Veteran Additions Will Pay Dividends for Packers
The Green Bay Packers haven’t always been a fan of veteran additions via free agency, especially when summertime comes around. But these are no longer Ted Thompson’s Packers.
Brian Gutekunst is the man in charge now and in the past week, he has made two moves that his predecessor rarely approved of and that was the signings of tight end Mercedes Lewis and offensive lineman Byron Bell.
Now neither of these moves are flashy. They certainly didn’t make for big talking points on ESPN or the NFL Network. But as we all know, each player on the 53-man roster counts, especially during the attrition of 16 games, the preseason and hopefully, the postseason.
Immediately after his signing, some speculated if Bell was going to replace Bryan Bulaga. Yet, that idea is ridiculous. Bell has 74 career starts. He has played at both tackle spots and gives the Packers some veteran experience to rely on if Bulaga isn’t ready Week 1.
But a replacement for one of the top pass blockers on the right side in the NFL? No, this move is about depth. Bell could start at right tackle and with Green Bay’s history of moving tackles to guard, he could even get in the mix to start at right guard. Without Jahri Evans, it’s wide open.
So Bell could help the Packers in a couple of different ways. Lewis, who should easily win the job as the Packers second tight end, should also prove to be a solid addition.
Lewis is known for his blocking but last season, the 12-year veteran still hauled in 24 passes for more than 300 yards and five touchdowns. However, his run blocking and ability to open up lanes in the ground game will be where he provides the most value.
Lance Kendricks will still be around, but he’s more of a pass catcher. The Packers needed a tight end for blocking purposes. They also need depth along the offensive line and thanks two a pair of cheap maneuvers, they have both.
If Gutekunst was willing to add veterans at those positions, maybe he would bring in another pass rusher or a wide receiver. Certainly, there are young guys that need time to develop, but in some cases, veteran help is needed and it’s nice Green Bay has a GM that finally sees that.
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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
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Comments (26)
Bearmeat
May 31, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Bell, Lewis, Tramon and House - 4 veteran additions that are going to make a BIG BIG difference for this team. If a starter goes down, at most positions we will no longer have to pray and UDFA comes in and plays at an average level.
TT's aversion to free agency, trades and risk in general (especially after 2011) really ended up costing him.
I'm very excited to see BG work going forward!
TKWorldWide
May 31, 2018 at 12:15 pm
While at the same time, I eagerly anticipate watching Jaire backpedal.
dobber
May 31, 2018 at 02:01 pm
That's not a euphemism for something nasty, is it?
Hawg Hanner
May 31, 2018 at 01:34 pm
You aren't kidding. Why is Ted still in the office? Sad to say he became a wreck
Lare
May 31, 2018 at 02:37 pm
It simply makes a lot more sense to have some veterans in reserve in case of injury instead of always relying on rookie UFA's. Yes it costs a little extra money, but the difference is being able to have the team continue with some level of success as opposed to hoping a rookie doesn't make major mistakes that cost the team a playoff win.
This was the Packers downfall year after year, Thompson should have been replaced 2-3 years ago.
kevgk
May 31, 2018 at 12:20 pm
Gute slowly turned a pretty bad roster into one of the best in the league. How many teams can say they have more talent and depth at TE, QB, Dline, or secondary? And two first round picks next year to top it off!
Bravo Gutekunst
kevgk
May 31, 2018 at 12:27 pm
To add, they didn't have to sacrifice the draft and develop principle. Haha, JJ, King, Clark, Martinez, Jackson, and Alexander are all on rookie contracts. Thats how the Legion of Boom was able to afford their players for so long.
dobber
May 31, 2018 at 02:02 pm
It didn't help when Russell Wilson got paid.
Bearmeat
May 31, 2018 at 05:33 pm
That's what the Vikings have coming to them soon. They think they're going to win it all with a statue of a QB and a terrible OL. They'd better be ready for 40 sacks+ this year, and their defense had better hold people to 20 or under, because they grabbed the wrong QB.
jeremyjjbrown
May 31, 2018 at 01:08 pm
"Veteran Additions Will Pay Dividends for Packers"
I am optimistic too, but the veterans additions where a mixed bag last year.
RCPackerFan
May 31, 2018 at 01:13 pm
I really liked it when Gutekunst went out and brought in Graham, Williams and Wilkerson.
The offense is at its best when it has a true weapon at TE. And Wilkerson played his best under Pettine and he joins an already strong DL. Williams if he can continue to play like he did last year completely changes the CB position. At the very least he is a guy that will come in and keep the seat warm until Alexander and/or Jackson are ready.
After those moves he went and brought House back who again provided another veteran presence at CB. When healthy he played well. House may not make the 53. We have no idea at this point. But at the very least he is giving the young guys competition and will be there incase of injury.
But I honestly think 2 moves that may make big time impacts are the signings of Lewis and Bell. Lewis completes the group of TE's. They now have the best blocking TE in the league and who also can make plays in the passing game. He will create a lot more versatility in the offense especially when he plays with Graham.
