Packers adding offensive lineman Billy Turner

Green Bay bolsters it's line depth with an eye toward improving the interior. 

Having focused heavily on defense early on, Packers general manager Broan Gutekunst also addressed his team's suspect interior offensive line play in 2018 by agreeing to terms with former Broncos offensive lineman Billy Turner.

Turner appeared in 19 games with the Broncos. In 2018, he made 11 starts, surrendering 3.5 sacks and grading out as Pro Football Focus' No. 33 OG among 77 qualifiers.

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

2 points
 

Comments (101)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Evergreenpacker's picture

March 12, 2019 at 10:29 am

Nice! More depth at the line, the better.

3 points
3
0
MarkinMadison's picture

March 12, 2019 at 09:40 pm

He's not depth. For the money he is getting, they are clearly expecting him to start, and probably to start at RT if needed.

0 points
1
1
Swisch's picture

March 12, 2019 at 10:36 am

Did the Packers just draw an inside straight flush in free agency dealings today?

9 points
9
0
Mojo's picture

March 12, 2019 at 10:37 am

Gutey has shot the wad. He must be spent.

6 points
8
2
Qoojo's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:38 pm

Cleanup isle 2

2 points
3
1
FTS Messamore's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:07 pm

"aisle 2 check."

2 points
2
0
mcduff67's picture

March 12, 2019 at 10:37 am

Doing so Good on the free-agent market, we haven't gotten into the draft yet!! I'm lovin' it man!!

10 points
10
0
Rak43's picture

March 12, 2019 at 06:12 pm

It's like waking up and realizing it's no longer groundhog day!!!!!

2 points
3
1
PeteK's picture

March 12, 2019 at 10:54 am

Love these moves! Now draft will be less hectic and much more fun. Still need to draft a O lineman high. The checking act should be zero now with a few mill in savings for the draft.

3 points
3
0
PeteK's picture

March 12, 2019 at 10:58 am

Hock everything and lets get Greedy.

8 points
11
3
CAG123's picture

March 12, 2019 at 11:12 am

I see what you did there.....well played lol

2 points
2
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:15 pm

i like it as lot!

1 points
1
0
SterlingSharpe's picture

March 12, 2019 at 10:59 am

This is how it's supposed to work: Filling holes with NFL-proven guys (who are still in their primes by the way), and then utilizing the Draft to take whoever they think are the best players, BPA at any position.

Sadly, as we all saw, our last GM put 99% of his chips into the Draft, and had as many whiffs as most did, especially with his first picks like Randall & Rollins, Datone, Perry (1 good year), Harrell, Josh Jones, passing on TJ Watt for Kevin King & Vince Biegel, etc.

Guty has 2 first round picks to try and find a red chip guy, and I think he will. He got us one for sure last year in Jaire Alexander.....

Next step:

14 points
17
3
Bearmeat's picture

March 12, 2019 at 11:01 am

This is going to make the draft MUCH easier. I just wonder how much FOUR first week FA's will cost?!?!

2 points
2
0
JHitTheB's picture

March 12, 2019 at 11:09 am

Amos - 4yrs, 37mil (21mil 1st 2 yrs)
P. Smith - 4yrs, 52mil
Turner - 4yrs, maximum 29.5mil

Haven't seen the numbers on Zadarius yet but I'm happy with all these new acquisitions. Can't wait for the season to start.

3 points
3
0
Dzehren's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:02 pm

Za'Darius Smith signed a 4 year, $66M contract
$34.5 million paid out during the first two years

4 points
4
0
SterlingSharpe's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:20 pm

Huuuuge $$$$ for Zadarius. Let's hope he earns it....

4 points
4
0
Swisch's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:26 pm

Yikes! as far as the combined salary for the two Smiths.
Maybe good, maybe great; but maybe we got carried away with one Smith too many.
I'm not sure which Smith would have been the better signing; but now let's hope both turn the corner into stardom as Packers Sackers.

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:34 pm

An avg season for all free agent signing would be a big upgrade to our D.

2 points
2
0
dobber's picture

March 13, 2019 at 08:33 am

Preston Smith does all the things that Nick Perry did...except get hurt.

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:38 pm

That's why its a two-year deal. They can draft an Edge guy with a high pick and be coverd for the next five years if he works out.

2 points
2
0
bartstarrfan's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:50 pm

It will cost a lot, but we might as well spend it. One thing I think we can be certain of is that the Cap Train won't wreck the Packers.

