Packers Should Explore Veterans at Wide Receiver, O-Line
With Brian Gutekunst be like Ted Thompson, or he will add some veterans this summer to help supplement his 53-man roster?
It has been an interesting few months for the Green Bay Packers under the direction of new general manager Brian Gutekunst. But what will also be intriguing is how he handles the next few months.
In the past, things have been pretty dead for the Packers following the NFL draft. Ted Thompson didn’t really sign a lot of veterans, so it was mostly about developing young guys and some contract extensions.
While a contract extension with Aaron Rodgers will certainly be a priority for Gutekunst and the Packers this summer, it will be interesting to see if the new personnel chief will supplement his roster at all with veteran talent.
Thompson was adverse to those kinds of moves, except in desperate situations. That’s part of the reason guys like Jeff Saturday and Jahri Evans ended up in Green Bay. Jared Cook, Martellus Bennett and Jimmy Graham were also acquisitions born out of need.
Yet, the Packers have never really been busy in May and June. But with a couple of questionable spots on the depth chart, it might not be a bad idea to add a few cheap vets before training camp.
One position that could use a veteran presence is wide receiver. Yes, the Packers have Davante Adams and Randall Cobb, two very good players. But the depth is a little thin after that with Geronimo Allison, Trevor Davis, Michael Clark and three rookies. Ty Montgomery could also figure into the mix as well in the slot.
However, none of those guys are proven players, so would it really be a bad thing to bring in a guy like Jeremy Maclin or another veteran like Eric Dekcer? Neither player is in their prime anymore, but both are still capable. Decker caught more than 50 balls last season and Maclin was close to 500 yards receiving, even though he battled some injuries. They aren't stars and if they stink in camp, cut them. But it wouldn't be a huge risk to take a shot.
That’s just one area. Offensive guard is another that needs to be addressed. At least it could use some depth. There are promising young guys capable of starting such as Justin McCray, Lucas Patrick or even Kyle Murphy. Rookie Cole Madison could also figure into the mix.
But at the same time, would it be terrible to bring back Evans, who was pretty solid last season? He would be cheap and he seems open to a return, so why not pull the trigger on a deal?
Green Bay could also use more depth with the pass rush and a blocking tight end wouldn’t be a bad thing either. But, with Gutekunst, we really have no precedent, so we'll just have to wait and see.
Who knows, the summer in Green Bay might just be a little more interesting.
__________________________
Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru
Comments (68)
Ryan Graham
May 17, 2018 at 12:13 pm
I would be really excited to see Gute bring in some depth at Tackle. Better yet, put some heat on Bulaga. Hes been a great Packer dont get me wrong, but this is a 'what have you done for me lately' league and he has very much struggled staying on the field. Some leverage to at least lower his salary might be in order.
I frankly am tired of seeing players get paid to watch from the sideline because they have repeatedly beeb injured. I understand its collision sport, and some injuries are flukish. That said, there seems to be a pattern and it's time to get to the root of the problem. Mark Lovat and friends anyone...?
GBPDAN1
May 17, 2018 at 02:39 pm
If a couple of the young DBs, King , Jones, Alexander and Jackson (and Burks at ILB) play well, we are a decent Vet WR and OT away from a legitimate shot to be in the SB, especially if Mo Wilkinson , Biegel or Gilbert step up.
If we stand pat at WR and OT, we are an injury away from possible disaster. I agree with this article, BG needs to explore options.
alinger84
May 17, 2018 at 12:13 pm
Mike Wallace already signed with the Eagles...
ChrisPeterson
May 17, 2018 at 12:50 pm
Oh I missed that. I thought he was still free. Thanks.
dobber
May 17, 2018 at 12:13 pm
I don't see anything happening until after the next round of OTAs are done so they can see these potential starters working with the rest of the starters. We're closing in on June 1 cuts, too...
TheVOR
May 17, 2018 at 04:15 pm
Ya Dob, I agree. In fact I don't really see any acquisitions of Veterans in either the OL or at WR, I just don't see it happening.
