You're the GM...Get going.

It just seems like Scott Wells is the kind of guy that TT will not re-sign (over 30). Something tells me he will take a chance on Evan Dietrich-Smith as the new starting C and draft someone as competition maybe around the 3rd or 4th round.

That would surprise me. Wells is one of the best centers in football and is considered by some to be GB's best lineman. TT signed Clifton and Tauscher IIRC when they were in their 30's as well. AR is the franchise and keeping him on his feet is paramount. I read somewhere that Wells gave up something 1/2 sack on the season. When you consider the interior lineman he faces in the division alone, that's beyond impressive. A strong argument could be made to tag Wells instead of YOTTO.

I never have a good feel for what guys are valued at in FA, so I'll leave your list alone. Sounds like a good idea to kick the tires on all of those. One factor for Avril is that I think Detroit, due to drafting in the top 5 year in and year out, has little cap space. Can anyone confirm that?

I like your bargain hunting for Jarrett Johnson.

As for the internal players, I agree that Cliffy and Driver can't come back at their price. I'm not sure Clifton is worth bringing back at all. Sink or swim time for Newhouse and Sherrod. Newhouse was decent. Sherrod had a pretty much lost year. You'd think they will draft one more OT this draft.

Perhaps sentimentality, but if Driver will play near the vet minimum, I might give him a shot. Sounds crazy, but I'd be thrilled if they could trade Jones for a 4th or 5th. Nelson and Jennings are the fixtures. Cobb is the future #3. The guys on the Practice squad are ready. Jones has a great contract....if someone is willing, I'd rather do that. Another pick to use to trade up for this year's Clay Matthews would be great. Then you can bring Driver back to be the 4th or 5th WR if he's willing.

I would offer Howard Green a near vet minimum deal. Seems like a good locker room guy that it would be worth bringing back for camp alone. He'd be an insurance policy, and if he performs like he did in 2010, that's a bonus.

I tag Finley, and sign Wells before FA. Flynn walks. Harrell is good enough, but I'd be looking for a late round QB since there are 11 picks on this team.

I like the signing of Jarrett Bush as a backup. If the money is right, let's dance. But if someone is going to pay him, they can find another guy like him.

Gotta hope/pray that Collins is good to go. Huge hole to fill if he isn't.

Lots of guys coming up for contracts and due raises....Rodgers, CMIII, Jennings and Lang come to mind. So I think high end FA is not realistic, outside of the fact that it really isn't the team's philosophy.

quote:

Green - He's done. Thanks.

Howard or Alex?

Really?

I'm sorry I'm not psychic.

I don't remember either Green doing much this season, although in Alex's defense it's because he was on IR with a knee injury.

Depending on the news with Collins I think TT takes a look at Dashon Goldson.

quote:

Originally posted by Fedya:
I'm sorry I'm not psychic.

I don't remember either Green doing much this season, although in Alex's defense it's because he was on IR with a knee injury.

Howard is a FA. Alex isn't.

This is why I'm not the GM.

Fix the defense!

quote:

Green - He's done. Thanks.

I was listening to WSSP last week and the Grave Digger pointed out men like him and Green and their size don't come around often. For that reason alone, I think Green would be a decent, cheap insuance policy. Starter? No. 15-20 snaps a game as a rotation guy to keep Raji or Neal fresh? I'd have no issues with that.

Franchising Finley? As what ? a TE or WR?

I suspect thats what the issue is with his contract...

quote:

Originally posted by Fedya:
This is why I'm not the GM.

7Well, having BK in your family photo didnt help.

I really like Wells, but it would not surprise me to see TT decline re-signing him. The fact that the Packers do not currently have an adequate replacement on the roster has not in the past stopped TT from moving on from "older" players.

Extend Clay Matthews (5 years)

Finley - A) Trying to resign (need bargain contract) B) Franchise Tag or C) Trade him tagged.

Flynn - He is gone.

Wells - Try to resign for bargain contract or goodbye

Lee - Goodbye

Walden - cheap contract or goodbye

Grant - Goodbye

Bush - resign him for what he is worth (special teams ace and backup cb to back up the back ups.

Green - I'd resign him for a cheap contract.

