How Will Gutekunst Handle Packers' UFAs?
By ChrisWanless
With Brian Gutekunst now firmly planted in his new role as Packers general manager, many are eager to see how (or if) he deviates from the philosophies of his predecessor, especially when it comes to free agency. While most of the conversation has centered around what kind of players Gutekunst will bring in from the outside, it’s also worth wondering how he might treat the upcoming free agent class he inherited from Ted Thompson.
After re-signing Davante Adams and Corey Linsley, Green Bay has eight players on its roster slated to become unrestricted free agents this offseason:
- S Morgan Burnett
- OLB Ahmad Brooks
- CB Davon House
- G Jahri Evans
- LS Brett Goode
- DT Quinton Dial
- TE Richard Rodgers
- WR Jeff Janis
Of those listed, Burnett seems the most likely to be back in Green Bay in 2018. He’ll be entering his ninth season, and although injuries have plagued him recently, he could be a valuable veteran asset in new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme. His absence was notable this season, resulting in frequent communication breakdowns without him on the field to call signals.
Speaking of veterans in the defensive backfield, it wouldn’t be crazy to bring back Davon House either. Even if he wasn’t everything the Packers envisioned when they signed him last year, House still showed he has good football left in him. With a group of young corners on the depth chart—and probably another draft pick or two—House’s greatest impact could come in the form of leadership.
Richard Rodgers probably has a good chance to be back, too. His overall performance to this point in his career hasn’t turned him into a superstar, and there are certainly other tight ends out there who bring more to the table in terms of speed and explosiveness. However, he has proven to be one of the most reliable players on the roster when it comes to availability, and his hands aren’t bad either. His under-the-radar play likely means the Packers could get him back at a relatively cheap price, if they feel so inclined.
For me, four of the remaining players—Brooks, Evans, Goode and Dial—have probably seen the end of their time in Green Bay.
Evans has suggested he may retire, and it’s not likely the Packers would sign him to another one-year deal if they want to build a cohesive unit along the offensive line. Brooks came nowhere near what the team thought he could be, registering just 1.5 sacks. The veteran angle could play to his advantage, but the Packers will likely be targeting edge rushers in the draft, and could even find another veteran in free agency.
Dial had a fine season, but he could be the victim of overcrowding on the defensive line. With Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry earning more snaps, Green Bay could probably afford to move on, unless they get a good price. Finally, it’s pretty obvious the Packers are ready to move on from Goode at long-snapper, having released him and brought him back only because injuries forced their hand.
That leaves one man who, in my opinion, is a real coin flip. Since the moment he arrived in Green Bay, Jeff Janis has been the object of many Packer fans’ affection. Between his size and speed, Janis’ potential seemed off the charts, but Green Bay just hasn’t gotten him involved offensively. He has proven valuable on special teams, and the Packers likely would love to keep him around to contribute in that role, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Janis wants to test the waters to see if he can become a more frequent offensive contributor elsewhere.
Comments (109)
jeremyjjbrown
January 20, 2018 at 01:07 pm
Burnett and House are the ones I want back. For all of the others there should be better guys on the roster or as reasonable FAs.
dobber
January 20, 2018 at 01:23 pm
I think that House and RRod are pretty good bets to come back: both should come inexpensively with little guaranteed money on short-term deals that allow the Packers to cut them if they get pushed down the depth chart in camp. Janis could be back, but as I recall the Packers have another pretty good gunner waiting in the wings in Goodson if he's healthy. Maybe not a Janis-level player, but good enough, and someone who might give a little bit more value as a position player (CB) in a pinch.
Brette Goode is like Lazarus...you think he's dead and gone, and *BOOM* there he is long snapping again. Most people don't realize Lazarus was such an accomplished special teams player...
jeremyjjbrown
January 20, 2018 at 02:00 pm
RRod is one of the worst blockers in the NFL. For a guy with legs like that, it's shocking to see him get pancaked buy Defensive Backs. I hope he's gone TBH.
Doug Niemczynski
January 20, 2018 at 03:45 pm
They ALL SUCK !!! My lord
jeremyjjbrown
January 20, 2018 at 04:28 pm
Get in line then...
fastmoving
January 20, 2018 at 01:17 pm
Always liked Janis a lot and did not get why he is left out on O all these years.
Thinks he could be a good WR and its time to try it somewhere else........
For some reason, just did not worked out with 12.
jeremyjjbrown
January 20, 2018 at 01:48 pm
He's left out because he can't run the route tree and has bad hands. He's a body catcher who outran everyone in college on go routes.
fastmoving
January 21, 2018 at 06:12 am
Man, I wish it would be as easy as that.