Bottom line, is do you want to see Rodgers get extended? Because if we want that sooner than later, there not exactly a ton of room left.
Coldworld
May 17, 2018 at 06:29 pm
I can see it happening but not before camp. I think they won’t spend reps on a vet at this point
dobber
May 18, 2018 at 07:50 am
I think you're right as far as OTAs go...but it's my hope that they're objective enough in assessing what they've got that they'll make a move between OTAs and camp if they see a potential problem. Hopefully? They'll see no real issues...
Bearmeat
May 18, 2018 at 05:16 pm
Yeah. Like OLB, WR and RT....
Finwiz
May 17, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Get Dez Bryant in here - now.
They can't possibly think Allison will be the 3rd receiver.
Someone mentioned Bulaga...if he comes back, IF, he'll be injured again before game 6.
And Cobb will be injured too with the hits he takes, and additional work load if he's the new number 2.
worztik
May 17, 2018 at 01:22 pm
Fin... I respectfully disagree on Bryant. He was let go by Dallas for a reason and it’s not like WR is a position of strength for them! He’s JAG right now and he needs the limelight of a big city to hide himself in and he’d be a pariah in our locker room! We have real potential with our stable of WRs... let’s see what they can do and stay away from nitwits cut by other teams... they’re out on the market for a reason! Was it you that wanted Ridley so badly? If Bryant is a replacement for Jordy, heaven help us...
TKWorldWide
May 17, 2018 at 08:23 pm
“Respectfully disagree”??
Since when did we get civilized around here?
C’Mon, man!
~~~~~~~~
Cartwright
May 18, 2018 at 04:27 am
Yeah, especially from someone who shows no respect.
dobber
May 18, 2018 at 07:51 am
J'mon, man!
TKWorldWide
May 18, 2018 at 04:54 pm
Expertly turned, my friend.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
May 17, 2018 at 12:43 pm
Spending money and precious roster spots on OL and WR veterans might be the worst idea I can imagine.
4thand1
May 17, 2018 at 12:59 pm
No team is going to waive any quality o-linemen or WR's. We'll see what happens after roster cuts.
dobber
May 17, 2018 at 04:45 pm
There are credible players cut every year after June 1 for cap-saving purposes. Teams see what they have in their draft picks and FA signings and let guys go after June 1 so they can spread out any dead money over the next two seasons.
Coldworld
May 17, 2018 at 06:31 pm
Couldn’t agree more. Vets are also cut in August if potential or cap impact of another appeals more
worztik
May 17, 2018 at 01:09 pm
I was thinking the same, buddy! They’re free agents for a reason...
worztik
May 17, 2018 at 01:12 pm
Plus, if another team waives a player, do WE really need that guy or is it a case of just signing a name that fans can recognize? See what we have with our current young players and move from a position of “need” after that... just sayin’...
Coldworld
May 17, 2018 at 06:32 pm
Well Evans was basically that. Wasn’t Jordy that too, just cut earlier?
NoNonsense
May 17, 2018 at 03:50 pm
Wasn't Charles Woodson once a FA that basically nobody wanted? A guy who wasn't exactly loved in Oakland anymore because of injuries and attitude. When TT signed Wood I think the Buccaneers expressed a little interest but made no offer. He didn't really want to come to GB but did because they were the only team to offer a contract. That worked out pretty well.
Not saying we could strike gold like that again but just because someone is still a FA this late in the process doesn't mean they can't help this or another team.
We don't need Dez or any other vet WR to come in and catch 60 or 70 balls for 1000 yards. We need depth past Adams and Cobb that other teams have to respect. I'd take 50 rec for 750 and 7 TDs any day out of what's left out there.
Ferrari Driver
May 17, 2018 at 06:24 pm
I wish Bryant had some of the talent his demonstrated perhaps 5 or 6 years back, but I have not so fond memories of bring in Joe Johnson and most recently Bennett who was a negative on the team and a negative in the community with his attitude and protesting during the anthem.