FREE AGENTS

C - Carl Nicks Good opportunity to improve the run game. Saints might not be in position to resign him. Also get younger at the position.

RB Mike Tolbert or Peyton Hillis (Either one) Green Bay need someone like these guys. Price would have to be right on both of them, Esp Hillis. 3 year deal sounds about right.

Draft defense as much as possible.

Some of you are vastly under-rating Scott Wells, the Packers' best lineman in 2011

Both Rodgers and McCarthy have come out endorsing him and pushing for his return

If all three would "need" to be tagged and I have to choose between Flynn, Finley and Wells, I'd tag Wells. Finley's young and has big potential but Wells gets it done in line calls and protecting the franchise. Either that or I make sure I get Konz or the like in the draft but Konz would cost me my first rounder and I want that to shore up the pass rush. Still, Center is not a position to dick around with.

Clifton is back. Had Sherrod not gotten injured you may be able to make a case but with that situation I'd keep Clifton around. Newhouse is a nice backup lineman, but I don't want to trust the blind side to him full time at this point.

Green also is a re-sign if he comes pretty cheaply. Guys his size aren't that common.

I'm buying lunch and dinner for Collins' doctors and making sure I know EVERYTHING that goes on with him.

First I would understand the Cap is going down this year, then up (perhaps a lot) next year. So I will not be looking to extend players I have under contract until I have everything else completed. There are a record number of Free Agents this year so I may be hunting for some bargins. As for the Packers if they do not have the fewest FA they are near the bottom so they are in pretty good shape.
Clifton is done, I would cut Driver. Driver is not getting any better so I would want a player who may develop in his roster slot. I would try and sign Wells before Free Agency, I simply would want that slot locked down. In this year’s draft I would want to target defensive front seven players.
Bring Back Green, cannot completely restock the defensive line in one draft.
Depending on Greens health I may or may not cut Grant.
The rest I would let test the Market, not sure how many of these guys I want back.
Flynn I hope Ted can get something for him somehow, I simply do not know how Ted can manage to get something.

Finley is a TE, so that's the tag he gets. He and his agent are delusional - irrespective of how open he is every play.

While Thompson is the president of the letting a guy go a year early, rather than a year late society, I think Wells (and OL in general) are the exception that rule. Wells stays.

Lee, intrigues me, and while he has not lived up to his draft status ( *cough* Hawk *cough* ) something tells me Thompson brings him back on the cheap. I doubt he gets much if any FA interest from other teams and Thompson does not give up on his own picks too quick.

I think Ahmad Brooks is the only real shot at a name FA to GB.

quote:

Originally posted by Satori:
Some of you are vastly under-rating Scott Wells, the Packers' best lineman in 2011

Both Rodgers and McCarthy have come out endorsing him and pushing for his return

This.

Packer Free Agents:
*Assuming a long-term deal can't be reached, place the TE franchise on Finley for $5.5 M
*Thank Flynn, Grant, Walden, Lee, and Howard Green for their efforts and let them walk
*Try and get Wells to sign a reasonable deal before he hits the market. The sticking point is going to be the years. Given Wells's age, Packers probably want a 4-year deal while Wells wants a 6-year deal. Perhaps the Packers can get him to sign a 4-year front loaded deal with higher up front pay, and then work to extend Rodgers with a deal that will lower his intial pay but give him more guaranteed years.
*Wait and see with Jarrett Bush...if he generates interest, good-bye. But if there's no market for him, bring him back at a reasonable price.

Packer Rework:
*Cut Clifton and Driver - money can be used elsewhere
*Cut AJ Hawk (I doubt TT does this, and it wouldn't save money in the short term)
*Rework Rodgers's contract to go for more years and more money, but less short term cap hit if possible
*Start looking into extending Matthews, Jennings, and Raji

FA:
*Probably can't get too involved given the cap and amount of $ to extend own players
*Focus on potential OLB -- Like the idea of Johnson or Mincey -- if they can be had reasonably; may have to shop for safety if Collins is done.

