Packers Free Agent Frenzy Signals a Fresh Start for The Defense

David Michalski gives his thoughts on Green Bay's free agent frenzy.

Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst went swinging for the fences on the second day of the legal tampering period as he added impact players to the defensive side of the ball by agreeing to terms with Preston Smith, Adrian Amos, and Za'Darius Smith.  

These signings signal the Packers are parting ways with older, non-productive, injury prone players who have hamstrung the team for the past two seasons. These acquisitions also signal the Packers are in the process of rebuilding the defensive unit with younger, more productive, physical players that will help Mike Pettine's defense make "the jump" in year 2.    

With the signing of the Smith's and Adrian Amos, Gutekunst has added three defensive players that will be entering their age 26 seasons in 2019.  The Packers believe these young talented players still have room for growth and development and will reach their full potential during the life of their new contracts.  

Adding this free agent tandem signals a shift in direction as the team is moving away from signing big name players who are approaching the downside of their careers.  The excitement of yesterday's moves to upgrade the front seven signals the end of the line for some familiar faces.    

Adding Amos, Za'Darius Smith, and Preston Smith on contracts with lower cap numbers in 2019, Brian Gutekunst and the Packers front office can now shift their focus on adding one more big-ticket player or two solid role players to the roster and selecting the best players available in April's draft.

The goal of roster building is to address areas of need in both free agency as well as the draft.  Brian Gutekunst and his staff accomplished this goal in day 2 of the free agent moratorium with the players he was able to acquire, and as a result, the Packers will not have to be desperate in the later days of free agency or the upcoming draft.  

Yesterday's free agent signings have ensured that the Packers will not have to reach for a player in April's draft to fill an area of need on the 53 man roster.  All that is left for the Packers to do, is to deploy their draft capital in the most effective way possible and draft the best players available on their draft board.      

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David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave 

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4 points
 

Comments (91)

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

March 13, 2019 at 04:15 pm

I just read that Packers have spoken to Clays agent and although he is testing the market he may still return to the Packers.

3 points
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Dzehren's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:20 pm

How about plan B? Let’s draft Devin White LB LSU or Devin Bush LB MI.
Too bad GB couldn’t get the Smiths & the Devin’s!!
The Devin’s are Younger, faster & more cap friendly.

1 points
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ShanghaiKid's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:56 pm

@Dzehren I've been on the White/Bush bandwagon for a while. A dynamic ILB would completely transform how this D performs.

8 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:13 pm

I agree Shanghai. Their size & test speeds were within one inch and .02 of each other. I'd love either one.

Full Draft Order, neat clean site... tankathon.com/nfl/full_draft

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Dzehren's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:24 pm

They are game changers & that's what GB needs more of.

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stockholder's picture

March 13, 2019 at 06:17 pm

If it comes down between Wilkerson and Clay Mathews. I'll take Mathews. He plays with heart. And they signed Wilkerson for 5 mil. #2 Plan B may not happen. White won't make it to @12; ( from some of the mocks I've seen lately.). Pencil in Wilkins! Because he'll go before 15. And is a better player then Bush. To get Bush you must trade up from #30. Pittsburgh beat the packers to Shazior. Count on that again. The packers will do better on who drops @30. So ILB is between Burks, Mathews and Ryan.

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Ryan3468's picture

March 13, 2019 at 06:30 pm

I really hope Jake Ryan is gone. He can’t cover, and against an elite speed back he is not even going to touch the guy. Jake is far too slow to play as an effective middle linebacker.

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stockholder's picture

March 13, 2019 at 06:45 pm

They drafted Burks for cover. Mathews has the pass rush over Ryan. Ryan is still young and a option. He is better then Morrison. And better against the run. The age, and run part, is what the packers will look at.

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nathanj's picture

March 14, 2019 at 11:53 am

Be careful. This may appear to be racial coding (a comment on his race, not his athleticism). Jake Ryan has above average speed (mockdraftable.com -- Jake Ryan) for his position, 70% percentile.

