Poppinga\’s Deal
By Aaron Nagler on Jul 24, 2008 with 6 Comments
This is great for both Poppinga and the Packers. Even with the signing of Brandon Chillar this offseason, I expected Poppinga to win the starting strong side linebacker job, and it would seem the Packers do as well. I know he has his weak points (see: Tight Ends, Covering Of…) but he really came on towards the end of last season and had just a stellar game against the Giants in the NFC Championship game. There have even been rumblings that Poppinga may be used a bit at defensive end on passing downs, which makes sense if Sanders swings Jenkins inside. I wouldn’t be surprised to see something along the lines of what the Giants were doing last season with 4 defensive ends on the field at one time, what they called their ‘Ace’ package.
Overall, it’s good to see the Packers keeping good players in the fold, especially ones that fit their scheme so well and that have proved loyal and willing to do whatever is asked of them for the betterment of the team. Remember, when Chillar was signed, Poppinga didn’t disparage the team or Chillar – he welcomed him into the fold and relished the competition. That’s the kind of guy you want in your locker room, and the Packers have ensured he’ll be in theirs for the next four years.
Filed Under: Bob Sanders • Brady Poppinga
What? Good news out of Green Bay? It’s been too long. Good for Brady and the team.
Where do you buy the crack? Poppinga is a good special teams player and an average (yes, that’s generous) linebacker. He’s not worth $17 million, even over ten years.
Down on Christopher Street. And go watch the last month of the season and the two playoff games. You couldn’t be more wrong about Poppinga. And you and I both know that 17 mil is a phony number. 4.3 mil guaranteed for a guy who fits the scheme and fits it well is a pittance.
I agree with Kramer 64. There was no reason to extend Pops at all right now with a year left on his contract and it is highly debatable if he is worth the money anyway. I enjoy your blog.
[...] new contract extention. There were a few hecklers and some booing, but overall the crowd of 9,300 supported general manager Ted Thompson’s decision to give the linebacker a new five-year deal worth about $17 [...]
Thanks Mc G.