Draft:
*Defensively focused, given compensatory picks, this is the year to use base picks and trade up if you see someone you like

Biggest areas of need will be D-line (need two additional contributors), OLB (I'd hedge my bets here with combo of draft, one free agent, and in-house with Sotto), and cornerback (can never have enough depth here)

Why not Reggie Bush? I know the guy is not popular amongst fans, but from a pure football standpoint, the guy is intriguing.

Football: Darren Sproles. Like Bush, he's not a true RB, but he is uncoverable out of the backfield. As long as you do not try to make him a 20 carry a game RB, he'll stay healthy. He had a very strong comeback year with Maimi, and as a 3rd down weapon he would be an excellent add to this team.

And before everyone starts throwing the character issue out there, remember that Woodson was in the same boat when Green Bay signed him- maligned with concerns about his character and health. While I would be very careful offering him a long term deal, I still think it would be a mutually beneficial thing. Bush will go down in relative obscurity if he doesn't get on a team that will use him properly- and that's in a Darren Sproles type role. The prospect of coming to a football only team like Green bay has to be at least of mild interest to a guy like Bush.

I'm just gonna say I think yous guys is being a little flippant with Driver.
You keep guys with that much heart and soul and talent on your roster.
I agree that you don't gamble at the center position unless you KNOW you have a replacement. GB doesn't know what it has without Wells - he needs to stay.

As for Goldson, I don't just look. I go wherever he resides in the off season and wine and dine him and/or bring him to GB... replete with hookers and blow! He'd be so nice to have but it probably won't happen.

If it comes to resigning Wells or Bush, Wells everyday and twice on Sunday.

See if Driver will take a pay cut with the idea he will join the coaching staff when he says he is done as a player.

Clifton is done. Thanks Chad for all the years.

I really like Grant. Don't know what to do there. Glad I don't have to decide.

Take the comp pick for Flynn. Tag Finley as a TE tell him to shove it if he doesn't like it. He'll never play any place else then.

Im all for the save as much cap space as we can for next year.


Why go with something new.

quote:

Originally posted by Satori:
Some of you are vastly under-rating Scott Wells, the Packers' best lineman in 2011

Both Rodgers and McCarthy have come out endorsing him and pushing for his return

Wells is terribly overrated. A lineman in his early 30s should not receive a 3-4 year deal unless he is really a special player. Wells is very weak at the point of attack (especially against the run). I wouldn't spend the money on him. I'd rather spend it on a guy that has proven he can rush the passer. I also wouldnt be against drafting Peter Konz in the 1st round (assuming there isnt a top flight rush end available) to shore up that position (as opposed to giantly overpaying Scott Wells).

Sherrod will not be back from injury.

I've read several comments stating Wells will work with GB and get a deal done allowing the tag to be used elsewhere. Don't be so sure. At age 31, this is probably Wells best/last shot at a big pay day. And it was no secret the Packers were trying to remove him from the starting lineup a couple years ago, but Spitz couldn't stay healthy. Early talks with Wells have the two sides far apart, so I hope that is simply an early ploy by both sides.

We as fans always assume the Packers can resign a player to a team friendly contract. It doesn't always work that way.

@ Diggr

What do you know about Wells? My guess is nothing...or you simply haven't been paying attention.

Wells allowed 1/2 sack in 2011 and only 14 in eight years of NFL play. He is a top notch pass blocker and the clear leader on the offensive line.

GB's offense is highly pass orientated. Rodgers doesn't perform like he does without guys like Wells, not even close. People tend to forget about the importance of offensive lineman. They're boring... they don't score points and they never make the highlight reels. They win games though.... Wells is a damn good one.

quote:

Originally posted by GBFanForLife:
Sherrod will not be back from injury.

Why not?

quote:

Originally posted by Diggr14:
...I wouldn't spend the money on him. I'd rather spend it on a guy that has proven he can rush the passer. I also wouldnt be against drafting Peter Konz in the 1st round (assuming there isnt a top flight rush end available) to shore up that position (as opposed to giantly overpaying Scott Wells).

But do you see TT spending big money on a guy that can rush the passer? And if Konz is off the board and you've let Wells walk then what? What's plan C for you, Digger? I'm not saying you "overpay" Wells just for the sake of keeping him, but I do happen to think he's a good center.