And he run out everyone in the NFL if given a chance
Doug Niemczynski
January 20, 2018 at 03:45 pm
Dump him
fastmoving
January 21, 2018 at 06:14 am
If you want to dump him, there is a 95% chance thats wrong. Since you want dump AR and everyone else.
Would be funny to see your roster........
Packmaniac
January 20, 2018 at 06:58 pm
Janis is fortunate to have been drafted by Green Bay. He wouldn’t have lasted 4 years anywhere else.
Packmaniac
January 20, 2018 at 06:58 pm
Janis is fortunate to have been drafted by Green Bay. He wouldn’t have lasted 4 years anywhere else.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 20, 2018 at 07:21 pm
I actually think Janis was unfortunate to land in GB. I suspect that he would have done better with a less precise and demanding QB and with a different offensive scheme. Love to see Janis run some slants and crossers.
dobber
January 20, 2018 at 07:56 pm
"Love to see Janis run some slants and crossers"
This is what he does best (and I think he's been effective in jet sweeps), and where many of his big plays in preseason came from. It makes you wonder why they can't do this when the games matter.
NickPerry
January 21, 2018 at 04:47 am
Yup...It was maybe in the first or second start with Hundley and they ran the Jet Sweep with Janis and it gained great yardage. I don't remember seeing it again all year. Hell normally beats the hell out of plays which AREN'T successful. The ones that are he's saving for 2020 I guess.
fastmoving
January 21, 2018 at 06:16 am
I always thought the same thing...thats way I woud like him to start ver somewhere else...........
DD
January 21, 2018 at 11:35 am
I agree with you. Strong, physical, fast. Slants, crowding routes, end arounds! He had not been used by MM efficiently with his boring routes and schemes. Janis is not afraid of crossing routes and slants at all. I too say keep him at his salary cost per year for his value.
Snake Plissken
January 23, 2018 at 01:20 am
Moronic comment.
Guy has played at a pro bowl level on ST's a number of times. Will never be a good reciever.
Shows you know nothing about football
GBPDAN1
January 20, 2018 at 01:32 pm
With HHCD regressing last season, keeping Burnett has become more important, especially due to Jones not being ready. I hope we get a fair deal on Burnett and that Gutekunst doesn't over pay like TT probably would (Nick Perry, etc ).
The rest could walk and it wouldn't bother me. Getting a few of these guys back on cheap deals as back ups would be ok, but, we need to get new. To many below average players on this roster
Doug Niemczynski
January 20, 2018 at 03:46 pm
Finally
Thegreatreynoldo
January 20, 2018 at 01:35 pm
I disagree with most of the player evaluations presented. Interesting. Dial stinks. RR has to accept a large pay cut to return, but I think we could procure an upgrade for very little more than we paid RR last season. RR as the #3 TE on vet min or a little more would be fine. House might get signed though he might not make the 53, and there has been some talk of signing Twill who has played for Pettine instead. True, every year now they try to move on from Goode, and probably will try again, but so far they can't find anyone better. He is 50/50. Brooks looks like a medical decision. If his back is chronic, yeah probably isn't returning. I'd sign Evans in a heart-beat if he wants to return for a modest amount, say under $3.25M. Future cohesiveness be damned - I'll settle for not stinking in 2018. Evans can be a back-up at LG and RG. Janis on a qualified contract makes a lot of sense, but I think he will have other options, and I would advise him to leave GB if I were his agent. I am leaning towards letting Burnett walk. I'd make an offer in the $8.75M AAV, but it looks like that means not re-signing him. So be it. $11M AAV can be spent more wisely than on Burnett.
stockholder
January 20, 2018 at 06:02 pm
I think your very close to the truth. I feel none will be back. These guys will get better offers like last years class. And from what I read on another site. 3rd comp pick for Lang, 3 fives. - Boyd,, Trotter, Cook. maybe 1 7 for Lacy. Thats a load if they get it.
NickPerry
January 21, 2018 at 04:53 am
I believe the Packers can only receive a maximum of 4 comp picks per draft. IIRC their allowed to the top 4 picks so in looking at your comment they wouldn't get the 7th...
Still if they get the extra 3rd plus three 5th round picks that's extra ammunition to move up in a round to get a guy like Mark Andrews early in the 2nd...(Just an Example)
stockholder
January 21, 2018 at 08:22 am
Your Right about 4. The Cook comp ?. Hurst is showing up ahead of Andrews for some. ( And I think his diabetes may drop his projection.) I watched several Lineman that would be perfect too. Check these guys out. Mason Cole MI. (Senior Bowl) Brian Allen Mi St. (Senior Bowl) Ike Boettger T Iowa would all add Depth. (Was Hurt) All Very versatile!
