Packers Sign Clifton

Done.

Filed to ESPN: Packers re-signed OT Chad Clifton. 3 years, $20 million, 7.5 million guaranteed.

 

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Comments (54)

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CSS's picture

March 05, 2010 at 06:40 pm

Good insurance. He has his guaranteed money, but I hope it's backloaded for the pending cut in 2011.

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RockinRodgers's picture

March 05, 2010 at 06:50 pm

Awesome. The sky is no longer falling.

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PackersRS's picture

March 05, 2010 at 06:50 pm

Yeah. Too much money for a player IMHO not capable of performing at a high level, but with the state of our OL, specially the depth of it, it's a good move. he's definitely the best LT UFA available...

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bigfog's picture

March 05, 2010 at 06:51 pm

Now just sign Ryan Clark and I'll be one happy dude. Oh, and draft some olinemen and a new outside backer if you could.

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hyperRevue's picture

March 05, 2010 at 06:52 pm

Tauscher and Clark and bring on the draft.

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dustybricks6's picture

March 05, 2010 at 06:54 pm

thanks, ted. now go back to dreaming about the draft.

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Graffin's picture

March 05, 2010 at 06:59 pm

Yay!... I think. Like CSS said I hope it's backloaded. Seems a bit high but we don't exactly have any bargaining chips when negotiating w/ OL at this point

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dustybricks6's picture

March 05, 2010 at 07:14 pm

the packers DID just (re)sign a free agent on day one. that's something...

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PackersRS's picture

March 05, 2010 at 07:19 pm

dustybricks6, nononono.

There's still Tauscher, Pickett, all the RFAs, and Kampman to deal with...

No time to rest...

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lmills's picture

March 05, 2010 at 07:19 pm

Bittersweet. Needed to be done. Higher then he's worth. Maybe it won't be so bad once we see the contract details.

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CSS's picture

March 05, 2010 at 07:29 pm

My only lingering issue tied to seeing him back in the LT slot for next year revolves around his inept run blocking. If I'm a defense I completely ignore play action to the left side. He's a great insurance policy in pass pro, but an utter liability against the run.

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nypacker's picture

March 05, 2010 at 07:30 pm

7.5 million gauranteed is pretty much a 1 year salary. I definitely see him gone by the end of next season if we either draft our future LT or break in one of our current guys (Lang) at the LT spot.

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lmills's picture

March 05, 2010 at 07:35 pm

Since he's guarnteed only 7.5 million, the packers can cut him next year and not have financial obligations??? or do they still have to pay him?

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CSS's picture

March 05, 2010 at 07:36 pm

That's why I started the thread by saying, "I hope it's backloaded" followed by, his "pending cut in 2011."

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jerseypackfan's picture

March 05, 2010 at 07:58 pm

I am really stunned the team moved so quickly on this one. I cannot wait for the story on why this happened so fast.

Now does this change some people`s minds on drafting a left tackle with their first pick?

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CSS's picture

March 05, 2010 at 08:08 pm

jerseypackerfan - No, doesn't change my mind. Should you have a quality LT prospect drop to the Packer slot you don't hesitate to pull the trigger. Actually developing a tackle is better than throwing him to the wolves:

Julius Peppers x 2
Jared Allen x 2
Kyle Vanden Bosch x 2
Demarcus Ware
Possibly Aaron Kampan in Philly
Brian Orakpo/Albert Haynsworth
Adalius Thomas/Jerod Mayo
Jamal Anderson

These are the rushers we face in 2010 via the 4-3 or 3-4. A rookie LT shouldn't even be second option.

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lmills's picture

March 05, 2010 at 08:32 pm

css--I was asking if they can cut him or not. Maybe i worded it wrong.

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CSS's picture

March 05, 2010 at 08:51 pm

lmills - don't take my comment as being short or anything at all, sorry to give you that impression.

Typically, the franchise is on the hook for the guaranteed money. When a CBA is back in place they can either outright release the player and not pay his salary or renegotiate the contract for the final years. Players sign cap friendly deals like this due to the upfront guarantees.