If you really want to go back a ways, I also remember Hardy Nickerson who was a terrific player in his youth, but similar to Joe Johnson, when the Packers signed him the gauge was in "E" and the tank was empty.
Bryant has a questionable attitude and could be disruptive in the locker room and his on the field performance has been on a downward trend and old age simply tends to exacerbate that issue.
NoNonsense
May 17, 2018 at 10:17 pm
Signing Bryant would be a Ron Wolf type move.
Andre Rison, WR (Claimed off waivers, Nov. 19, 1996) – After losing Robert Brooks for the season in Week 7 and Antonio Freeman a week later with a fractured forearm that would sideline him for four games, the Packers claimed Rison after he had been cut by Jacksonville. Rison’s reputation as a malcontent was a red flag. He had been given walking papers by four teams in less than eight years despite five seasons of 80 catches or more. In eight games with the Packers, he was on his best behavior. He started seven and caught a 54-yard touchdown pass in Super Bowl XXXI. His totals for three postseason games were seven catches and a 20.4 average. In March, less than two months after the Super Bowl, the Packers released him. Rison had another big year with Kansas City in 1997 and played through 2000.
Id offer the guy 1 yr, 3 to 5 million with no guarantees and some incentives. If hes sucks or is an asshat then cut the cord.
TKWorldWide
May 18, 2018 at 07:03 am
In junior high they told us if we exacerbate too much we’d go blind.
dobber
May 18, 2018 at 07:52 am
No wonder I need glasses...
Spock
May 18, 2018 at 09:22 am
You'll lose weight if you don't masticate at the dinner table.
TKWorldWide
May 18, 2018 at 04:39 pm
I thought a “masticate” was like a big, wooly mammoth.
TKWorldWide
May 18, 2018 at 04:37 pm
I was always left wondering how much is “too much”.
dobber
May 18, 2018 at 07:44 pm
You'll have to do some extrapolating...
TKWorldWide
May 19, 2018 at 06:40 am
Which brings us full circle.
Chuck Farley
May 17, 2018 at 01:47 pm
My twist to this is Russ ball is the moneyman. He ain't spending on fa's, thus gutt will look a lot like Ted in that the pack will still play cheap ball. Minus the mountain of money owed Rodgers
jeremyjjbrown
May 17, 2018 at 02:13 pm
Why do you think Russ Ball makes the calls? He's basically an accountant.
dobber
May 17, 2018 at 04:26 pm
**Yawn**
4thand1
May 17, 2018 at 04:58 pm
Russ Ball doesn't make the call.
Coldworld
May 17, 2018 at 06:34 pm
At least not anymore .... I hope!
flackcatcher
May 17, 2018 at 07:05 pm
From what I hear Gute makes the final call. Executive committee put the boot on Murphy's backside and told him and McCarthy it's the GM decision.
TKWorldWide
May 18, 2018 at 07:05 am
Mr. Gruber says “one call, that’s all”.
worztik
May 18, 2018 at 09:10 am
I cringe every time I see his mug on the tube... ;-)
TKWorldWide
May 18, 2018 at 04:35 pm
As do I, amigo.
But at least he’s rarely on tv.
~~~~
Handsback
May 17, 2018 at 03:02 pm
We need to send one of those OT linemen trees to the Packers so they can pluck them off as soon as they are ripe. There are a lot of ifs to using the FA market for WRs, and OTs. I don't see the need for OG/C this year because of last years play of several of the 2nd and 3rd year guys. WRs would have to be determined after they start TC and see if the current group is sufficent. Obviously Dez could be a solution for the outside and Eli Rodgers for the slot if anything happened to Cobb.