RobinsonDavis
January 21, 2018 at 10:18 am
Although of minimal value, don't forget the Pack also gains a 7th round conditional pick for Lerentee McCray from the Bills. Keep an eye on the Bills when it comes to the draft as they have 4 picks in the first 2 rounds. This maybe somebody the Pack and others trade up or down with.
Miami Cheesehead
January 20, 2018 at 01:40 pm
I'm surprised so many wonder why Janis doesn't get much play on offense. Beat writers have noted his poor route running and drops in practice. He's valuable as a special teams gunner and an emergency wide receiver but shouldn't make more than Jarret Bush did given his limitations.
Miami Cheesehead
January 20, 2018 at 01:40 pm
I'm surprised so many wonder why Janis doesn't get much play on offense. Beat writers have noted his poor route running and drops in practice. He's valuable as a special teams gunner and an emergency wide receiver but shouldn't make more than Jarret Bush did given his limitations.
Miami Cheesehead
January 20, 2018 at 01:44 pm
Goode is excellent snapping the ball, but that's it. Can't run down field, at all. They need to find his replacement this year.
I'd bring Brooks back for the right price. Good in limited snaps, decent against the run. I would move on from Burnett, he's injured too much. Use Jones as hybrid LB safety and sign a free agent who can cover.
Doug Niemczynski
January 20, 2018 at 03:55 pm
Ahmad Brooks. SUCKS ...Him and his bad back
zerotolerance
January 21, 2018 at 10:26 pm
And so do you.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 20, 2018 at 01:49 pm
Not a fan of Bleacher Report, but I found it interesting that they ranked Cobb the 16th best slot receiver. As it happens, I had him as mediocre as well. Maybe it is just confirmation bias.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2752682-nfl1000-ranking-the-top-slot-...
Lphill
January 20, 2018 at 01:58 pm
Probably Burnett and Janis will be back , Richard Rodgers maybe a one year deal . Move on from the others.
Doug Niemczynski
January 20, 2018 at 03:47 pm
YAK !!!!
John Ramble Kirk
January 20, 2018 at 02:22 pm
There isn't a single must sign among our FAs and that's a great thing. No need to overpay any of them.
Of the group, Janis is the one I'd prioritize for his ST prowess.
Have you ever heard Burnett speak? He doesn't come across well. He's aged and oft injured and part of a bad back end. I'd prefer a better spoken vet safety from the outside. If the D is new, the outside FA won't be any further behind Burnett as it'd be new to Morgan, also.
Richard Rodgers shouldn't be back. Ted had a great affinity for keeping underperforming draftees around. I'll be curious how Brian treats Ted's underperformers and especially Rich Rod. A disappointing 3rd rounder who was never better than a weak 2nd or decent 3rd TE. We have to get better at TE. Bringing him back is bringing back mediocrity, at best, and is a tell for how Brian thinks.
House as a deep reserve is fine but he better not be back at a price for any meaningful role.
Brooks, if his heart is in it, is worth bringing back.
Jahri elicits thoughts of Jeff Saturday. Does he have anything left and is he mentally able to do another year? If you expect a deep playoff run, Im not sure you count on this guy having what you'll need when you need it.
This sets up as a perfect year to not only move on from our own FAs, but take cap savings from Cobb, Nelson, and Clay and make some big moves via not only FA but trades. I'm hoping Brian has a Reggie White type move in him right out of the gates to show our old ways are over and the Packers are now serious about winning SBs not just trying to be in the playoffs every year.
TKWorldWide
January 20, 2018 at 04:25 pm
Mic skills?
John Ramble Kirk
January 20, 2018 at 05:50 pm
Mic skills?
EDIT: Google is your friend. Sorry, not a fake wrestling fan. Google won't tell me if you meant that in the pejorative sense and I'm too scarred after my misunderstanding of, "Mic skills", to hazard a guess.
TKWorldWide
January 21, 2018 at 09:14 am
Yes, I meant “who cares what he sounds like in interviews?” The type of on-field communication these guys use is nowhere near the same as being eloquent in an interview situation. Another way to put it is: “So now we’re adding mic skills to our list of desired traits? This isn’t the WWE.”
Spock
January 20, 2018 at 05:01 pm
John Kirk, Yes, I've heard Burnett speak, and he comes across as someone who is intelligent but may not have had the same English teachers you or I had (and I was an English teacher for two years). I would be wary of evaluating people based on who you know. Not saying you are a racist, definitely not trying to bring that into this thread, but there is a REASON that he's had the mic for the defense, he's, at the very least, "football smart", and a very valuable part of this defense. I think it would be wise to bring him back. Again, I apologize for any implications I may have put into my reply, but I think "how someone speaks" at an interview is a poor reason for a fan to dismiss a player's importance.
