Scott Wells signs with Rams.

GoldieMember

Green Bay - Scott Wells has never taken no for an answer. The odds are he isn't going to now, either.

In so many words, Wells is being told by the Green Bay Packers that he has overvalued himself as an undersized, 31-year-old center no matter how well he has played for them.

Wells basically is telling the team, "Watch what happens."

Looking for a warm and fuzzy resolution to the contractual disagreement between the Packers and their best offensive lineman?

Three weeks before the start of unrestricted free agency, the best guess is the Packers will play with a new center next season.
Many times over the years the Packers have gone right to the free-agency bell before signing important veteran players to long-term deals. This time might be different.

It isn't an issue of cap room. General manager Ted Thompson and negotiator Russ Ball have the financial flexibility to pay Wells the contract commensurate with the five highest-paid centers that he is seeking.

Rather, their offer is the result of how they perceive the market should be and will be for a veteran center.

Agent Brian Parker and Ball surely will talk face to face this week during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Each will reiterate his stance and perhaps attempt to lay groundwork for the compromise that would be necessary to keep Wells in Green Bay.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports...48tpp-139774733.html

2/21/126:56 AM

Original Post

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FedyaMember

Is the JS idot suggesting the Packers have already planned not to use their tag on Wells?

2/21/127:03 AM

Ghost of LambeauMember

If that happens, if Peter Konz makes it to #28, he will be GBs pick. Mark it down.

2/21/127:10 AM

FedyaMember

Before I did a Google search, my first thought was, "Let me guess: Konz played at Wisconsin."

How did I know?

2/21/127:23 AM

YATittleMember

Hope this is just posturing. It may give Wells more motivation to give them the finger and walk.

2/21/127:36 AM

michiganjoeMember

In TT I trust.

2/21/127:39 AM

PackerJoeMember

I'm a big fan of Wells, always have been ever since the Packers drafted him (which I think only happened because Sherman was head over heels in love with Donnell Washington's athleticism and it was hard to ignore how Wells whipped Washington in the Peach Bowl that season). Also thought he got a big-time screw-job when McCarthy seemingly just wanted to hand Wells job to Jason Spitz. That one was a real head-scratcher.

That being said, it's hard to ignore the fact that Wells is an undersized lineman who is 31 years old. Counting his college career (in the SEC) he's started 10 games or more in 11 of the last 12 seasons. Maybe Wells is a freak of nature and he has 5 more good seasons in him, but I think the odds are heavily against it. As much as I'd like to see him back, if some desperate team out there offers him a Jason Brown contract (5 years, 37.5 million, 20 million guaranteed) then the Packers are doing the smart thing by letting him go. I'd be very surprised if he gets that type of offer, but we'll see what happens. Wouldn't be a bit surprised if the teams interested in centers have the same concerns about his age, size and the amount of wear-and-tear on his body. If he gets a lukewarm response on the market he might very well be back in Green Bay.

2/21/127:54 AM

GoallineLarge Antenna

quote:
Originally posted by Fedya:
Before I did a Google search, my first thought was, "Let me guess: Konz played at Wisconsin."

How did I know?

I might send JJ Watt over to hit you.

2/21/128:26 AM

PakrzFREEZE!

I'd feel much better about Wells hitting the bricks if there was somebody, anybody, on the roster that could step in. Even if TT drafts Konz to replace him, is the kid ready to start and perform well as a rookie? I'm not a Badger fan so I honestly don't know much about Konz... can he step in right off the bat?

2/21/128:48 AM

Johnny BoyMember

1st Round linemen are drafted with the hope they start right away. Who Knows? Konz to replace Wells means we are going to try and become more interior strong for running, like New Orleans. Wells is a good center and a competitor but undersized against the NFC D-Tackles is never good. Detoilet and the G'ints both are strong up the middle and give us trouble.

2/21/128:56 AM

IL_Pack_FanMember

This could just be McGinn stirring it up, but a lot of this makes sense. I think the timing actually works in GB's favor with Wells arguably being only the 3rd or 4th most attractive Center on the market this spring.

This may be a case of Wells meaning more to GB than he could to any other team. His greatest value is in pass pro and making all of the protection calls. If he moves into an offense he hasn't studied for six years with a coach that wants to run more than 15 times a game, is he going to justify a top 5 pay day?

2/21/129:02 AM

PakrzFREEZE!

It's a tough call but history shows that TT might know what he's doing. I agree that any information coming from the media in situations like this have to be taken with a huge grain of salt.

2/21/1210:49 AM

packerboiI lick rainbows

Keep in mind McGinn and TT haven't always gotten along (though you could say that with quite a few local media who have always complained TT is too closed in and gives them nothing).