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Dzehren's picture

March 14, 2019 at 08:22 am

Wilkins from Clemson would be an excellent selection.

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ricky's picture

March 13, 2019 at 08:01 pm

The Packers got some players who have shown they can play effectively in the NFL. College players, no matter how fast or physically compelling haven't done that yet. So, sure, lets draft some guys who could develop into better prospects. But depending on D&D has not worked all that well for the Packers for a while. Time to try something new.

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JakeDickerson's picture

March 13, 2019 at 10:07 pm

That’s exactly what they need. Athletic LBs with speed to cover. The Smith’s are both coverage liabilities, so you’ll have to cover with Nickel backs or your ILBs.

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Samson's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:45 pm

Not sure GB will want CM3 back under any kind of contract. -- 2019 is the year of change for the Pack.

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Largo-Lor's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:27 pm

Just a thought...Matthews in the middle with Martinez...behind a healthy D Line...with the Smith Brothers coming from each edge...I pitty the O line that has to account for all of them...could make Clay a force once again at the right price...I stress, at the right price.

10 points
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Lare's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:45 pm

I wouldn’t be opposed to bringing Matthews back in the middle for a low cap number, but I think the Packers can get somebody for that position in the draft for a lot less money and a lot more production.

Sometimes you just have to know when to move on from these older fan favorite players.

13 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:07 pm

I like it Largo. Plus I own 3 life-size Matthews Fat Heads & his Super Bowl jersey, and don't like to see my guys go like that..... Jordy leaving still stings.

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Since'61's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:31 pm

These signings should help our defense get off the field on 3rd downs. In turn our offense will have more opportunities. If MLF can get his ground game going the Packers can move the chains and put up points.

Our draft should focus on the OL, a TE, a game break WR and bruising RB. Add another safety, an ILB and possibly a DL.

If Gute can do as well with our draft picks as he has done in FA we should have a solid, playoff contending team in 2019. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:10 pm

Our D get off the field on 3rd downs? That sounds fantastic '61!
Sounds even better if we have a good punt returner who can A) know when to field it, B) catch it, C) occasionally take one deep!

Is Desmond Howard still available?
Walter Stanley?
Terrell Buckl...... nah.

1 points
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jh9's picture

March 13, 2019 at 06:56 pm

Draft Parris Campbell or Andy Isabella and you have a replacement for Randall Cobb as a receiver and a punt and/or a kickoff returner.

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porupack's picture

March 14, 2019 at 12:36 am

I agree w since61, that if GB devotes 3 of its top 4 picks to TE, OG, and perhaps WR if Metcalf could be taken in round 1; it will have bigger synergistic effect, and more likely to get the packers to the elite 4 at the end of the season. Clusters of top talent in 2-3 key interlinked units, is better than pure BPA. Hockensen would improve Oline, as well as WRs, and perhaps another elite outside WRs would open up middle for TE, and open up more opps for DAdams or WR#3. Guard opens up running lanes, secures pocket, allows Rodgers with more time, enhances accuracy and sees the field. Those 3 positions addressed in Rd 1-2 would put the offense back in the top 5 in most categories of stats.

I can't believe GB would get to the elite 4 teams this year if focus was on D, or just BPA across D and O.
Of course, we would still want draft talent at S, CB, OLB, IDL; just not the priority at top rounds.

Priority is the work of draft strategists......, not just talent evaluation.

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NickPerry's picture

March 14, 2019 at 04:42 am

Thumbs up Since!

0 points
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fthisJack's picture

March 14, 2019 at 08:21 am

i wouldn't rule out Oliver if he is there at #12! can you imagine Clark, Oliver, Daniels and the Smiths on the D Line. you have a lot of flexibility there!