John Ramble Kirk
January 20, 2018 at 10:29 pm
I understand the racism concern. However, it has nothing to do with my thoughts on him. Mike McCarthy, Ted, and our CEO are all underwhelming in their communication skills. Morgan doesn't sound bright nor does McCarthy.
Morgan scored a 14 on his Wonderlic...the NFL average was, at one time, 19 for the S position. Not a genius but at least not a Morris Claiborne. I understand football smarts are not the same as book smarts but listening to Morgan and knowing his role on our D was alarming to me. There have been a lot of issues back there and, for me, I would prefer someone who inspires more confidence in the same way I'd like that from our HC. Communication is critical. I'd prefer someone that gives me confidence when I listen to them speak. Morgan doesn't do it for me. If you're still worried there's closet racism or any type involved, I never felt that with Eugene Robinson or LeRoy Butler.
Intelligence and communication are two things I value highly. Morgan just isn't what I would hope for the QB of our secondary. We can and should be better there.
Oppy
January 22, 2018 at 12:17 am
Morgan burnett is considered a primary leader and role model on the defense by his team mates, and more importantly, the coaching staff. He has been lauded by the coaches repeatedly as having a complete grasp of the defense at all levels.
I'm not concerned with how he sounds to you when he's got a microphone in his face.
carlos
January 22, 2018 at 04:42 pm
Agree Oppy. I think he speaks just fine. I’m a Yooper and have been accused of talking funny. Doesn’t make me unintelligent. To me that’s being judgmental. I’ve always liked Morgan Burnett and would like him back despite the injuries.
PETER MAIZ
January 23, 2018 at 01:16 pm
I don't agree, when Morgan isn't calling the plays, there is disarray. Morgan doesn't have to be a Shakespeare nor, most likely, would Shakespeare have played in the NFL. Morgan is solid and, indeed, his injuries are holding him back.
John Ramble Kirk
January 20, 2018 at 10:36 pm
I can't see Von Miller but I wonder about a JJ Watt coming of that injury and all of his back issues. Houston would have to listen. Bringing him home would be a huge gamble with the health risks but that is the kind of boldness that would announce we're no longer happy just making the playoffs.
It's kind of too bad he's so ingrained down there in Houston. He's way more than just a great football player and despite the injuries it would be a PR hit letting him go.
4thand1
January 21, 2018 at 09:10 am
No way on Watt, give to much, to many serious injuries. Everyone has opinions, the whole team went into a funk when AR went down. The Packers sat players that would have played if the playoffs were in play. I just wish they would have tanked a couple more games, at least give the Browns the game and preserve the lolions perfect season.
Tundraboy
January 20, 2018 at 11:04 pm
There is no price I would keep RRodgers at. If we can't find someone at TE who can do better than catch a pass or two each game, run for 2 yards each catch, and can not block at all, then God help us.
Need to upgrade in a lot of areas and not always settle for less or what if.
Dzehren
January 20, 2018 at 02:48 pm
Dial, Rogers and Janis at minimum league salary deals.
House can’t stay healthy. Morgan is getting older.
Doug Niemczynski
January 20, 2018 at 04:41 pm
Keep house league min ..offer Burnett 3 year deal but nothing outrageous.
fthisJack
January 21, 2018 at 07:46 am
the only one i would consider is Burnett. he was the QB of a defense that was in total disarray at the end. when the Pack was playing well at times on defense he was a key element playing in the box. BUT, i would not back the brinks truck up to sign him.....he has had injury issues and his best days are behind him.
Strikes28
January 20, 2018 at 03:02 pm
Let Janis walk. A roster spot for a special teams player only ?? Pass ....he offers nothing on offense. Doesn't seem to understand offensive route running even after 4 yrs. Better players out there worth the money. Time to move on.
Doug Niemczynski
January 20, 2018 at 03:48 pm
Thank you
dobber
January 20, 2018 at 05:51 pm
Every team has roster spots for ST specialists.
cuervo
January 20, 2018 at 06:07 pm
I've said this many times.....Janis is our 5th or 6th receiver and is one of , if not the best gunner in the NFL. When he has been asked to play reciever because of injuries etc. he has produced.
Isn't that what every team would want from their 5th or 6th reciever? If the Packers don;t sign him he'll be picked up the same day by numerous other teams that want that type of player.
Tundraboy
January 20, 2018 at 11:05 pm
Yup. Another year for Janis. Would like to see what Philbin can do with him.
fastmoving
January 21, 2018 at 06:27 am
Janis should walk.......time to move on for him.
but.....
A roster spot for a special teams player? Sure!
He offers way more than we get out of him.
Unfortunately you wont get a player who is more worth the money than Janis. No way
Strikes28
January 20, 2018 at 03:05 pm
Hopefully they look at Trey Burton TE with the Eagles. Rather see him than Graham. He is younger than Graham who is in his early 30's and has a lot more upside at this point in his career.