However, The signing bonus is part of the player's salary. So it counts against the cap. When determining team and player salary, the signing bonus will be prorated over the length of the contract.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

March 05, 2010 at 08:52 pm

Now, just as important, let's get Tausch on board.

GBP 4 LIFE

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PACKERS.'s picture

March 05, 2010 at 09:48 pm

Good. We're going to need all the help we can get against Peppers and Allen in the same division.

Go Pack Go!

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jack's picture

March 05, 2010 at 10:02 pm

nice move teddy boy. now lets go get a stud LT in the 1st round of the draft

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dilligaff's picture

March 05, 2010 at 10:23 pm

This sounds good today because our options are limited, Clifton will go down with an injury when we will need him most. I think this is a knee jerk reaction to what happen with the bears and the lions today. Clifton is not the answer.

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CSS's picture

March 05, 2010 at 10:29 pm

Dillgaff - I don't think it's 'knee jerk', rather a reality of what the 2010 schedule is about to throw at Rodgers blind side (see my above list from top of head). I COMPLETELY agree with your sentiment, though. NOW is the time to groom a successor. The first three (3) rounds of this years draft will be one of the more memorable/exciting that I can remember.

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dilligaff's picture

March 05, 2010 at 10:43 pm

CSS, I sure hope we draft a left tackle prospect or 2 in the first 4 rounds of the draft or go after a situation like Bushrod of the Saints who has a 2nd round tender. I just don't see Clifton playing more than 12 games next year.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

March 05, 2010 at 11:15 pm

Imills,

Regarding you're question. This may clear it up... from the JSO -

"With no salary cap in place, the Packers don't have to worry about Clifton's salary biting them down the road. They are on the hook only for the guaranteed portion of the contract and can release him with no financial ramifications if his play deteriorates."

GBP 4 LIFE

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FITZCORE1252's picture

March 05, 2010 at 11:23 pm

dilligaf,

I guarantee you that we'll draft a LT in the first 4 rounds... or my name isn't Aaron Nagler!

Clifton's definitely not the long term answer, BUT, I'm gonna sleep alot better knowing he's on the squad. Now if we could just lock up Tausch for a some added security... I may get a deep 6 hrs a night!

GBP 4 LIFE

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dabearsstillsuck's picture

March 06, 2010 at 01:28 am

To Teddy and Mikey,
Good job on getting it done but don't forget that our second flaw on offense is a lack of a starting running back. Grant can't catch and jackson can't run and then there is green well we ha have nothing to say about that. I heard chester taylor went to the bears. the both of you need to look out there and see about getting us a running back oh and a special teams if it is not to much to ask for

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Pack66's picture

March 06, 2010 at 06:43 am

WOW...as usual, the FA DYNAMO, Tee Tee, is really on top of things in Free Agency..

Looks like the Packers are going to be THIRD this year behind the VIKINGS, BEARS, and maybe LIONS...that would make them 4th...

Once again, the webtard GM of the Packers shows his worth!!

hahahahahahahaha...

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Jersey Al's picture

March 06, 2010 at 07:46 am

Sigh of relief for 2010... But there should be a better option for 2011.

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Ruppert's picture

March 06, 2010 at 07:52 am

HEY! It's time to celebrate! Not necessarily for Clifton returning, but for Mike Montgomery departing! Woohoo! Not that he did anything but take up space on the roster in 2009 (which is enough of a problem), but in 2008 he was one of the most useless defensive linemen in recent history. I couldn't stand that guy...but now we don't have to deal with him anymore because we finally cut him! Let's hope they're making roster space for a free agent KR, OLB, Safety, OL, etc...

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Shootz's picture

March 06, 2010 at 08:18 am

PFT is reporting (sort of) that Kampman spent the weekend in Jacksonville. Makes sense, I guess, in that the Jags need an end. They need lots of defensive players, actually.