If there is one spot I would be concerned about would be TE. A blocking TE. Right now those trees are sold out. Actually,
Coldworld
May 17, 2018 at 06:35 pm
Possibly one or two on our 90. Certainly the one signed after tryouts
Donster
May 17, 2018 at 04:11 pm
Well if Cobb gets hurt you have Montgomery on the roster that can replace him. Signing Dez, Maclin or Decker is just like admitting you screwed up by letting Jordy go. Can any of those three play any better now than Jordy? All three have had injuries, and they have also slowed down, and haven't put up the numbers they once did. The Nelson/Rodgers connection for years helped make up for Nelson losing a step. I still stand by the fact that Jordy would have worked with the team for less money and help the salary cap. But Gute showed he didn't want him, and gave him an embarrassing, kick in the nuts offer to one of the best, most loyal players the Packers have ever had.
That being said, unless one of the three kids drafted this year is a major surprise and can be a legit starter, or Geronimo, Davis or Clark take a big step forward, they may have to bring in someone. And they are going to have to do it on the cheap. You usually get what you pay for. I think that Gute is going into this season at WR with what he has to work with. And I believe he feels that Graham is going to make up for less experience at WR. I hope he is right. And I hope that Adams and or Cobb don't go down with a major injury.
dobber
May 17, 2018 at 04:42 pm
It's Graham, the RBs, and the hope that Philbin will get MM to use them that leads me to be less concerned with the pass-catchers than I am the OL. And even in that case, there are possibilities there. That's not to say that bringing in a vet to compete wouldn't be a bad idea (especially since they could cut him if the returnees show well in camp).
flackcatcher
May 17, 2018 at 07:11 pm
If the Packers saw the need, they would have signed a vet FA already. Lets not underrate this OL group. They have an outstanding coach and we know from last year that there is real talent in this group. The X factor, is as usual for this team is injuries....
Spock
May 18, 2018 at 09:33 am
"But Gute showed he didn't want him, and gave him an embarrassing, kick in the nuts offer to one of the best, most loyal players the Packers have ever had." Why is it that when the Packers have a player get a low offer because of diminishing value it's terrible, yet, seems like lots of fans want the players (example: Arod) to take "home town discounts" on new contracts???? It's a business much as we fans would like to believe the players are all playing just for the love of the game the reality is that it's their livelihood and the teams have to conform to the almighty cap. Jordy was my favorite player, but he clearly wasn't the same last year and as tired as the old saying goes it's true, "its a young man's game".
WKUPackFan
May 18, 2018 at 10:12 am
Those are the same uninformed people who constantly state that AR's potential contract will prevent the Packers from fielding a competitive team. They believe the goofy 31.1% or whatever irrelevant number that was. No matter how many educated articles James authors about the salary cap they either do not understand, or simply refuse to understand, the actual situation.
TKWorldWide
May 18, 2018 at 05:00 pm
I try to misunderstand each new situation as it arises, and according to its merits. Works for me.
In fact, it’s fun!
4zone
May 17, 2018 at 04:32 pm
By the time the Packers sign AR to his next break the bank contract, there won't be any money left to sign anyone else.
Bure9620
May 17, 2018 at 07:57 pm
What depth at tackle? From where? Good tackles are under contract. There are not quality tackles just out there in FA, the only thing I could potentially see them doing is signing a vet that is cut by another team at the final 53 cut down.
flackcatcher
May 17, 2018 at 10:14 pm
Lots of unanswered questions for us fans. We will just have to wait until training camp to see what the offense and defense schemes are. I have a couple of guesses, but i don't have any thing to back it up right now. I think Rollins will be a SS/slot. He can hit and cover and has shown in the past that he understands his assignment. No one inside the NFL wants to say this, but Reid is considered a major head case, even before the kneel down mess occurred. With more teams going to the hybrid/OLB there are a lot less slots open for pure SS. The truth is NFL rules are changing the SS position and pushing pure SS like Reid out of the league. As for OLB, health is a big issue here. Vet players have a lot of miles on them, and this GM has already shown that he is going on a youth movement. Outside that, we'll just have to wait and see.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
May 18, 2018 at 04:33 am
We're loaded with Safety talent, and I would move Rollins there as well. Signing Reid makes no sense.
dobber
May 18, 2018 at 07:55 am
"We're loaded with Safety talent"
I think we said the same thing last year, too.