Strikes28
January 20, 2018 at 03:05 pm
Hopefully they look at Trey Burton TE with the Eagles. Rather see him than Graham. He is younger than Graham who is in his early 30's and has a lot more upside at this point in his career.
Strikes28
January 20, 2018 at 03:05 pm
Hopefully they look at Trey Burton TE with the Eagles. Rather see him than Graham. He is younger than Graham who is in his early 30's and has a lot more upside at this point in his career.
Coldworld
January 20, 2018 at 03:31 pm
Then they would need another TE who can block. He is more a large WR.
Doug Niemczynski
January 20, 2018 at 03:53 pm
Strikes28
Just bought my phone
Doug Niemczynski
January 20, 2018 at 03:52 pm
He is in the 230lb range and 6'3
4thand1
January 21, 2018 at 09:13 am
You desribed trump, only an inch taller lmfao.
Since91
January 20, 2018 at 03:15 pm
Draft our future stud RT in first round! Brown or McGlinchey paired with Bak please and thank you!
Screw our defense if the man gets hurt again cause we can’t keep him off the ground who cares how good our defense is!!! The defenses looked real good last weekend when it mattered most! Hah
No thank you on Burnett or anyone else on this list unless they want back in for around a million each.....There is some solid talent out there In the secondary in free agency....
Eric Reid
Patrick Robinson
Trumaine Johnson
Lamarcus Joyner
Rashaan Melvin (we just signed a couple of colts coaches)
How bout we break the bank for a difference making RG Andrew Norwell???
I’m just thinking let’s build a wall around our guy and run the ball whenever we want too....our offense will always be our best defense...let’s make it elite again so we apply so much pressure that it changes the way other teams play offense against us...thanks
Coldworld
January 20, 2018 at 03:33 pm
If we are going to break the bank let it be on a OLB or an elite receiver.
Since91
January 20, 2018 at 05:01 pm
There are none available
4thand10
January 21, 2018 at 03:05 pm
That's also assuming we're running a 3-4.
fthisJack
January 21, 2018 at 08:13 am
Seriously91?
4thand1
January 21, 2018 at 09:17 am
Do you really want teams to be forced to throw the ball against us? Every game will be in the 40's in points, maybe 50's. Especially if MM has a decent lead late.
dobber
January 21, 2018 at 10:10 am
So you're saying the offense should be like Dash at the end of The Incredibles where his parents let him race, but tell him to hold back to the very end when he sprints into... second place?
marpag1
January 20, 2018 at 03:58 pm
Without trying to be a wise-ass, it's really, really hard to gauge who will be back and who won't when all of the UFAs are so easily replaceable.
Honestly, I don't know if any of these guys are in the top 100 or so free agents.... I don't mean top 100 NFL players, but top 100 free agents.
So if you don't like the kind of money Burnett (or whoever) is asking for, there will be someone else available who is probably cheaper, younger and about as good. It's musical chairs with guys like this.
Coldworld
January 21, 2018 at 08:07 am
I think we have to think like the patriots think. Be willing to let go of average but also willing to keep and acquire otherwise average players that excel in one particular aspect, be it as a run stuffer, a gunner or whatever at low cost. Rodgers might be one: great hands. Janis is another.
But I really think Philbin may bring us the inventiveness to exploit a large very fast receiver with so so hands and routes. One of my frustrations over the years after he left is the seeming inability to find ways to use individuals’ particular attributes either to make them more effective or open things up for others.
We basically use everyone the same way. I am looking for a more inventive scheme and more varied groups and formations this year.
Richard Smith
January 20, 2018 at 04:29 pm
This is a little of subject, but does have some relevancy. I listened to an interesting podcast that talked about the bottom quarter of GB's roster every year. I liked TT, but after listening to the analysis, I have learned that TT never allowed for competition on the roster. We always wondered why certain players never got playing time. They wouldn't be on the active roster on game days. It was always the same underperformers week in and week out. Reggie Gilbert is example one. I'm not sure if that is TT or MM, but from what I hear, this is going to change. Ron Wolf would do this. The inactive roster was always in flux. Players would come and go and there was constant turnover to find the best 53. The reason was that Thompson was a scout, first and foremost. I don't think he had any interest in the roster after the season started. He just wanted to scout. I may not have eloquently stated the idea I'm trying to get out there. My point, I guess, is this will all change. I think Guut will be closer to the GM Wolf was, and not TT. He will take care the all responsibilities of the GM. How this relates to the article, I'm not sure...HaHa. I think we will be seeing a lot of turnover this year, and that could mean every player mentioned in this article. We have a couple of backup guards in Patrick and McCray that people seem pretty high on. Evans will be gone. Janis gone. Burnett, We need him, because if HaHa doesn't get it together this year, he won't be resigned and then what?