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dilligaff's picture

March 06, 2010 at 09:01 am

I guess I would still like to know why TT has not gotten anything done with Tauscher. What is plan"B" when Clifton goes down with a leg injury game 3 ? If Lang starts at right tackle, do we start the O-line shuffle again by moving Lang to left and Barbre is back at right tackle? I guess it is great that at least Clifton is an option and we have the hope he can play all the games, but as soon as he is not available we are back where we started. IMO we still need another veteran signing, wether that is Tauscher or somebody else and a solid left tackle rookie prospect. THE O-LINE DID NOT GET BETTER BY SIGNING CLIFTON FROM LAST YEARS PERSPECTIVE, BECAUSE OF HIS DECLINING SKILLS WE ARE NOWHERE NEAR IMPROVING THE O-LINE, BARLEY MAINTAINING LAST YEARS PERFORMANCE WHICH IS NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT.

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Ron LC's picture

March 06, 2010 at 09:15 am

Based on the last two years, Clifton will most likely not play all 16 games. His backup must be in place and practicing in the OTA's so he can step in at any time. The same can be said at RT. Tauscher will not play all 16. They need a replacement ready there too. Wells had a great year when he was reinserted and should keep the Center position stable. But, EDS is no pro-caliber center. When Spitz played center the line was at its' worst. Need some help there as well. And Colledge at LG is at best slightly below average.
_____
The Oline was a problem last year, it is a problem this year. Fix it starting now.

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Cuphound's picture

March 06, 2010 at 09:22 am

I resent being grateful that they've signed Chad Clifton.

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BLACKHAWK's picture

March 06, 2010 at 09:42 am

Ted now his poker face on...

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dilligaff's picture

March 06, 2010 at 09:51 am

Bottom line the O-line was not improved by this signing. At best Clifton is an expensive 6 to 8 game guy or insurance policy (backup)to hold the position to give time for his replacement. IMO TT still has to sign one more veteran, like a Bushrod situation who has a tender of a 2nd pick or the tackle from the Ravens with a 1st round pick tender. If this is the biggest move we do for the O-line, then it will be a long season.

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Glorious80s's picture

March 06, 2010 at 11:56 am

Possible that some of the OL issues are learning curve things? The young linemen have another year of experience mentoring behind vets. It's been said OL take time to develope. It would be interesting to know how the coaching staff views the OL 2010 prospects. Not that they shouldn't see if there is someone in FA or the draft. But they may mostly have what they need. Didn't Barbre, for example, have a good 08 season?

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CSS's picture

March 06, 2010 at 12:11 pm

Barbre rode the pine in 08'. 09' was his first chance to start. Same story for him in 09' since his very first camp: As a physical specimen he has All-Pro written all over, dead from the neck up.

Sitton could be the best interior lineman in the NFL North next year (better then an aging Hutchinson).

Spitz could excel, but he can't stay healthy.

Wells, you have a steady pro but he's peaked.

College - Will the real College please stand up?

Lang - Great upside, a competitor.

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jerseypackfan's picture

March 06, 2010 at 12:51 pm

CSS, I see your point on getting another left tackle but I wonder if the Thompson is going to pay first round money on a left tackle now that Clifton is signed. I still think you can get a quality backup left tackle in the second round.

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Pack66's picture

March 06, 2010 at 01:23 pm

Possible that some of the OL issues are learning curve things? The young linemen have another year of experience mentoring behind vets. It’s been said OL take time to develope. It would be interesting to know how the coaching staff views the OL 2010

Jesus..they've been "learning" for 6 years now....and AROD is STILL getting pancaked....

That what fargin' FREE AGENCY IS FOR, you, NUMBNUTz, Ted Thompson!!!!

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Glorious80s's picture

March 06, 2010 at 02:11 pm

Colledge in '08 rather than Barbre, my bad. Barbre did play 8 games, most on special teams, though.
Barbre has 3 years, Colledge 4, Clifton 9, Lang 1, Sitton 3, Spits 5 years, Wells 7, Tauscher 10. Sounds like a mix of vets and young players. The line is in transition. Takes time. What's the point in filling the roster with a bunch of other team's rejects who take up space and playing time from developing players?
I really don't care where the players come from, free agency or draft or trade as long as they fit the needs and have upside. So far the team's future is looking pretty good and is within budget.
Wish they would have gotten something from Brohm, though.