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 14, 2019 at 10:35 am

Not to confuse anybody with facts, but we were 12th in the league in 3rd down defense, better than the Patriots and one behind the Rams. Half of the best 3rd down defensive teams didn't make the playoffs.

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Samson's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:40 pm

Love how Gute thinks. -- He's definitely not TT.
Funny how quiet the TT & MM apologists are so far (except for Dash & his little buddy, OSchool).

-1 points
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Starr57's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:54 pm

The guy that has a lot of you snowed is good old Mark Murphy.
So be it
Gutey is getting his chance to build his team.
1 year delayed because Murphy didn't have the guts to blow the team up after the 2017 season.

Gutey is doing what every GM does, brings in his guy to coach and turns the teams roster over to the fuys he wants.

As long as Murphy goes back to being CEO and let Gutey do his thing, I believe The Packers will be playinng in January next year.

-3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:57 pm

Why would I apologize for the guy who got us in the championship game 4 times in 10 years.

You seem to believe that all these signings will work out and there’s no downside. It’s not going to happen that way.

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Samson's picture

March 13, 2019 at 06:51 pm

You know what a "negative nellie" is? You fill the bill completely.
These signings are a GM being aggressive & using all the tools afforded him by the rules of the NFL. (contrary to last GM).
Obviously you haven't yet noticed that the Pack have had two losing seasons in a row. -- Time for change. --- New GM, new HC & coaches means new players. -- It's long overdue.

4 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:03 pm

Samson....do you know what a realist is?

These are aggressive signings. You think it's all going to be perfect. It won't be, it never is. And what about the guys that we'll lose in the next year or two because we're tight enough against the cap we can't keep them?

I would LOVE it if all four of these signings turned out to be solid. I know that it won't happen that way.

And yeah, noticed that we had two losing seasons in a row. Did you notice that Gutekunst was the GM for one of them? We'll see how many Championship games his aggressive style gets us to.

-4 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 13, 2019 at 06:56 pm

I don't think it's coincidence that two of the smartest people here ( Old School and Dash Riprock) are not shooting their wads over these signings like everyone else is. Gutey was hailed as a hero last year for signing all these sure thing free agents and it was an utter disaster. All we kept hearing last year was how Gutey was "not like Ted" as though it's this great thing. Now here we go again. Excitement again just because some guy overspent on 4 mostly questionable players. I wouldn't mind just the excitement but what bothers me the most is the total lack of respect and all the insults towards one of the greatest GM's in Packers history as though getting us to the NFC Championship 4 in 10 years was horrible. There's times I hope for 20 years plus of losing seasons for some of you young spoiled rotten brats like Samson.

Dash

-16 points
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gary g's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:27 pm

Dash my friend, that you shouldn't call Samson a brat. Your beloved TT SUCKS. He never used all the resources other GM'S use like free agency. Yes free agency can be risky, but standing pat every year like TT liked to do led us to win ONE super bowl with maybe the best quarterback. Watch BB and see why the Pats win every year. TT was hated in Seattle when he left and many packers fans hate him now. THERES A REASON FOR THAT.

2 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:32 pm

brat!!

-7 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

March 14, 2019 at 07:26 am

You're getting really close to trollishness.

0 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 14, 2019 at 12:38 pm

For sticking up for Ted Thompson? Get lost!!

DAsh

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

March 14, 2019 at 08:21 am

Mmmm...brats. I love ‘em. Spicy mustard, some kraut and a beer. Sign me up.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 14, 2019 at 10:38 am

And other GMs didn't show his restraint in Free Agency, and they didn't make the Championship game 4 times in 10 years or make the playoffs 7 years in a row.

People who hate TT obviously hate being successful.