"I would move Rollins there as well"
I think that's his best chance to stick in 2018.
TKWorldWide
May 19, 2018 at 06:41 am
You had me at “we’re loaded”!
Cheers, my brother.
Since'61
May 17, 2018 at 10:25 pm
I would prefer the Packers to sign a blocking TE rather than another WR. We have Adams, Cobb and Graham, who is a TE but plays split out wide. We have Davis, Allison and Clark, plus Monty and 3 rookies coming into TC.
While I firmly believe in providing Rodgers with as many weapons as possible I don't think that we need another WR at this point. I would prefer to see the $ money used to sign a blocking TE who is either still out there or released after 6/1. A blocking TE is a definite need and should be addressed. As for the OL I would resign Jahri Evans which would firm up the RG spot and allow the coaching staff to address the options at RT.
It might make sense to wait until after TC to sign a vet OL or TE but I hope Gute doesn't let these positions go unresolved for years like TT did with RB, TE, ILB, Safety and CB. Thanks, Since '61
croatpackfan
May 18, 2018 at 07:25 am
Why people always forget to mention Yancey? He is WR who is on the Packers roster...
Since'61
May 18, 2018 at 08:14 am
Croat - good point. Leaving out Yancey was an oversight on my part. He is another reason why we do not need to sign a veteran WR. Thanks, Since '61
Spock
May 18, 2018 at 09:42 am
Since '61, Agree a blocking TE would be nice to add, but don't forget we have a blocking FB in Kerridge (spelling?) who was coming on gangbusters last training camp and looked to be a real possibility to knock Ripkowski off the 53. I'd love to see Ty or Jones in the backfield with a blocking FB who can also pass protect!
TKWorldWide
May 18, 2018 at 05:03 pm
Maybe GB could try to play offense with 12 or 13 guys in an attempt to get Aaron more weapons. Just kinda sneak them in there. While the referee’s back is turned. Or create a diversion of some sort.
TKWorldWide
May 19, 2018 at 10:46 am
It works in pro wrestling anyway.
NickPerry
May 18, 2018 at 05:24 am
I guess I'm in the group of those who think adding a veteran at WR and/or OL is a good idea. But I'm also probably more interested in Decker than Maclin. Decker played for Tennessee in a run first offense that still reminded me of a Jeff Fisher team more than anything. I think Decker, Maclin, or anyone for that matter like them could help the Packers as long as Rodgers is throwing the ball.
Again I'm not looking at any moves the Packers have or will make as replacing Jordy Nelson for player A, B, or C. We ALL knew either Cobb or Nelson was gone this year the moment Adams signed his deal. $30 million plus dedicated to 3 players at the same position just isn't a good way to use the cap, especially when you have to pay a "Elite QB. Even if you have to look at it that way then I'd rather have Graham, and Wilkerson than a 33 year old Nelson...AND I loved me some Jordy. The Packers are a BETTER football team with those two than just Nelson.
Now I'm all for adding an O-Linemen and I think there will be a few available after June 1st. We see players released every year with a "Name" we're familiar with. I highly doubt this year will be different.
In Gute I trust!!
croatpackfan
May 18, 2018 at 06:22 am
I admit I'm one with the smallest football knowledge, but I still do not get logic in signing vets and releasing young promising players...
- Every signed vet takes one place for young talent.
- You might think you know what vet brings with himself, bu you do not. What he was doing in the past, are the thing he was doing in the past. There is no guarantee he will be able to repeat that, especially not in the new surroundings...
- If vet would be injured it will be larger problem for him to heal, than it is for younger organism...
- Vets brings his habits and way of life, training... It not always fit into the system...
- Vet, successful on one team may be complete bust on the another...
- Using exceptions to support own claims is not right nor fair...