0 points
1
1
Tundraboy's picture

March 12, 2019 at 09:00 pm

Mannah from heaven. A draft we can look forward to rather than stress out about.

0 points
0
0
carlos's picture

March 12, 2019 at 11:08 am

Doing it the way the Eagles did it and led them to a Super Bowl win.

2 points
2
0
Dragon5's picture

March 12, 2019 at 11:19 am

Turner also an 11 Life Path just like Saffold, but 3 years younger...two positives. $7m per seems pricey for a guy ranked in the middle of the guard class though. Saffold was ranked #8, Turner #33

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:39 pm

Maybe Taylor's contract goes next.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

March 12, 2019 at 11:22 am

HELL Yes!!!!! Way to go Gute! I'm loving EVERY move he's made. But what's BEST is he's set himself up beautifully for the draft!

7 points
7
0
Since'61's picture

March 12, 2019 at 11:44 am

Exactly Nick. He can pick up some skill position players for the offense in the early rounds. Go Gute Go! Thanks, Since '61

3 points
3
0
Cartwright's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:08 pm

Yes that's what I'm thinking. I wouldn't doubt if Gute goes and grabs this kid Hockenson early before the Patriots trade down and scoop him up. Have read that some are comparing him to Gronkowski.

0 points
1
1
Bearmeat's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:09 pm

You have to change your screen name now, NP. :P

1 points
1
0
Spock's picture

March 12, 2019 at 07:24 pm

lol, Bearmeat. As I recall Nick Perry is his REAL name. It was just coincidental that we had (!) a Nick Perry on the Packers.

0 points
0
0
OldTimer's picture

March 12, 2019 at 08:32 pm

If it was me, I think I'd still change my name! I wonder how Spriggs is going to sleep tonight. After this signing?

0 points
0
0
Fire_Gute's picture

March 12, 2019 at 08:54 pm

If he sleeps like he plays, hes going to have no problem laying down on his back

1 points
1
0
Dzehren's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:18 pm

Draft OL Lindstrom@ 30
Draft TE Irv Smith @ 44
Draft S Juan Thornton @ 77
Draft Isabella & OL in the 4th
GB might want to start looking at CB & RB later in the draft.

1 points
2
1
jannes bjornson's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:41 pm

Thornhill? If Breeland walks they are thinking CB with a high pick.

0 points
0
0
Dzehren's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:23 pm

U maybe right. Thornhill ran a 4.4 40, has a 44 inch vertical & 21 reps on the bench! STUD

0 points
0
0
Dragon5's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:32 pm

6.5" higher vertical, but much like Josh Jones

ya never know...I prefer Amani Hooker

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:19 pm

I prefer Abram, the intimidator.

0 points
0
0
bartstarrfan's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:51 pm

Who do you want at 12?

1 points
1
0
Dzehren's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:34 pm

BartStar- @ 12 I like Ed Oliver DL , Devin White LB or Clelin Ferrell OLB

0 points
0
0
Roadrunner23's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:03 pm

Build the Wall!

-3 points
7
10
haseo's picture

March 12, 2019 at 04:47 pm

tf does this have to do with free agency?

-1 points
1
2
Since'61's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:13 pm

Four really solid FA signings. This could change our approach to the draft. While we can still use another OL, LB and Safety we can also focus on TE, WR and RB and reload the offense with some young, athletic skill players. It is looking like Gute is willing to go all in for the next 2 seasons. Good job Gute! Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

4 points
5
1
Bure9620's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:11 pm

AGREED. It Allows Gute to truly go BPA in the draft and have an outlook for the future. It appears Gute feels this roster is a retool, NOT a rebuild. I have been advocating for another DT. Man if we can get Ed Oliver at 12 we could have 2 dominant interior players for the next 4-7 years with Clark and Oliver.

1 points
1
0
bartstarrfan's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:55 pm

I would love to see them draft David Montgomery. Hakeem Butler is a beast at WR too.

-1 points
1
2
MikeS's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:12 pm

Way to go Gutey!!! Show old man TT how free agency is suppose to work.

-1 points
1
2
Bert's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:19 pm

I think Amos and the Smith duo are solid signings and will upgrade the defense. Not so sure about Turner though. He may be good depth but not a real upgrade as a starter. Maybe overpaid for Turner. We'll see. Overall I give Gute a solid B so far in FA which is pretty good. I'm pleased.

0 points
2
2
jannes bjornson's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:43 pm

If he is mobile Taylor may be on the trading block.