Bell, while some have stated he hasn't played as well the last couple of years, he offers insurance as a backup at the very least. He has 74 starts in his career and can come in and play if needed. Bell is the type of player that we have been missing. A veteran that can come in and provide insurance. We really lucked out last year when McCray came in and played as well as he did.
stockholder
May 31, 2018 at 01:26 pm
I'm not buying for Depth purpose. Speculation? No, you don't ask a guy to take a pay cut! You don't draft Spriggs; unless your worried about both tackles. Bulaga is slowing down. And his tape shows it. He's no longer a elite tackle. Like most veterans; MM will limit Bulaga's snaps. In fact Bulaga will limit his own snaps. ( with I'm hurt again. ) It's time to play football. The pressure is Rising for BB.
4thand1
May 31, 2018 at 03:02 pm
I like mixed up veterans who can add.
Spock
May 31, 2018 at 03:47 pm
I love what Gute is doing. I disagree somewhat that TT wouldn't have brought in Williams and House -that's a fairly typical FA type move from Ted. The other FA's are all Gute's and what we have been looking for for years! So far, I'm loving the moves by the new GM. We shall see how it all works out, but he's addressed most of the holes in the roster as best as could given the draft and Cap resources. Most commentators here at CHTV were saying that it would be near impossible to fill all the holes in the roster in one year. Gute has, IMHO, done a masterful job so far of addressing most of those needs. By most accounts, after Chubb, edge rusher was very weak in this draft. I expect Gute to address that next draft with the 2 first round picks as sizable ammunition to get after a true blue chip player. In the meantime with the moves he's made we have a chance to advance post-season and with Aaron Rodgers a chance is all we need! Go, Pack, go!
Thegreatreynoldo
May 31, 2018 at 08:53 pm
"Most commentators" were right. I do think Gute has done a very good job so far.
Lphill
May 31, 2018 at 04:29 pm
When the Packers won in 96 they brought in some veterans who contributed along with the younger players , the Yankees back in the 90 's used that formula to win as well every year they brought in several different veterans and they had a great deal of success . You can't just have your core players and then expect some un drafted guys to step up , maybe some might but a proven experienced veteran is probably safer .
Lare
May 31, 2018 at 06:14 pm
HHCD is apparently sitting out of OTA's because he feels he deserves a substantial contract extension.
This is the second time Dix has quit on his team. Perhaps the Packers need to consider more veteran additions.
Tundraboy
May 31, 2018 at 06:59 pm
Extension? Seriously.? He must think he's head and shoulders above the new guys. Sorry. Show it first, starting with this whole season.
stockholder
May 31, 2018 at 07:29 pm
Quit? I don't think so. $$$$ He wants it before Arron Rodgers gets it all.
Oppy
May 31, 2018 at 08:29 pm
I'd rather have seen Ha-Ha at OTAs getting in time with his team mates and getting the extra coaching for the new scheme- because it's what's best for the Packers, and as a Packers fan, it serves my selfish desires.
However, to the best of my knowledge, the OTAs ARE voluntary per the CBA the players and owners negotiated, and employees are entitled to enjoy those contractually agreed upon conditions.
If he feels skipping OTAs is leverage for his next contract (no guarantee that's what it is, but it's probable) he should use that leverage as he sees fit. Trust that the NFL owners and contract negotiators will use whatever means they have at their disposal to leverage the players, too.
There's my fan perspective, and my "They are contract employees and have every right to do what they feel they must to get the contract they desire" perspective, too.
Thegreatreynoldo
May 31, 2018 at 09:08 pm
It is hard for me to believe that HHCD wants to base his extension on his play during 2017. I'd love to sign Tre Boston anyway.
Oppy
June 01, 2018 at 12:20 am
I tend to agree about HaHa, but that seems to be the narrative being presented by the writers floating the haha story around since Thursday afternoon. It would be unusual timing after a lack luster season.
Oppy
June 01, 2018 at 12:21 am
What do you think about Eric Reid?
Thegreatreynoldo
June 01, 2018 at 01:22 pm
The salary for safeties by all reports is way down. The surplus value for Reid or Boston looks outstanding if we could sign them for under $3M. I am getting concerned about our cap situation, but it should be hard to pass up such good value. Josh Jones as our starting SS is an unknown and I don't think Evans and Whitehead played well enough to worry about hindering their development. Either Reid or Boston should provide insurance at worst, and could be our starter (move HHCD to SS and insert Boston at FS, or Reid and JJ have a straight competition). I'd understand picking up either player if they come cheap.
I am getting concerned about our cap situation. I am still hoping that a deep threat WR (or OLB) becomes a cap casualty, so I am inclined to save our remaining cap space for such a contingency. OL, RB, TE, QB, DL, CB, maybe ILB, all looks pretty well set. We could use another safety, ILB or WR.
Oppy
May 31, 2018 at 08:29 pm
Deleted and reposted where it belongs
Point-Packer
June 01, 2018 at 07:39 pm
Didn't I read this story before the start of the 2017 season? All those "great" FA's Ted brought in. The "coup" he pulled to get that psychopath Marty Bennett. Those great SF strays....