Let's say GB takes Konz... It's doubtful he'd be ready to play anyhow. I'm not willing to risk the NFL MVP's health by cutting corner on the oline.

Besides, 31 years of age isn't exactly ancient for an NFL lineman.

Thank AJ Hawk for his service and cut him loose. I just don't think the defense can take another year with his inability to tackle, inability to make a play behind the line, or cover a RB. I don't know if a starter is on the roster but it is just time for AJ to go away. And of all of TTs draft choices, I think this one disappoints me more than any. So much was expected and he wasn't even average.

Let Bush shop himself then sign him like he did last time. Bush won't get starter money because he isnt that good but he is a great special teams player. Bush can set the market-he wants to stay in Green Bay and the Packers will pay him the going rate of a special teams player.

-Offer Wells a fair contract and if he wants the moon say thanks and move on. It would not suprise me if TT picks a center in the top two rounds if he lets Wells walks. If he signs him, great-It is defense defense defense on the draft.

-If Philly lets Jenkins go, then get him back here. The team missed him tremendously. Wolf brought Desmond Howard back after he left in free agency. Of course that was several years later and Howard was done. Jenkins has another year or two.

Draft defense defense defense.

Let Ryan Grant go. Loved his passion but backs like him are replaceable. He was never worth the contract he got last time. He had leverage because of hte Favre debacle but time to get him and AJ a bus ticket out of Title Town.

-I think TT will let Clifton go. They got nothing out of him this year. It is time for Cliffy to go to Tennessee and play one last year in his home state.

-I love Donald Driver but if linebackers are covering you then it is time to move on. Got to get room for Cobb who could be the Welker of this offense.

-Hopefully Ted is able to get some veteran leadership to go with Woodson on defense. For as great as he is able to do in teh draft, I think another veteran on defense is needed.

-Put BJ at the nose and leave him there. He is not an end. Probably time to say goodbye to Pickett. There is just not room on this defense for two high priced nose tackles. I love Pickett but BJ is young and needs to be the next Vince Wolford. Next year is critical for his development.

So our needs are at least two Lbs, at least two defensive ends, a safety, a CB, an interior offensive linemen, and probably another WR to take Drivers place. Ted has just enough draft picks....

Jennings, Nelson, Jones, Cobb, Gurley and if they let Driver go they need to get yet another WR to replace him?

Sherrod broke a leg not tore a knee. Rehab and healing time is quite different.

Amazing how important Wells when he was not even going to be the starter a few years back when Spitz was going to be the starter. Not sure if I would franchise him.

I would let Finley walk and take the 3rd round pick. Although with Quarless injury, that might not happen.

I still think I would definitely try to work out a possible deal/franchise/trade with Flynn to Washington or Miami. Neither team is going to get the Top 2 Qb's.

I agree with those on trying to bring Cullen back at a reasonable deal. He was sorely missed.

Grant is pretty much gone and adding another running back to compete wouldn't hurt in the draft.

OLB and DE are the biggest needs in the draft.

quote:

Wells is terribly overrated.

Really? The guy is highly underrated.

quote:

@ Diggr

What do you know about Wells football? My guess is nothing

Fixed it for you.

Let's not forget, Raji and Nelson are busts. Consider the source...

quote:

@ Diggr

What do you know about Wells football? My guess is nothing

Ahh Digger with his obligatory douchbag post in a otherwise intelligent discussion about future Packer moves by us armchair GM's.

I tell you the guy is a freakin wanker,#%$*head, pencile necked geek who knows everything about nothing!

Here's a quick look at the WR depth chart going into the '12 offseason

Jennings
Nelson
Jones
Cobb
Driver (with salary adjustment)
Tori Gurley
Diondre Borel
draft pick

If by chance one of the top 4 missed a couple of games, who would you feel better bringing in - Driver, Gurley or Borel ?
Can they all play X,Y and Z in crunch time ?

Maybe GB keeps 6 WRs and "only" 4 TEs this year

Bye bye to:
Clifton
Grant
Bush
Flynn (he'll be a good one)
Hawk

Renegotiate Driver if you can trade Jones.

Resign:
Howard Green (vet minimum, use as depth)
Wells
Finley (one year if necessary)