-1 points
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albert999's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:50 pm

Sorry Riproar but TT was alright for a few years and did bring in Rodgers but had many more ba ars and ended in the dumpster
Oh and don’t break your arms patting your self proclaimed smartest self on the back
HAHAAHAHAHA
Can’t hang with ya on this one

Uncle Albert

-2 points
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porupack's picture

March 14, 2019 at 12:48 am

I agree on one point, but take your own medicine Dash. Insults hurled at players and former players are what diminish this site, and make it often unpleasant to read. I prefer valid criticism on players, and particularly management....but insults are poor reflection of fans. Albeit, I might insult if players were divas, threw their teammates under the bus, etc... L'veons and Antonios….

Not insulting TT, but he had to go, and really was not performing at average nor above.

2 points
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Demon's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:04 pm

Why should you apologize for Ted? Because he sucked! If Ted would have even attemted to field an average team behind AR those NFC title game appearances you are so proud of may have included more than 1 SB appearance.

As good as Ted was early in his career in GB he was equally bad or worse the 2nd half of his tenure. You and Dash remind me of Mr. Smithers on The Simpsons. The love affair you have with the polar bear is the same Smithers has for Mr. Burns.

Oh well, whatever floats your boat.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:11 pm

He didn't suck, that's just stupid.

He was GM from 2005 to 2017, so the midpoint was 2011, the best single season in Packer history with a 15-1 record. We went to the Championship game in 2014 and 2016 and we made the playoffs in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. If that's your definition of bad, then that's on you, not him.

You see, I remember the Long Dry Spell, when we were a poorly run organization. I remember before Thompson what it felt like to have to let good players go because we didn't have salary cap room. I remember signing Joe Johnson.

You remind me of Homer Simpson. Just not real bright and not afraid to let people know it.

-3 points
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gary g's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:28 pm

TT sucked

-2 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:29 pm

Thank you Old School. I simply don't have the patience like I used too. It's like my brain is inside yours. These people are clueless. I am just glad you keep your one arm tied behind your back just to make this semi-fair. Reading your posts is like watching Clint Eastwood take on 30 Mexicans in a gun fight and winning.

Dash

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albert999's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:53 pm

wow
Dirty Harry ref.

0 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

March 13, 2019 at 09:00 pm

A lot of people are saying there's a statue of Gutekunst already in the works for 1265. It's going to be placed right between Curly and Vince. As for TT and Murphy? Well, those same people are saying many many many times in 2015 and 2016 Murphy found TT sitting in his boxers, playing with small cars and electric trains, all by himself in his office. TT also (reportedly) called Packers admin offices multiple times daily and asked for himself. Murphy knew, and did NOTHING (all caps, so you know it's true).This was allowed to continue because the Board of Directors, and specifically the Executive Committee did not read internet message boards where true wisdom reigns.

This Gutekunst has a steel spine. (just like Dirty Harry if you're old and into fantasy). A lot of people are saying he walks right into the Packer Pro Shop and TAKES whatever he wants whenever he want it! TT used to sneak in after hours and only take items from the clearance racks. See the difference?

Most importantly, kudos to David for putting together a well-written article. Atta boy!

-1 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 13, 2019 at 09:28 pm

Apparently nobody watches old Clint Eastwood western movies. I think every movie he made in the 60's he was gunning down Mexicans in Mexico. It had nothing to do with Dirty Hairy. I'm quite certain Old School and the late John T. Kirk would have got my 30 Mexicans reference. SMH

Dash

-3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 14, 2019 at 09:42 am

I thought they were Italians.

Or Nazis, like in Where Eagles Dare

-1 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

March 13, 2019 at 09:42 pm

Leotis, you’ve got a fan!

2 points
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Adorabelle's picture

March 13, 2019 at 11:11 pm

Very true. Way too much revisionist history and thinking that the Packers record was anything except outstanding during most of Mr. Thompson's time. He needed to go when he did for sure, but the Packers were very good for years when he was there.

3 points
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porupack's picture

March 14, 2019 at 12:52 am

His drafts from 2011 onward yielded poor results in numerous analytics. TT doesn't play on the field, so he didn't win those games. His job was to restock talent. He didn't. The results of talent drain build over several years....and also take several years to rebuild. That is where we are at. Rebuilding from 6+ years of below average drafts.