-1 points
0
1
Coldworld's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:54 pm

With a rookie from the draft to replace him? I would think not this year. This seems like a fix the need with a younger player who can last type of move. He has been forced to play LT in Miami and RT in Denver due to injuries so his body of work at guard isn’t huge. That raises some questions but it could also be a reason for him being under valued in the league.

1 points
2
1
jannes bjornson's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:24 pm

With a high pick he could be a ten year player and a potetial Pro Bowl guy. Jonah Williams, Cody Ford, Lindstrom can start immediately. LeFleur wants mobile guards. He made that assertion in his press conference at the Combine.

-1 points
0
1
HankScorpio's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:37 am

This is the same group of people that thought it was ok to roll into 2018 with Justin McCray and Byron Bell as the primary options @ RG. That choice did not turn out favorably. So I think there are legit questions to ask about whether they have the first clue about OL additions.

The choice to add Turner for the price that is being reported does nothing to knock my socks off. They also overpaid for Amos, IMO. I'm just not getting the warm fuzzies about Gute's choices.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

March 13, 2019 at 08:36 am

It's my hope (note the use of the word) that the addition of the OL scout extraordinaire (Hendrickson) precipitated this OL move. That he's the guy who is vouching for this addition...beyond what they want to do scheme-wise and what they see on film.

1 points
1
0
NitschkeFan's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:36 pm

Like the new players and the “clean house” approach.

Must admit I find the price tag a bit steep on the Smith’s and Turner (thought Amos deal was a very fair price) but I’m probably always suprised during free agency with the money teams dole out.

The draft is now wide open for the team to pick BPA and maybe that is part of the equation when creating these deals.

4 points
6
2
Bert's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:51 pm

I would agree that we have paid a pretty steep price for the Smith's and Turner. I think the Smith's will be an immediate upgrade though so I can't really complain much about the price tags. Not sure about Turner. Hey. At least Gute is in the game and working to improve the team. I won't complain about that.

4 points
4
0
stillcrazee's picture

March 12, 2019 at 12:50 pm

Zadarius Smith for $16.5 million per year? Why not just get Dee Ford?

-1 points
1
2
ShooterMcGee's picture

March 12, 2019 at 08:15 pm

Dee ford would also have cost draft picks which would be moronic. Better to just sign a free agent without giving up draft capital. (Sorry for the harsh tone of my previous post)

-2 points
4
6
Mojo's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:15 pm

Harsh! Is that you Stroh?

-1 points
0
1
PeteK's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:43 pm

Yes, very nasty for a relatively fair comment and on a dat when all packer fans should be in a great mood.

3 points
3
0
Irish_Cheesehead's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:18 pm

I believe the Chiefs used the franchise tag on Dee Ford. Packers were interested.

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:27 pm

Dee Ford cannot hold point as well as the Smiths. The Pack will get a speed rusher in the draft. Maybe White falls to them at #12 and the inside rush becomes as vicious as Da Bears.

1 points
1
0
Fire_Gute's picture

March 12, 2019 at 08:58 pm

Dee Ford is a little bit older, would have cost a 2nd rounder, got a 5 year deal, and has Nick Perry 2.0 written all over him

1 points
1
0
NJMagic's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:08 pm

Why are fans never happy? We're not active enough in FA... We're over-spending in FA...

Personally I love these moves, particularly Amos. Will really free up Pettine to be even more creative.

I also like that the Smith's are signed in their prime years (versus signing FA for past accomplishments). Let's see what they can do.

Also- we have OLB immediately coined "The Smith's" - how awesome is that. Almost as good as a contract palindrome.

Finally, go get a slot WR like Tate and will be set!

6 points
8
2
Bert's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:38 pm

I think we can all agree that it's better to overpay a bit and upgrade the team rather than do nothing and hope the draft works out. So I'm pleased that Gute has upgraded the defense even though he may have had to pay a bit high to do it. Fact is that you get nowhere by doing nothing.

5 points
6
1
jannes bjornson's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:40 pm

Or get excited about "undrafted free agents" thinking lightning will strike with a Sam Shields.

1 points
1
0
Qoojo's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:41 pm

I don't think are too many left in the "not active enough" camp after today. Might not hear from them until they wake up from having passed out.

6 points
6
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 13, 2019 at 06:45 pm

Totally agree with you! People unhappy with team and talent. Then same people questioning these FA moves and the cost like they are in the contract know and salary cap experts.