In terms of Packer FA's who have signed:

quote:
.
Waiting for Packers to sign their free agents? Keep waiting
By Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel
Feb. 15, 2012

Green Bay - If you're wringing your hands wondering why the Packers haven't signed any of their soon-to-be unrestricted free agents, stop it. Stop it now.

The Packers are no closer to signing TE Jermichael Finley and C Scott Wells than they were six months ago. According to NFL sources, there have been discussions between negotiator Russ Ball and several of the team' free-agents-to-be, but nothing is imminent.

There's a reason for that, too.

The Packers don't get serious about signing their name free agents until the market starts to show itself, which in most cases is a couple of hours before free agency begins.

They will float offers that many agents consider below-market value in hopes of getting a Josh Sitton or Jordy Nelson to go for the security of a long-term deal, but in the case of guys like Wells, Finley and Jarrett Bush, they are dealing with guys who are not going to bite because their free-agent value is going to be sky high.

Consider when some of the Packers free agents signed in years past:

•LB A.J. Hawk, 2011 - Agreed to a five-year, $33.75 million deal hours after pre-lockout free agency started.
•K Mason Crosby, 2011 - Agreed to a five-year, $14.75 million deal the same day that post-lockout free agency started.
•S Nick Collins, 2010 - Agreed to a four-year, $30.4 million deal hours before free agency started.
•DE Ryan Pickett, 2010 - Agreed to a four-year, $24.92 million deal hours before free agency started.
•OT Chad Clifton, 2010 - Signed a three-year, $19.38 million deal three days after free agency started.
•OT Mark Tauscher, 2010 - Signed a two-year, $8.2 million deal two days after free agency started.
•DE Aaron Kampman, 2006 - Agreed to a four-year, $21 million deal hours before free agency started.
•Clifton, 2004 - Signed a six-year, $32.35 million deal the same night that free agency started.

Waiting until the last minute allows GM Ted Thompson and Ball to see what players at the same position as their free agents are going to be available and how that will affect their market value. It also allows them to see if the agent they're dealing with is bluffing about interest his client will draw from other teams.

Now it could be that GB does want to keep Wells but is simply waiting on how the market develops. Based on history, Packers seems to wait til the last moment to re-sign some of their guys.

2/21/1211:03 AM

PakrzFREEZE!

That might not work with Wells. I think he's a bit scorned after being cut and then losing his job to Spitz a few years back. He doesn't come across as a player that would have a hard time leaving GB.

2/21/1211:10 AM

packerboiI lick rainbows

Im not sure it will either. He's probably somewhat jaded and feels GB really hasn't given him the respect he deserved so agree a hometown discount is likely out of the question. And at 31, this would be his last real contract offer.

There are 13 UFA Centers entering FA. Though yes TT primarily goes thru the draft I suppose it's not out of the question TT could look at a FA center.

2/21/1211:24 AM

Ghost of LambeauMember

quote:
Originally posted by Fedya:
Before I did a Google search, my first thought was, "Let me guess: Konz played at Wisconsin."

While that is true I am not one to promote Wisconsin players because I like Wisconsin Football. I am pointing to him because IMO he is the best OC in the draft this year.

2/21/1211:26 AM

Ghost of LambeauMember

quote:
Originally posted by packerboi:
Keep in mind McGinn and TT haven't always gotten along (though you could say that with quite a few local media who have always complained TT is too closed in and gives them nothing).

I am one fan who is glad TT doesn't give them much. Means that he can get more of the players he really targeted before FA or the draft.

2/21/1211:37 AM

PakrzFREEZE!

Agree. Nothing good can come from talking to the media about what your intentions are. It just makes no sense.

2/21/1211:44 AM

Grave DiggerMember

I don't think the market for Wells is going to be huge. McGinn said the Packers don't value him that high because he's 31 and undersized, so what makes people think he has a ton of value for another team? I would say he has more value to the Packers than any other team so if the Packers think he's only worth a 12 million over 3 years (just an example) than why would another team offer him a lot more than that. I'm not saying he lacks any value, but the point still stands that he's an undersized 31 year old Center.

2/21/1211:45 AM

kworstSour Grapes

I think they just bring back Craig "Heimey" Heimberger to replace wells

2/21/1212:04 PM

HauserMember

I don't think Konz will be there when the Packers pick

2/21/1212:10 PM

CUPackFanMember

TT is right that Wells is overvaluing himself but I'm sure there is someone out there that has also overvalued Wells. Wells is a solid center, no more, no less. He won't make mistakes but he's also not a difference maker. Hard to justify giving him anything more than $4m a year.