1 points
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fthisJack's picture

March 14, 2019 at 08:34 am

TT should have been gone after the 2014 debacle against Seattle along with the whole coaching staff and the rebuild should have started then. the Packers wasted 4 years letting these guys hang around too long!

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 14, 2019 at 10:51 am

Players drafted by Ted Thompson from 2011 to 2016 who are still in the league.

Randall CobbLawrence Guy
Nick Perry
Jerel Worthy
Casey Hayward
Mike Daniels
Datone Jones
David Bakhtiari
Micah Hyde
JC Tretter
Nate Palmer
Charles Johnson
Jeff Janis
Dimitri Goodson
Corey LInsley
Richard Rodgers
Davante Adams
HaHa Dix
Aaron Ripkowski
Brett Hundley
Ty Montgomery

Demarious Randall
Kyle Murphy
Dean Lowry
Blake Martinez
Kyler Fackrell
Jason Spriggs
Kenny Clark

I see some very good players, some good players, some average players, some below average players. If you'd like to show me a team that drafts in the 20s almost every year that did better, I'd be happy to compare.

0 points
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nathanj's picture

March 14, 2019 at 11:56 am

Yep, given the Packer's draft position, the Packers have drafted incredibly well. TT drafted double the amount of Pro Bowl players as the Vikings, Bears, and Lions combined during his tenure. It's actually incredible given that those teams drafted much, much higher most years.

0 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

March 14, 2019 at 12:10 pm

Look like a winning lineup to me Old School. Oh but wait, TT is horrible, he sucks. We are literally dealing with 50% children under the age of 18 here. These are the same people that believe the U.S. will be under water in 10 years. It's madness dealing with young and in some cases very old and senile. I won't mention Dawg's name out of respect.

Dash

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CoachJV's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:55 pm

We still need to sign Breeland to make this Defense complete. Get er done Gute!

4 points
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PeteK's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:23 pm

Maybe a young CB in the 2nd round would be better and cheaper.

-1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 14, 2019 at 12:27 pm

I'm not sure the Pack will devout a 2nd round pick to a DB this year with all their other needs. However, I have mentioned in other threads that the Pack may want to take a chance in round 3 (unless they bundle round 2 and round 3 selections to move up high in round 2 for a player possibly like Simmons, an OL, or if Hock should fall) with Ohio State DB Kendall Sheffield who tore a pectoral muscle at the Combine during the bench press. He is a good player and it was widely thought he was going to be the fastest player in the draft. He also was a KO and believe a punt returner. All of which the Pack could use.

0 points
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Lare's picture

March 13, 2019 at 06:46 pm

I think Breeland wants a lot more money than the Packers are able to give at this point.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:13 pm

The problem with Breeland is he wants starter money, and he wants to start, and the Packers have two starters...Alexander and King, and two backups......Tramon and Jackson. They aren't going to pay starter money for Breeland.

1 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:17 pm

That's correct OS. Sadly, King will be hurt by late September, as we all know.
And Josh Jackson would do a lot better as a safety than cover corner in the NFL.

3 points
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Lare's picture

March 14, 2019 at 09:49 am

Don’t forget Tony Brown. He’s still kind of raw but he played well last season and is one of the fastest players in the NFL.

1 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

March 14, 2019 at 07:34 am

Breeland got a big payday last year, before the health issue..... then we got him much later on a bargain.
He doesn't want to be a bargain this year.
We will see how impressed Pettine really was by him.

