Packers Blog Roundup: Nick Barnett Signs With Bills

The departure of Nick Barnett for the Buffalo Bills has left the depth at inside linebacker for the Packers a little thin. Packers bloggers weigh in...

Former Packers linebacker Nick Barnett has signed with the Buffalo Bills. His departure from Green Bay has left the Packers with some depth issues at the linebacker position. "With the departures of Barnett and Brandon Chillar, the Packers are lacking in depth at inside linebacker," writes Kevin McCauley of Acme Packing Company. "Their various releases have given them some cap space to work with if there's an inexpensive free agent that Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy like, but it looks at the moment as if the Packers will be going with what they have at ILB."

Reaction to the signing of James Jones comes from Packer Fans United. "Certainly Jones showed real moments of brilliance last season," reads the blog post. "He has the makings of being a great receiver, no doubt. But he also drove Packer fans and coaches crazy with drops in too many key situations. If he can overcome that lack of focus, Jones could have a breakout season and can make the Packers receiving corps even a greater threat than last year."

Additional commentary on James Jones come from Lombardi Ave., Acme Packing Company and packergeeks.

The signing of John Kuhn elicted posts on the fullback's value to the Packers. "Though Kuhn might not seem like an elite fullback at first glance, his contributions as a short-yardage ball carrier and his potential as a blocking and receiving ace as a third down back make him more valuable than your average blocking fullback," writes Kevin McCauley.

More on John Kuhn appears at Lombardi Ave.

A training camp report with specific attention to wide receiver and return specialist Randall Cobb appears at Total Packers. "He caught the ball with ease, is lightning quick and fearless," writes brady. "I enjoy seeing a returner that makes a cut and gets north-south in a hurry as well as a guy who isn’t afraid to take it right up the middle. Cobb does both of these things and early indications are that he at least looks the part. He also looks like he can produce big gains on offense with limited touches, as was evident when he made a move and blew past Clay Matthews on an end around."

Another training camp report is published at Lombardi Ave.

Reaction to Cullen Jenkins' signing with the Philadelphia Eagles comes from Monty McMahon of Total Packers.

Five things to watch for at training camp are at Talkin' S-Mac.

The week in review comes courtesy of AllGreenBayPackers.com.

A weekend wrap-up is at Aerys Sports.

Depth chart thoughts from John Rehor are at Pocket Doppler.

A Packers podcast can be heard at Ol' Bag of Donuts.

Brian Carriveau is the editor of the Maple Street Press Packers Annual. To contact Brian, email [email protected].

Second-hand news sources will not be published in the Packers Blog Roundup unless they also include meaningful commentary.

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Comments (10)

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alexwoodsIAM's picture

August 01, 2011 at 10:51 am

who would WANT to go to buffalo

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Brian Carriveau's picture

August 01, 2011 at 10:53 am

Just about everyone if it meant being paid $12 million.

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davyjones's picture

August 01, 2011 at 03:58 pm

Shit--that works out to about 50 cents per Tweet for the year for ol' Nick.

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alexwoodsIAM's picture

August 01, 2011 at 12:02 pm

whoa!!! good for you Barnett. Enjoy Buffalo

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Norman's picture

August 01, 2011 at 12:55 pm

Didn't see that coming. I thought he might end up in Philly, if the market for his services had dried up and the price was right (they presumably will be having cap issues but could use a good ILB).

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 01, 2011 at 02:17 pm

I heard a player commenting on the radio this weekend that Philly management has no respect for the linebacker position. Regardless, I can't believe that they have a whole lot of money left at this point. Barnett had to choose between playing for money, or hoping that a contender would call him. I can understand his decision.

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Chad Toporski's picture

August 01, 2011 at 03:04 pm

Philly is putting all their defensive stock in CB and DL, leaving the S and LB positions as weaknesses. Could lead to teams trying to power a running game against them and utilizing tight ends in the passing game.

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CSS's picture

August 01, 2011 at 03:08 pm

I'm sure Juan Castillo, the Eagles defensive coordinator for all of 5 months with the organization, has that figured out. After all, talent trumps scheme, right? (snark)

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Tim Backes's picture

August 01, 2011 at 01:11 pm

Interesting, I'd have thought Barnett would prefer to go to a larger market after having spent his whole career in Green Bay, but I guess he's enjoyed the small-town atmosphere. Should be interesting to see what Barnett can do... Ted has really been good at getting rid of players at the exact right time.

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Michael's picture

August 01, 2011 at 01:44 pm

Well Rocky McIntosh is out there, could pick him up for 2 years or so for added depth

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