I think the experts residing at Lambeau corporate have a pretty good idea of what they are doing. This off season could really be a dismal dark time but instead with all the coaching changes, scheme changes, FA aggressiveness, and two selections in round 1 this is one of the most exciting off seasons any of us remember. Just relax, enjoy, and soak it all in.

0 points
0
0
Grandfathered's picture

March 13, 2019 at 09:18 pm

Would rather keep Cobb than Tate

0 points
0
0
bigspiker's picture

March 12, 2019 at 01:47 pm

If your a Pack fan don’t look back to the Miami news articles. They tried him at left tackle with no notice he was starting and when he gave up 4 sacks to Brian Orakpo they cut him.
He was ranked the 77th best tackle in NFL. There are only 32 teams. The articles are ugly. Hope he’d improved.

2 points
2
0
Mojo's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:27 pm

Yeah, most of the stuff I read was pretty negative. Decent small-school prospect but was released by two different teams before Denver took a flyer.

Denver apparently had an interest in keeping him but not enough cap room. Think GB overpaid though. They must like his versatility and potential to backup at tackle.

Maybe GB projects him to be fluid in the new MLF run scheme. But on first glance seems GB overpaid. Rather they went after Breeland. Guess we'll see.

1 points
1
0
albert999's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:34 pm

Who’s him?

1 points
1
0
albert999's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:35 pm

Turner? If so i tend to agree. Looked slow and sluggish in his combine drills before he came out and could have drafted more of an athletic OL

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:48 pm

It all depends on how much guaranteed money he got. If low we can move on after one season.

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:19 pm

4 yrs 28 million

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:21 pm

Not sure of guarantee

0 points
0
0
Dzehren's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:48 pm

I think Bulaga is going to be a surprise cap casualty. Turner, Lindstrom & another draft pick.
McCray, Spriggs and Patrick will compete for backup spots. May need cap space to extend Kenny Clark and sign draft picks.

0 points
2
2
Lare's picture

March 12, 2019 at 04:41 pm

The Packers also have some interesting OL prospects on their roster with Siragusa, Light and de Beer, not to mention Madison if he ever decides to show up. With their higher cap amounts, Bulaga and Taylor may be fighting for their roster spots if the Packers draft another offensive lineman fairly early in the draft. Cutting them would save around $10 million in cap space.

3 points
3
0
Dzehren's picture

March 12, 2019 at 04:51 pm

Excelllent point. Will be interesting how this transpires. Hopefully Gute drafts a plug & play linemen.

0 points
0
0
MarkinMadison's picture

March 12, 2019 at 02:56 pm

Wow. Just wow. I can’t remember the Packers ever signing so many players in the first week of FA. I’ll be interested to see how they make the money work.

2 points
2
0
Jonathan Spader's picture

March 12, 2019 at 04:38 pm

Agreed MM looking forward to a TGR article on it!

3 points
3
0
Mojo's picture

March 12, 2019 at 04:59 pm

I think TGR did weigh in on it on another thread. Said something like only 30% of the Smith's contract total value is as signing bonuses. After reading what he wrote the other day, sounds like a bad thing, albatross wise.

I will say, because of the relative youth of these impending signings I do expect them do fulfill the entirety of their contracts. Maybe not Turner, but the others should unless there's major injuries.

2 points
2
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 13, 2019 at 02:42 am

The structures are all bad on these four free agent signings if the media reports are correct. If they play well, that won't matter.

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

March 13, 2019 at 08:38 am

The question is: how much will long-term structure matter with the impending CBA/Ownership issues coming up?

1 points
1
0
Hawg Hanner's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:05 pm

hope there is some upside. has to be the nymber two guard on the roster now. Plenty of dough for this guy.

1 points
1
0
albert999's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:22 pm

A lot of reports say Packers still in mix for Mark Ingram
How can they any money left?
Especially his kinda money

0 points
0
0
Mojo's picture

March 12, 2019 at 05:08 pm

With a team this good, Mark Ingram is going to pay GB for the privilege of being on the roster.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

March 13, 2019 at 08:39 am

It's all about how they structured the deals.

0 points
0
0
spexxx2's picture

March 12, 2019 at 03:29 pm

i cant wait for Nags cast tonight. probably going to be hysterical.

1 points
1
0
Mojo's picture

March 12, 2019 at 05:06 pm

There's going to be some scolding, as in " ... yesterday so many of you were panicking about GB and free agency and now look".