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Bearmeat's picture

March 06, 2010 at 02:57 pm

This is a good and necessary move. It would be great if TT would sign Clark and get Tausch back. Drafting a LT for the future/when Cliffy gets hurt, and some CB and LOLB help would round out the roster. That and get some competition for Crosby and a new punter!

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Ron LC's picture

March 06, 2010 at 04:10 pm

Colledge and Spitz at 4 and 5 years respectively are not young guys anumore. They should have made their move by now. They have not and probably will not. The upside is with Sitton and Lang 3 and i years. They are young one being a starter that shows some real potential at Guard. The other a Guard who who had showed real effort at tackle.
_____
ED-S is a joke and Breno is a statue.

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PackerAaron's picture

March 06, 2010 at 07:02 pm

Ron - could not disagree more on ED-S. Kid is a player.

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CSS's picture

March 06, 2010 at 06:41 pm

What have you seen of Evan Dietrich-Smith to say he's a 'joke'? He can play every interior position and became impossible to cut as an UFA out of college because his play was so stout. Do tell.....

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FITZCORE1252's picture

March 06, 2010 at 06:50 pm

With you on that one CSS. EDS could be a valuable guy to have around.

GBP 4 LIFE

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Ron LC's picture

March 06, 2010 at 07:31 pm

"UFA out of college because his play was so stout"

You're pulling my leg right!

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CSS's picture

March 06, 2010 at 07:41 pm

Stout enough that they cut Jarmon Meridith, a 5th round draft pick and needed offensive tackle. Stout enogh that FA acquisition Duke Preston (who is now the backup center for the Cowboys)couldn't beat him for a roster spot.

You're avoiding the question, Ron. What did YOU see in his game to say he 'sucked'?

Or are you talking out of your nether regions and you don't really have any idea?

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CSS's picture

March 06, 2010 at 07:59 pm

Since you higlight UFA and appear to be using it as your primary arguement as why E-DS is a joke, here are a few more 'UFA's' that aren't doing so bad after a few years in the NFL:

Jason Peters – OT
Donald Penn – OT
Miles Austin – WR
Gary Brackett – LB
Shaun O’Hara – C
Bart Scott – LB
Antonio Pierce – LB
Willie Parker – RB
Tony Romo – QB
James Harrison – LB
Wes Welker – WR
Antoinio Gates - TE

That's just off the top of my head.

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CSS's picture

March 06, 2010 at 08:06 pm

Let’s look at a few NFL rosters from the AFC East:

Patriots – 18 undrafted on the roster
Bills – 17 undrafted on the roster
Jets – 16 undrafted on the roster

The NFL average for undrafted players is about 13 per roster.

List of UFA's that have recently made it to the pro bowl after a few years in the NFL:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undrafted_free_agent#List_of_undrafted_NFL_...

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Ron LC's picture

March 06, 2010 at 08:39 pm

I saw 3 games inactive, 13 active mostly special teams, two ST holding penalties, one cost Nelsen a 99 yd TD against Detroit. Almost no playing time on the line with the exception of the second half of the last Reg Season game.

That's what I saw.

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CSS's picture

March 06, 2010 at 10:18 pm

And I see you pulled biography information from here:

http://www.packers.com/pdfs/weekly_roster_update.pdf

and here:

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/64709612.html

You never actually watched him play a single snap in practice or in a game. Your inability to defend your original statement without the use of google is noted.

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PackersRS's picture

March 06, 2010 at 10:42 pm

Ron. You're forgetting the fact that Wells was really good. So just saying that ED-S wasn't playing isn't enough to qualify him as a "joke". Nor is saying that he's not a great ST player...
-
I personally haven't seen him play, so I can't say anything about him. That includes criticizing him and calling a "joke"...

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foundindaho's picture

March 06, 2010 at 10:51 pm

Got to get some talent on the OL to replace Clifton when he gets hurt (and he will)....get to it, TT.

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