***** If y'all had to bank on one of these 2 to be Jaire's reliable sidekick the next 3 years, which ONE do you choose:

-Kevin King (brittle)
-Josh Jackson (would make a better free safety)
-Breeland (we haven't seen much of him yet really)

0 points
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CoachJV's picture

March 13, 2019 at 08:15 pm

Breeland obviously and rightfully wants to see if he can command the same money that he was gonna get. But I don't hear a lot of teams bidding for him.
King isn't going to last physically through even half a season... we need Breeland back. If he'd settle for 3yr at $21M, I bet we could all come to an arrangement.

2 points
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4thand10's picture

March 13, 2019 at 10:10 pm

I’d love to see Breeland back. I forgot which game it was, but he actually returned a punt...and did awesome. His corner skills are excellent...he’s experienced. I’m also stoked to see the “OLBs” . I have to chuckle and giggle a bit because they FINALLY decided to get bigger at “OLB”. One smith weighs in at 272 and the other weighs in at 265. Maybe, just maybe we can get good pressure with just 4. If Clay takes a team friendly deal, moves inside and decides to retire a Packer...I’d be cool with that.

3 points
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DavidMichalski's picture

March 15, 2019 at 01:48 am

I think the Packers do want Breeland back but are hoping his market falls considerably to 3-4 million for this year. Stay tuned for the waiting game, as Breeland probably wants $8 mill but would settle for 5-6 on a one year deal. I couldn’t see the Packers going higher than $4 maybe $5 mill if the market shrunk.

-1 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

March 13, 2019 at 04:55 pm

Clay Matthews is a lot smarter than people give him credit for. He's slowed down some off the edge obviously, but he was okay to start last year until the zebras made him slow down with the ridiculous BS flags.

He learned Pettine's system fast, and is capable of playing anywhere along that 2nd line. I'd love to have him back. Perry, yes glad he's gone. Give #53 to someone who will wear it for 15, 16 games a year.

I don't want to see us use a high pick on a WR. We have the 3 rookies Guty selected last year, plus Kumerow coming back (that's 4), and then the #1 & #2 in Davante & Geronimo.
I don't know that they're going to give up on perhaps 2 of those 3 rookies from last year already.

I would happily take a still-young veteran who knows the ropes already like a Philip Dorsett, who just won a Super Bowl after the Patriots traded for him, a former 1st rd pick. He's not old, and he's a good dude.
He'd go from Luck, to Brady, to Rodgers. Not a bad trio?

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 14, 2019 at 12:32 pm

Sterling,
I doubt the Pack drafts a WR anywhere high unless an incredible value falls to them somewhere along the way. However, I could definitely see the Pack drafting Fant who is more talented than Hock, and who has 4.5 speed to split the middle of the field. Fant is essentially a hybrid WR. There is a good reason the Pack re-signed Lewis at TE and that is to block meaning they really don't need Hock quite as much. Graham is not really cutting it splitting the seams and in the red zone and certainly won't be here after 2019. The Packers do not really need another WR (though could use a slot receiver unless they reassign Adams there) and by selecting Fant they now have an incredible arsenal of big and fast receivers down the field. If the Pack goes for a TE high I believe it will be Fant for the reasons mentioned above.

0 points
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lou's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:04 pm

It would be a big surprise but this may be the time if they believe in one of the QB's to pull the trigger on if they believe they have covered enough positions of need in the free agent market. Rodgers isn't getting any younger and he is missing several games per season and they basically have not had anyone behind him since Flynn left Green Bay. Kizer is their version of the PRO, Pass Run Option that is so popular. However which was the case in both of his appearances when he Passed it was intercepted and when he Ran he fumbled it. Lets see if Gute is bold enough to address the backup QB slot or he doubles down on Kizer because he made that trade.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 13, 2019 at 09:04 pm

Lou,
While it would cause quite the commotion here on CHTV that #12 pick could turn out to be quite interesting after the FA haul the Pack just had, particularly with them still having another pick in first round. While I want a Burns, White, Oliver, Rashan type player at #12 if a certain high ranked QB fell and was still on the board at #12 I would not be surprised at all if Gute selected him nor would I be upset if they did. I would be completely fine with a bold and brash Gutey move. I believe the Pack are in a position where they have a luxury pick in the draft that has the potential for huge upside.