flackcatcher
January 20, 2018 at 06:10 pm
Well said Richard. Which speaks to a far larger problem than just the coaching staff. (The amount of dysfunction speaks to MM failure as head coach, the man simply loss focus and the Packers paid the price on the field. ) If half the stories coming out of 1265 are true, then Mark Murphy has been interfering in the GM front office thru Russ Ball for a while now. That these stories are only now coming out, speaks to the level of dissatisfaction the executive committee has had with Murphy for some time. The Packer President is walking on very thin ice which already shows cracks. Rumor has it the 45 is really pissed at Murphy for using his position to campaign for NFL commissioner on the back of his firing of TT. We fans could be looking at a beginning of a effort to oust Murphy from his position before his contract ends.
Coldworld
January 21, 2018 at 08:14 am
If the reports are true Murphy was oblivious. It was TT who allegedly had delegated more and more authority to Ball to the frustration of both coaches and scouts.
The Executive Committee has not been credited with anything that I have seen. Ironically, I think Murphy should be on thin ice after he unilaterally centralized final decision making for football matters in himself not the GM.
flackcatcher
January 21, 2018 at 11:32 am
Bob Harlan suddenly starts doing radio interviews on sports talk stations in Wisconsin. The most media savvy past Packer President does not do this unless he has a message he is delivering for someone. Harlan hit the Milwaukee market giving interviews after Murphy did his swing a couple of days before. Remember, Russ Ball was making on the field decisions that no one in either the 45 or the 7 who oversee Murphy knew about. This is the same kind of crap that got Murphy fired from a certain Big Ten school where he was the AD. There is still a lot we don't know about the GM situation. But I agree, what little we know makes Mark Murphy look really bad. Thin ice, indeed.
Colin_C
January 20, 2018 at 06:13 pm
Agreed on all points. Gute even mentioned in his presser that no ones job is safe. So glad to hear that! As for Burnett, he's the only guy left I really want us to sign. I could see another Micah Hyde situation if we let him walk.
Since91
January 20, 2018 at 04:56 pm
How about a trade? Patrick Peterson a real NFL CB for a couple of our picks to a rebuilding team with no coach or QB....I’m thinking a second and a third could get it done.....He is under contact for three more years at about 11 million a year that’s a deal....What do you guys think?
stockholder
January 20, 2018 at 06:12 pm
No To a Trade. If the comp picks come like projected. Look for a draft of Defense 1,2,3, 456 OLs. And this is where the packers could hit some gold mine talent. The O -lineman fit the packers.
Colin_C
January 20, 2018 at 06:15 pm
I'd like to see Burnett back, as he is probably one of the more consistent guys on the field. Plus he seems to be respected as a team leader. Same goes for House. Certainly no better than average at this point, but I'd rather him back on a cheap contract than some rookie UDFA. As for the rest, I'm fairly indifferent. Janis would be nice to keep in case we ever need a hail mary or two I guess.
flackcatcher
January 20, 2018 at 06:28 pm
Burnett is going to get paid, it just comes down to who is going to offer the better pay check. I said this before on this site, but DB is the new 'rare' position in this NFL. Due to the rule changes, outside of QB, DB is the most important position in the NFL and is being paid as such. The big problem is not paying either House or Burnett, but who makes the final call. As I said up thread, if the stories about Russ Ball are true, then the Packers have a very big problem with their front office structure. One that won't get solved until the Packers make a change at Packer President.
fastmoving
January 21, 2018 at 12:34 pm
we got it, you dont like Mark M. I like him.
I understand the fact that you try to repeat the same sensless stuff over and over again till someone is believing it. I know it worked sometime in the past, but it wont work always.
Mark M will probably stay where he is as long as he wants
flackcatcher
January 22, 2018 at 03:49 am
I am pointing out the problems that we fans didn't know, that's all. All this talk about Murphy started after he strongly hinted that Russ Ball would be the next GM. The blow back from within 1265 was shocking. This is an organization that is as locked down as New England in the NFL. As for Murphy, I have defended him for the job he has done on this site. But there are major players in the executive committee who are concerned, otherwise Bob Harlan would have never spoken up. The Packers already have Murphy's replacement in the recently promoted Carmen Policy(sorry for the misspelling there) JR to C.O.O. And Murphy's contract is up within two years. Those are the on going facts, not me running my mouth off. Now,what I think is me running my mouth. All I am saying is Mark Murphy has created doubt and uncertainly when strong leadership is needed in a time of change. That gets CEO's fired. The Packers cannot afford the fog of uncertainly, so yes Murphy is on thin ice. Whether he stays or goes is no longer up to him.
stockholder
January 20, 2018 at 06:49 pm
Quinton Dial sucks. He's also listed on the depth chart behind both Clark and Lowrey. Montravius Adams is listed behind Mike Daniels. I felt Lowrey played better in Daniels position. He was player of the week #13! He played there in college. I hope the new DLC straightens out this Line. Remember the crazy Ricky Francois cut/ signings? Gentlemen we have a screwed up Depth Chart. And how do you change this without making your #1 pick a DL? Most of you want a pass rusher at #1. But as long as you think people suck on this DL. Why should the packers not draft here?
