting some picks. The more chemistry we keep in our rosters, the stronger we'll be. You need to shore up weak positions, but I don't think Atari is the problem. We have bigger needs. He is and can be solid enough to take us to the next level. Our veterans are Woodson and Harris.

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jerseypackfan's picture

February 05, 2010 at 05:38 pm

I hate to bring this up again. If Thompson wasn't such a cheap ass we could have had Jim Leonhard. Dont give me that he wanted to play for Rex Ryan crap either. If given an opportunity to play for your home states team or King Fat Ass. My butt would be playing for the Packers.

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Pack Fan In Enemy Territory's picture

February 05, 2010 at 06:19 pm

" If Thompson wasn’t such a cheap ass we could have had Jim Leonhard. "

...Can you site any factual evidence for this to be true, or do you just always make wild & uninformed accusations. I can think at least 5 players he has given very pricey contracts to..Woodson, Rodgers, Pickett, Chillar, Poppinga, Grant, etc... Do you pay attention to the Packers or do you just hate Thompson because of you know what?
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" Dont give me that he wanted to play for Rex Ryan crap either "

...I haven't read or seen any current/former player under Rex say anything about him that would make me think otherwise. I actually read/see players speak VERY highly of playing for Rex. So why would it be so outrageous for him to want to actually play for him?
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" If given an opportunity to play for your home states team or King Fat Ass. My butt would be playing for the Packers. "

...Do you always assume that all people think the way you do?

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jerseypackfan's picture

February 05, 2010 at 07:01 pm

Look at the numbers. Leonhard is far better then Bigby

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Pack Fan In Enemy Territory's picture

February 05, 2010 at 07:36 pm

Who said anything about Bigby?

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 05, 2010 at 08:17 pm

I too was really hoping that we would make a play for Leonhard, loved him @ the U Dub. I do think players (especially Defensive)want to play for Ryan (ultimate "Players Coach"), it also didn't hurt he was Jims' DC in Balt and had a strong history with him.

Bigby ATTACK,

"He is and can be solid enough to take us to the next level."

I don't share that opinion, BUT,I hope you're right, 'cause I don't think he's going anywhere for awhile.

GBP 4 LIFE

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Pack Fan In Enemy Territory's picture

February 05, 2010 at 09:25 pm

Otagweeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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