Packers Offseason/Free Agency Thread

[Fritz]

runpc wrote that Dillon is three yards and a cloud of dust. I'd agree except that when you absolutely need that one or two yards on third down, Dillon seemed unable to just get that couple of yards. For a guy with his quads and size, you'd think he could make those third-and-one or third-and-two carries pretty much automatic first downs, but he didn't seem to be able to do that. He wasn't as bad as Richard Rodgers - I've never seen a guy crumple so fast after a hit - but he can't seem to break that tackle at the line of scrimmage enough to get the one or two yards.

But yes, while you're getting your rookie running backs up to speed on pass pro and such, Dillon is solid for knowing the plays, pass protection, catching the ball out of the backfield.

[run pMc]

throw in nixon and his insane 6 million a year for a guy who should be nothing more then a return guy to the 2 million that dillon is getting, and you should have just kept jones and had the best RB tandem in the league

I agree with this.
I think the Nixon contract was a little rich, although Keisean is always available. I'd rather they have trimmed off a million or two from Keisean's total contract, gave it to Jones to keep him and let Dillon walk, but maybe Nixon had more interest from other teams.
At a minimum signing Nixon and Dillon reduces any urgency to reach for a player at a position if the draft doesn't fall how they want. I still think they need to take an inside CB and a RB with upside.

As for Wilson, I think that was posturing. Sure they probably love him, but I haven't seen much from him. Maybe he has a Year 2 leap in him, but I'm doubtful. They always talk one or two players up in the offseason and these cute puffpieces come out, and then the season starts and they do nothing. It's like the kiss of death for a player. See: Tyler Davis in 2022, Samari Toure in 2023.

[Joemailman]

Still waiting to see what the real numbers are on Nixon's contract. I'm okay, but only okay, on the Dillon signing. My guess is Dillon and Wilson will be battling for the same roster spot.

[run pMc]

I think Dillon is a fine RB3, but I could see him getting cut if there's little to no cap hit and he gets outplayed.

[ThunderDan]

runpc wrote that Dillon is three yards and a cloud of dust. I'd agree except that when you absolutely need that one or two yards on third down, Dillon seemed unable to just get that couple of yards. For a guy with his quads and size, you'd think he could make those third-and-one or third-and-two carries pretty much automatic first downs, but he didn't seem to be able to do that. He wasn't as bad as Richard Rodgers - I've never seen a guy crumple so fast after a hit - but he can't seem to break that tackle at the line of scrimmage enough to get the one or two yards.

But yes, while you're getting your rookie running backs up to speed on pass pro and such, Dillon is solid for knowing the plays, pass protection, catching the ball out of the backfield.

Half the issue is running shotgun on 3 and 2.

[Fritz]

Yeah, please don't do that any more. I hate that.

[Jaire]

Where's the "Fire Hafley" Thread?


Really slacking around here..... disappointed

[Joemailman]

Where's the "Fire Hafley" Thread?


Really slacking around here..... disappointed

https://packerrats.com/showthread.ph...-Hafley-Thread

[Jaire]

lol. I couldn't find the thread. Thanks.

[Joemailman]

Christian Watson's dad on the hamstring problems:

"Well, the collaborating specialists found the source of the problem. That was the main issue with getting the proper plan in place for a solution. Now, as I've shared before, it's not my place to share details. I'll let the Packers and/or Christian do that, should they decide to elaborate. However, with the source of the issue revealed, as long as the correct program is implemented and executed to rectify it, then this shouldn't be a recurring issue moving forward!"

[Bretsky]

Consider me in the who cares group on the Dillon signing.

[Frozen Tundra]

Christian Watson's dad on the hamstring problems:

"Well, the collaborating specialists found the source of the problem. That was the main issue with getting the proper plan in place for a solution. Now, as I've shared before, it's not my place to share details. I'll let the Packers and/or Christian do that, should they decide to elaborate. However, with the source of the issue revealed, as long as the correct program is implemented and executed to rectify it, then this shouldn't be a recurring issue moving forward!"

Interesting news. I was speculating about that a couple of months ago when people were discussing whether there was even anything that could be done about chronic hammy problems, and was hoping that some top-level specialists would be able to isolate a cause. I hope he's right.

And just so people are aware, Watson's dad is not just some barstool blowhard, or a yapping pot-stirrer like James Jones' father was. Watson's dad is Tazim Wajed, better remembered by some of us as Packer safety Tim Watson from the 90s. He was never a star player or even close to it, but he's a really smart guy who spent a few years in the league and understands the game. I've heard him on a couple of podcasts, and he comes across as a very responsible and intelligent guy. Had some very interesting insights on Hafley a few weeks ago that I hadn't heard anyone express before, but really made a lot of sense, and some of which were similar to what other pundits have said but summarized much more clearly and deeply than I've heard others saying.

[KYPack]

Great post Tundra.

for sure Don't remember Tim Watson but sounds level headed

[Joemailman]

Great post Tundra.

for sure Don't remember Tim Watson but sounds level headed

Watson was a 6th round pick by the Packers but never played for the Packers. Don't know if there was a hamstring injury involved. Bounced around with a few teams for a few years.

[run pMc]

If Watson's hamstring issues are resolved and he can be healthy that will be a big deal - he scares defenses and makes it easier for the other receivers.

Dillon is not good running from shotgun. The mesh point is different and I suspect more effective for him if the QB is under center.
I will be curious to see if they use a real FB more. Jacobs also played well from power/gap schemes, and I wonder if we see more of it. McVay went more power/gap last year.

[bobblehead]

Christian Watson's dad on the hamstring problems:

"Well, the collaborating specialists found the source of the problem. That was the main issue with getting the proper plan in place for a solution. Now, as I've shared before, it's not my place to share details. I'll let the Packers and/or Christian do that, should they decide to elaborate. However, with the source of the issue revealed, as long as the correct program is implemented and executed to rectify it, then this shouldn't be a recurring issue moving forward!"

This is the kind of thing I read every off season and get excited about. Half the time it ends in brutal disappointment. I really hope Watson has it figured out because he is lightning. He is a true game changer.

[Patler]

This is the kind of thing I read every off season and get excited about. Half the time it ends in brutal disappointment. I really hope Watson has it figured out because he is lightning. He is a true game changer.

Yup, just like everyone is "ahead of schedule" during off season rehab, until training camp when they are put on the PUP list, and then stay there for the start of the season.

Two big questions regarding Watson, even if they know the issue:

1. Can it be corrected?
2. How long will it take to really fix it, even if it is correctable?

Knowing the cause is the necessary start, but it is only that, a start. Lots to be answered yet.

[sharpe1027]

There's more randomness than most people think. Watson might never have a another hamstring injury. He might have one the first practice. Having good training and therapy plans can help, but they just shift the odds. They don't guarantee anything.

[Joemailman]

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet

The #Panthers have agree to terms with former #Packers OT Yosh Nijman, source said, some depth for the O-line

[King Friday]

Still waiting to see what the real numbers are on Nixon's contract. I'm okay, but only okay, on the Dillon signing. My guess is Dillon and Wilson will be battling for the same roster spot.

I think Nixon is far more valuable now with the new kickoff rules. It would’ve been a bad contract under the prior rules, where you should have just taken a free catch every time. Now, there is going to be value on having a returner who can make a big return, and Nixon can.