Coldworld
January 21, 2018 at 08:21 am
Dial was there simply to clog the middle. That is a valuable support role. If you want interior penetration you have to rotate the big guys and keep them fresh. I am not saying he can’t perhaps be improved upon but I am saying that we need an unglamorous type for the rest to have a chance to shine.
We need Adams and Lowry to come on to the point of being candidates for regular snaps too. Daniels and Clark were on the field too much. Particularly Daniels suffered from that down the stretch I think.
RobinsonDavis
January 21, 2018 at 10:30 am
Totally agree with this assessment. 3 points:
1) We have no idea yet what type of scheme Pettine will run, nor the responsibilities that will be placed on the d-linemen. My guess is that we may see Daniels and Clark show-off even more of their abilities.
2) We need more depth and someone that can consistently push the pocket back with a burst. Too many easy 3-5 step throws are being allowed, especially against the Falcons the last 2 years. (not saying our DB coverage could not improve here too, that's obvious). Keeping guys fresh is important on the d-line.
3) Daniels was not the same IMO after his injury. He finally started looking like himself again towards the end of the year, but injury played a factor.
dobber
January 21, 2018 at 10:40 am
I agree with RD above: I don't think Daniels was ever really the same after he got hurt early in the season...and he was still a beast.
As for Stockholder's comments: the conventional wisdom is that you can never go wrong by adding big bodies to your team. Quality ones are just too hard to find. But many times, interior DL are often made over time and not just drafted.
Oppy
January 22, 2018 at 12:27 am
Who thinks the d-line sucks? Arguably the strength of the defensive side of the roster.
EddieLeeIvory
January 20, 2018 at 07:13 pm
I would like to see 3 or 4 new CBs. A complete overhaul, to go with Pettine.
Damarious & Lenzie Pipkins.
Maybe House for a veteran minimum.
Sign 2 UFA, and draft 2.
Coldworld
January 21, 2018 at 08:23 am
And King surely. Draft one maybe until late rounds.
I would also like to see what Herb Waters, our mystery man due to injury looks like.
Since'61
January 20, 2018 at 08:53 pm
I would resign R. Rodgers as our 3rd TE. Also, Goode so that we don't experiment with missed FGs in 2018. Maybe Burnett if the price is right.
As for the rest, we were 7-9 with them, we can go 7-9 without them. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
January 21, 2018 at 08:26 am
I like Goode, but we have to use the off season on training replacements. He has shown he doesn’t need to be on a roster for the off season and we have to move on eventually. He has declined in all aspects but the snap itself.
CAG123
January 21, 2018 at 02:24 am
Everyone can go except House and Burnett. House can be a valuable 3rd-4th option and be used for depth in case someone gets hurt and Burnett I believe goes without saying but they damn sure shouldn’t break the bank for him he’s been solid throughout his career nothing more nothing less. I’d be pretty happy to see the king of the 5 yard falling catch Richard Rodgers go I mean the guy doesn’t bring much to the team he’s slow, un-athletic, and he can’t block Kim Chancellor steam rolling him in that 2014 NFCCG will be forever burned in my brain.
Coldworld
January 21, 2018 at 08:32 am
Rodgers is kind of like the William Henderson at the end of his career: a great last resort option. Henderson at that point would get 3-5 yards on dump offs. When he went we realized that that is a very valuable thing.
At the right price keep Rogers: I doubt he has big value. But know what you have, use him accordingly and accept that we need a TE who can move and block in addition.
RobinsonDavis
January 21, 2018 at 10:52 am
I agree. For all the venom against RR, have we forgotten the clay hands of our F/A tight ends last year? How many key dropped passes did we have? Though Rodgers lacks in blocking skills and speed, at least he catches the ball most of the time. And who can forget the Dallas playoff game last year where he and Cook teamed up to help GB defeat the Cowboys.
We need two good TEs that can catch the ball in this scheme. The fact is, we screwed-up by letting Cook go, because we thought the other TEs were better or we could find suitable replacements. If the Pack finds an outstanding rookie or F/A replacement, GREAT! But until then, RR needs to be a part of the thought process or the Pack may have to double-down again on Tight Ends.