If not picking a QB high how about selecting top ranked in-between #5 thru #10 ranking DL Simmons in round 2 even though he is injured, or how about selecting in round # 3 the fastest player in the draft, DB Kendall Sheffield from Ohio State who partially tore his pectoral muscle lifting at the combine?

1 points
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lou's picture

March 14, 2019 at 09:58 am

Isn't it amazing how year after year Ohio State stocks their team across the board with pure talent, speaking of torn pecs, I just saw where Sitton was released by the Dolphin's, at the vet minimum he would be my choice over Lang because of Lang's more serious neck/back issues.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 14, 2019 at 12:35 pm

Lou,
But there would be no way that Sitton would be able to get to the outside and pull the way LF wants his running game to work. That is why they drafted the FA guard from Denver as he is mobile and has wheels.

0 points
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DavidMichalski's picture

March 15, 2019 at 01:56 am

Maybe Bortles if he can’t land a starting job, or AJ McCarron if he can come cheap on a multi year deal. Other very bold option could be Rosen for a 2020 conditional pick and have him be the back up for the next 3 years. Most likely, we could be looking at Kizer vs Boyle in the preseason with everyone pulling for Boyle.

-1 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:10 pm

Za’Darius Smith - 26
Adrian Amos - 25
Billy Turner - 27
Preston Smith - 26

Is it just me, or is BG doing what other teams did to Ted Thompson?

Hyde ~26 (2017)
Heyward ~25 (2016)
House - ~24 (2015)

9 points
11
2
NickPerry's picture

March 14, 2019 at 04:47 am

Jugging by the O-Line last season I think JC Tretter would be a PERECT addition to your list as well Jeremy.

0 points
0
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 14, 2019 at 12:36 pm

Think you are right NP!

0 points
0
0
Rak43's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:10 pm

When are the official announcements due? I thought they'd have signed on the dotted line by now.

2 points
2
0
4thand1's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:36 pm

It would be nice to made official.

0 points
0
0
CoachJV's picture

March 13, 2019 at 08:25 pm

I'm sure they've signed... the Pack is always slow to announce their news.

0 points
0
0
Mojo's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:53 pm

Just a few unrelated to topic points:

Did the Bears really sign a kicker named Blewitt? Can that possibly be true? Maybe then can get Titans safety Dane Cruikshank to punt for them.
{Insert Cody Parket joke here}

And with the two days between the legal tampering period and the first day the FA's can actually sign, why don't we see more teams sabotaging what apparently is the equivalent to handshake deals?

I'm surprised we don't see more of the Barr type backout of deals when both the player and teams can see the amounts and terms being thrown around.

4 points
4
0
NickPerry's picture

March 14, 2019 at 04:49 am

I've been holding my breath since Tuesday Mojo. Get em in Green Bay and Get it done!

0 points
0
0
Rak43's picture

March 14, 2019 at 03:21 pm

Well it's finally official and all four players have signed their contracts. I kept thinking one of them might pull a Barr move. Well, welcome to GB guys hope to see you all hoisting that Lombardi trophy soon.

1 points
1
0
stockholder's picture

March 13, 2019 at 05:55 pm

Still believe Mathews gets a shot with GB. Peppers came in with Mathews and Perry. Cory and many others wanted him moved inside. As long as GB has a opening at ILB, He fits.

1 points
4
3
4thand1's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:40 pm

HaHa talking to dabearsstillsuck. They lose a safety to the Pack and maybe sign HaHa, what a joke. Looks like our receivers won't have to worry about getting hit playing dabearsstillsuck.

2 points
3
1
Adorabelle's picture

March 13, 2019 at 07:41 pm

Free agency is always a gamble but these look like some good young additions in areas of need. If they now add a backup Quarterback and a slot receiver it would be really nice.