0 points
0
0
Swisch's picture

March 12, 2019 at 06:33 pm

I went (more or less jokingly) from being impatient (but not panicky) yesterday -- after having to live only on speculation for seemingly eons -- to being overwhelmed and a little dizzy today.
It's a fun and exciting day, but I still can't help but wonder if the Packers overdid it a bit.
I think I would have been just as happy without either one of the Smiths. Also, I'm wondering why Z. Smith was so much more than P. Smith ($17 million per year vs. $13 million?).
At this point, I'm good with giving Gute the benefit of the doubt in player evaluation and payout. Overall, it seems a very-good-to-excellent day (even if Bill Barnwell at ESPN doesn't think so).
It will be interesting to see how the salary situation shakes out with all the additions and subtractions.
Who says there's no use for math in real life? ;-)

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

March 13, 2019 at 08:41 am

"Also, I'm wondering why Z. Smith was so much more than P. Smith ($17 million per year vs. $13 million?)"

Preston Smith is Anthony Barr...only less injured. He's assignment sure, can set the edge well, and can rush the passer. He does just about everything.

Z-Smith, by reputation, is more of a rush specialist. That drives his $$ up. He can still set the edge, but it's not his calling-card.

0 points
0
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

March 12, 2019 at 05:13 pm

Love the first 3 moves but the Turner signing is strange. Here's just one review: "Some may describe Billy Turner as versatile because he can play both guard and right tackle. I would describe him as a turnstile. Turner cannot block well. " I don't think he'll be starting and that's a lot to pay for a backup... I think. Gute and the Oline coaches must see something though.

0 points
0
0
Dzehren's picture

March 12, 2019 at 06:26 pm

GB paying all his guaranteed money this year (11M). Turner will be the 2nd highest paid lineman on the team other than Bahk. He is definitely starting.

3 points
3
0
CoachJV's picture

March 12, 2019 at 09:06 pm

One could speculate that by grabbing Turner - who can play RT - that we might be getting ready to release Bulaga for $8M more cap room. If we drafted someone like Jonah Williams or two, we could pick up a mid-level OL and maybe a cheap back or WR who can return punts and kicks.

1 points
1
0
MarkinMadison's picture

March 12, 2019 at 09:42 pm

I think the numbers suggest that there is one more cap casualty coming.

3 points
3
0
Dzehren's picture

March 13, 2019 at 12:32 pm

Agreed. The oft injured Bulaga or the recently under performing Lane Taylor could be cap casualties.
A high draft pick would be needed for a plug and play. Bulaga has no dead cap implications if released.

2 points
2
0
CoachJV's picture

March 13, 2019 at 11:53 am

Yep... that's an extra $8M free and clear.

Hell, with that, plus what we have left, we could sign Breeland, pick up another OL for depth and get that P/K returner.

Let's hope Gute trades up for Jonah Williams, or he somehow falls to #12.. or Clay ford could work too as a plug and play.

1 points
1
0
AgrippaLII's picture

March 13, 2019 at 02:38 am

Lot of negatives written about this guy...but it looks to me like he's played out of position most of the time. He's obviously not a tackle so I look for him to be one of the starting guards...he's been paid too much to be a backup.

1 points
1
0
Ustabeayooper's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:00 am

Notice that all of these FA were mid round picks in the draft and showed production when given the opportunity. The trouble with focusing on your own draft and develop players is that after their rookie contracts, you pay for continued development that never comes. Perry was a prime example. These FA are all entering their second contracts with upside potential. Most of the monies paid are front loaded in the first 2 years when the FA are in their prime. I much prefer this approach to player acquisition over last year's.

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

March 13, 2019 at 08:44 am

The moves the Packers made yesterday say that they're setting up for this next 2-3 years when Rodgers will be at what's left of his peak. They're going to try to win now, and not build for 2021 and beyond.

2 points
2
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 13, 2019 at 06:50 pm

And I am all in for that!

0 points
0
0
Dragon5's picture

March 15, 2019 at 09:24 am

Just realized Billy is also an 11 life path who are usually supreme athletes...he even stresses his athleticism in his interview

1 life paths just a notch below them. No 7 LPs (injury prone) signed, so hopefully less worry about injuries this year. We'll have to see if 7LPs Kevin King, MVS, J'mon Moore, Josh Jones, Mason Crosby, and FAs Breshaud Breeland & CM3 hold up this year.

So we signed
11LP Za'Darius Smith
11LP Billy Smith
1LP Adrian Amos
4LP Preston Smith

0 points
0
0