2/21/1212:24 PM

kworstSour Grapes

or junious coston

2/21/1212:31 PM

michiganjoeMember

I doubt if Konz is there either when they pick. Based on his past history, TT will probably look for a center in the middle rounds and fill the gaping defensive holes in the earlier rounds.

2/21/1212:34 PM

kworstSour Grapes

Or Nick Mcdonald

2/21/1212:43 PM

packerboiI lick rainbows

quote:
Originally posted by michiganjoe:
I doubt if Konz is there either when they pick. Based on his past history, TT will probably look for a center in the middle rounds and fill the gaping defensive holes in the earlier rounds.

Agree. If the Packers picked a C in the 1st round, that would make the 3rd 1st round OL in a row TT has chosen. With major needs at ROLB, DE, Safety (assuming Collins doesnt come back) and even some argument with CB, IMO either TT will draft a center in the lower rounds or look to one of the 13 FA's at C to bring in assuming they can't/won't re-sign Wells.

2/21/1212:43 PM

Grave DiggerMember

It's a deep Center class IMO so I don't think we necessarily have to draft Konz in round 1. He would be the ideal replacement, but there are solid players to be had in any round.

Ben Jones (Georgia) and Mike Brewster (Ohio St.) can be had in round 2. I like Phillip Blake (Baylor) in round 4 also.

2/21/121:10 PM

turnip bloodMember

Bad year to be a free agent center. If things do not change 10 starting centers will be Free Agents this year. Even if Ted does not dip into the FA market for a center the glut of centers on the market will drive down the price.

2/21/121:39 PM

ammoCheese Master

But are any of the other FA centers better than Wells? If you have to pay I'd rather pay the guy that AR-12 is comfortable with making all the line calls.

2/21/122:00 PM

michiganjoeMember

quote:
Originally posted by YATittle:
Hope this is just posturing.

Most of the noise coming from both sides this time of year is and it has to be taken with a block of salt.

2/21/122:31 PM

Grave DiggerMember

That is what I think will drive down Wells price tag Ammo. Wells has more value to the Packers than he does to any other team and I think the fact that they aren't willing to meet his demands means he's probably not going to get what he's demanding. If he were 28 and coming off a Pro Bowl season then that's a different story, he could learn a new system and give a new team 6 or 7 more good years, but he's 31 and probably only has 2 or 3 really good years left. Rebuilding teams don't want to have to find a new Center in 2 years and there's no team in the NFL that is "just a Center away from a Championship"...which presumably would be the kind of team that would be interested in Wells.

2/21/123:08 PM

FandameMember

Not only that, but centers just aren't considered as highly as other linemen. They are necessary, but unless they can pile-drive block for a back as well as stop every A-gap rusher, they are just "guys." There are only a very few really, really good ones today. Wells is pretty much a pass blocker and that's it. I don't want to see TT overpay, and while Wells may be an all-pro today I think it's overall a pretty weak group.

2/21/123:47 PM

turnip bloodMember

This is going to be Wells last chance at a big pay day. That has to be driving his thinking, why not play hard ball right now. The Packers are not going to move on him until a day or two before Free Agency starts. Why should he show his hand this early?

2/21/123:57 PM

radmanMember

quote:
Originally posted by kworst:
I think they just bring back Craig "Heimey" Heimberger to replace wells

Is'nt that the guy who was supposed to be a road grader?

I thought that you liked "Heimy" back in the day Kworst?

2/21/128:16 PM

TDMember

kworst only comments on guys after they do nothing or do something small for another team like Muir and Dingle.

2/21/128:21 PM

HerschelMember

quote:
Originally posted by Fandame:
Not only that, but centers just aren't considered as highly as other linemen. They are necessary, but unless they can pile-drive block for a back as well as stop every A-gap rusher, they are just "guys." There are only a very few really, really good ones today. Wells is pretty much a pass blocker and that's it. I don't want to see TT overpay, and while Wells may be an all-pro today I think it's overall a pretty weak group.

I disagree. Many of the really good personel people don't seem to and it can be easily argued they're the second-most important offensive lineman behind the blind side tackle. Take a look at Pittsburgh's history at the position, for example. Webster, Dawson, Hartings, maybe Pouncey, they invest is a good one that anchors their line for a lot of years and add a lot of stability to the team and unit.

2/22/128:26 AM

FinnLanderMember

quote:
Originally posted by TD:
kworst only makes worthless comments ~~on guys after they do nothing or do something small for another team like Muir and Dingle.~~

Fixed.

2/22/1211:28 AM

DocBenniMember

Wells this year feels to me like Jenkins last year. He may not be the best center ever, but he means a lot to the Packers. I'm sure if TT had it to do over again, he may have worked harder to keep Jenkins. I would assume he would learn from that when it comes to Wells.

2/24/127:08 AM