2 points
2
0
ShooterMcGee's picture

March 13, 2019 at 10:32 pm

Would it be crazy to trade Fackrell for a 2nd rounder? He had a career year and his value may never be higher. I think his year was a fluke so strike while the iron is hot. Would a team out there do it?

-1 points
0
1
crayzpackfan's picture

March 13, 2019 at 10:37 pm

I have mixed feelings about CM. I absolutely loved him and his long hair for 6-7 years. Then, he became a 4 plays a game beast and a ghost the rest of the game. His OLB days r over. ILB we have better. Maybe time to say thank you and goodbye to the man with the golden locks

-1 points
0.5
1.5
Ustabeayooper's picture

March 14, 2019 at 03:29 am

The key here is patience. The pack has 15 mill left under the cap and there are plenty of good FA available. Add to this a number of teams are up against the cap and may have to release players to make room for the draft class and the pack should not rush into additional FA signings. It will be interesting to see what contract Dix ends up with. It was a smart move to trade him for a 4th round pick. With all the money thrown around , he won't garner a high comp pick for Washington.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

March 14, 2019 at 04:22 am

I read a lot of "We win 2019 SB because of Brian Gutekunst" even before season starts.

And I read a lot of comments how people, who respects what Ted Thompson did, are quiet now.

Well I respect what TT did. I wonder how good will be Brian Gutekunst when he will "draft" from places bellow 26 for 10 years in a row. How much cap space Packers will have with signings several top or near top FA every season?

And at the end, I was not against change. I believe in long run change will help Packers a lot.

I'm against spitting on 2 person with excellent team record while they were in charge. Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson. Mike McCarthy is 2nd best Packers coach ever by win percentage and number of wins. Ted Thompson built 2 championship teams, and win one SB (2010) and was on the edge of the winning another SB (2014). It was not his mistake that team had lost already won match...

So, I'm not ashamed that I've supported Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy. But I also supporting this change.

1 points
3
2
MarkinMadison's picture

March 14, 2019 at 07:41 am

I don't get why people are already pointing to specific positions. Somebody who is a really great prospect is going to fall to #12 because at least two (probably three) teams will reach for a QB in the top-10 even though there might be 0-1 QBs in this draft who really deserve to be in the top-10, if all positions were truly valued equally. With three picks in the top 45, Gute has set himself up to just focus on the guys most likely to make it in the league. I haven't felt this way about the Packers roster heading in five years, and they have way better pick numbers now than they did then.

1 points
1
0
Rebecca's picture

March 14, 2019 at 08:19 am

Free agent Frenzy for sure! This is just what the doctor ordered! I see a revitalized defense with the additional defensive edge talent, back end, and depth on the offensive line which will help the offense with field advantage. Now let’s see a stellar draft and an improvement in special teams. Super Bowl is the Goal.

0 points
0
0
Rebecca's picture

March 14, 2019 at 08:19 am

Free agent Frenzy for sure! This is just what the doctor ordered! I see a revitalized defense with the additional defensive edge talent, back end, and depth on the offensive line which will help the offense with field advantage. Now let’s see a stellar draft and an improvement in special teams. Super Bowl is the Goal.

0 points
0
0
Cartwright's picture

March 14, 2019 at 09:32 am

What a haul. Glad I'm not the GM would have had us taking retreads like Earl Thomas and Sheldon Richardson. Now the defense is set. Now if we can score Hockensen at TE and another O lineman our offense is set.Go pack go!

0 points
0
0
Qoojo's picture

March 14, 2019 at 09:59 am

I hope they get a stud outside rusher at #12 in the draft. The one OL guy doesn't seem that much different than Perry.

Until I see them play in the system, I am not getting overly hyped. It seems to me that the packers upgraded Matthews position, upgraded safety, almost equal swap for Perry, and added younger depth to guard or potential RT.

0 points
0
0