Roadrunner23
January 21, 2018 at 08:30 am
Not one player on that list they can’t live without. Time to cleanse the roster of Thompson’s under achievers
Coldworld
January 21, 2018 at 08:33 am
Or use them better. Probably a bit of both I think.
dobber
January 22, 2018 at 02:15 pm
Yeah, that's what I don't understand. People keep saying it was Dom that was holding the defense back and that any new DC could make this defense immediately better...then they say all the players were crap and they all were below replacement level.
Consistency in arguments?
Roadrunner23
January 21, 2018 at 09:15 am
All of these guys are either used up or reached their ceiling. There are better players out there cheaper. That way they can invest in a difference maker or maybe even two. The bottom of the roster can be replenished with draft choices that have higher upside. Cut em all.
carlos
January 22, 2018 at 05:06 pm
He is a tough guy. He could handle TE in some sets. I like it even though it won’t happen.
teresinski6
January 21, 2018 at 10:16 am
Janis should be tried at TE, as suggested by a former coach on ESPN, that was 3 years ago, Packers have not had a TE worth a damn since Chumura, and it's time for a change that's why I think MM should have been fired he's to comfortable in his job, if Janis isn't being used at WR what's the problem with putting him at TE and see if it works out, nothing to loose.
dobber
January 21, 2018 at 10:35 am
What does it matter what you call him? If you call him a TE, but never line him up in-line, he's a WR. Are you seriously going to take this guy, put his hand on the ground and ask him to block? It's all semantics at that point and he'd be a TE in name only.
Qoojo
January 21, 2018 at 10:48 am
I think Burnett is a must sign. You've all seen how the defense falls apart without him to lead it. One of the issues that the defense has had is perpetual youth due to constant churn of the bottom half of roster with UDFA players, and draft picks in their 1st or 2nd year.
R Rodgers is a bit too slow I think, but I think he plays special teams and is ok for a 3rd string TE.
With the number top 100 draft picks available, I think Gute can find a CB to fill Houses's shoes, but if House can be signed cheap, I would sign him just for the veteran factor and depth.
It's time to end the 15% or more of the roster devoted to projects that can't play in the NFL today. With injuries, those players all have to play significant time by the end of the season.
dobber
January 22, 2018 at 01:50 pm
"if House can be signed cheap, I would sign him just for the veteran factor and depth."
I agree in that you could do a lot worse than House, especially if they're going to actually press receivers next season, as a 3rd or 4th CB at even the same cap number they gave him this year. A $2.8M cap number isn't going to stop them from signing anyone.
Qoojo
January 24, 2018 at 11:51 am
He is a definite upgrade over the UDFA depth. Plus, they need someone to teach the young guys how to view tape and such things. Don't forget how he was attempting to cool down Randall in that game vs the bears. He is a good locker room guy.
Rossonero
January 21, 2018 at 11:09 am
I can't help but feel like Morgan Burnett is as good as gone.
Age, salary and injury history are not on his side. Although he is incredibly valuable as the QB of the defense, I doubt he'll be back.
We've watched quick deals get done for Linsley and Adams. As for Burnett? Crickets...the Packers would rather let someone overpay and reap a comp. pick out of it.
I feel like the Packers have taken a page from Bill Walsh's playbook: once a player hits age 30, he will decline quickly (exceptions are superstars).
This upset a lot of veteran players when Walsh demanded pay cuts and reduced playing time. It's a pretty cutthroat way to treat your veterans, but that's the approach the Packers have taken.
Oppy
January 22, 2018 at 12:31 am
Adams wasnt a quick deal. There have been many players over the years where the packers didmt resign until long after the conclussion of the season. We'll just have to wait and see.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 22, 2018 at 01:41 am
An in-season extension sounds like a quick deal to me. There is no way to know whether the deal took months or just days to hammer out, of course. It certainly is an early deal.
Oppy
January 22, 2018 at 09:52 pm
Mike Daniels signed his contract extension two weeks earlier in the season than did Adams; Jordy Nelson signed his extension in mid July, as did Morgan Burnett. Clay Matthews signed an extension in April!
I think by comparison, it is relatively safe to say there was nothing expedient about getting the extension done in the final days of December. Sure, I mean, I guess they could have let him test free agency.. but realistically, that wasn't going to happen.
billybobton
January 22, 2018 at 01:27 pm
Packer nation is in a world of hurt when people look at the TERRIBLE Dbfield and announce the solution is more of the same
Re-sign the communicator? the brains of the horrific secondary?
you have to be fing kidding
Burnett was the day saver? what day was that? I would love to go back and watch it
MarkAlan
January 22, 2018 at 07:20 pm
Give Janis some snaps at tight end, what linebacker could cover him