- When you compare successful FA signings with failed you'll find out that statistics tells you not to waste your money...
Also, what you are suggesting is that everybody should build their team in free agency, not by draft & develop. If every team would do that, quickly pool of available FAs will be drained...
Good drafting and developing team are more successful than the ones build through FA... But I believe there is the question how we decide which team is successful - one who win SB and have 20 years of sorrow, or team who are in constant opportunity to win SB and eventually won it... (Patriots are exception and they can do whatever they want, but because they are playing in weak division they are almost always in playoffs! - exceptions confirms the rule!)...
That is my observation on this panic in Packers fan base...
And the last thought in this post will be about karma - if there is someone selected to be injured, you can not prevent that injury. It will happen, if no other way, while the player will using shower...
Since'61
May 18, 2018 at 08:35 am
Croat - sometimes you need to sign a FA because you need a player who can step in and play without the concern that a younger player will make a mistake at a crucial point in the game.
This year the Packers signed Mo Wilkerson DL and brought back Tramon Williams, why? Because they are both ready to start and they are both familiar with Mike Pettine's defensive system. Both of these players provide depth and experience at 2 positions of need on the Packers defense and they can help the younger player learn Pettine's defense. They should both be good signings for the Packers for 2018.
On offense the Packers signed Graham because they need a TE who knows how to play and will fit in well with Philbin's offense and Aaron Rodgers.
Before the free agency/salary cap era teams would trade players in an effort to obtain the veteran help they believe they needed. We don't see many trades any longer because it can be difficult to fit contracted players under the salary cap.
Like everything else signing FAs in moderation as needed can be a good thing. Reggie White, Charles Woodson and Julius Peppers were good FA signings for the Packers. Several others like Bennett, not so good. Thanks, Since '61
NickPerry
May 19, 2018 at 04:06 am
My 2 cents worth Croat...
In 2014 I was SCREAMING for Thompson to sign a veteran TE. They had Owen Daniels in that year for a visit and IIRC a few others were discussed as possibilities.
True to Ted Thompson form he decided to keep Brandon Bostick who IMO had made one play worth talking about his entire time in GB and that was on a Scott Tolzien TD pass down the right sideline against the Giants in a Packers loss. The pass itself was one which would have made ANY QB proud including Rodgers so it was rally because of the pass Bostick was able to make the play.
Fast forward to the final game of 2014 in Seattle and we all know what happened. Bostick isn't the only reason the Packers lost that day, far from it. But I'd be willing to bet a veteran would have one what he was supposed to..BLOCK! Had Bostick blocked instead of being a selfish fool and free willing it, the Seahawks aren't even in a position to tie the game.
croatpackfan
May 20, 2018 at 10:21 am
Nick, I'm not against FA signings. But only if they come to Green Bay on right price and right conditions... Excellent examples are Charles Woodson, Ryan Pickett, Letroy Guion, Jared Cook, Julius Peppers, Jahri Evans, etc...
I'm against building roster through FA.
Regarding 2014 NFCCG Peppers was the one who demanded Burnett to go down after interception. We all knows that it would be better if he tried to advance and spare some time. Also, bringing better starting position for Packers O, if he was not able to brought the ball to the end zone...
Also, I doubt that veteran players would play ST. That is additional snaps and we all knows how carefull teams are with using veteran players (FA or not)...
Finwiz
May 19, 2018 at 10:47 am
You can blame Peppers all you want, but he DID NOT have the ball and an open field in front of him. Bottom line.
The idiot with the ball decided to curl up in the fetal position with nobody within 10 yards of him, INSTEAD OF ACTING LIKE A FOOTBALL PLAYER!
Thank God that moron is gone. HE had physical ability, but he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.
croatpackfan
May 20, 2018 at 10:42 am
Hey, I may agree with you. Julius did not have gun pointed in Burnett head. I mentioned that to give the example of experienced veteran FA who was suggesting wrong act.
There is no guarantee that experienced vet would not make big mistake...