packrulz
08-29-2009, 07:50 AM
Notebook: Trade talks heat up as roster cuts near
By Rob Demovsky • rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com • August 28, 2009
GLENDALE, Ariz. – With the first round of NFL-mandated roster cuts due on Tuesday and the final cuts just a week away, trade talks soon will intensify around the league.
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There’s a chance the Green Bay Packers will be involved.
With perhaps as deep an 80-man roster as Ted Thompson has had in his five seasons in Green Bay, the general manager might have some tradeable players that otherwise wouldn’t make the 53-man roster.
Depending on how some injured players fare this week, the Packers might be overloaded at linebacker, offensive line and fullback.
Trading players before the final cuts can be difficult because teams know they can acquire players via waivers, but teams that are lower on the priority list might be willing to deal.
Friday’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium drew scouts from eight teams. That’s not an inordinate amount for a preseason game, especially considering two of the scouts represent teams the Packers play the first two weeks of the season, Chicago and Cincinnati, and one represents the team (San Francisco) the Cardinals play in Week 1.
Conversely, the Packers might still be on the lookout for a punter, a tight end and perhaps backup quarterback. For that reason, none of the Packers’ top-three scouts under Thompson made the trip to Arizona. Instead, personnel men Reggie McKenzie, John Schneider and John Dorsey, all either remained at Lambeau Field scouring tapes of other preseason games or attended other exhibition games.
There’s a growing concern in the organization about the progress of Brian Brohm, the 2008 second-round draft pick who has struggled in training camp and had a poor week of practice this week while taking all the No. 2 reps because of a shoulder injury to second-stringer Matt Flynn.
Brohm’s struggles the last 1½ years might prompt the Packers to consider bringing in another quarterback. NFL.com reported this week that the Packers might be interested in one of Tampa Bay’s backup quarterbacks. The Bucs are reportedly taking trade offers for Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown and Josh Johnson.
Thompson typically makes some additional moves on or after the final cuts. Last year, he added punter Derrick Frost and long snapper Brett Goode the day after the final cuts. Two years ago, he acquired running back Ryan Grant in a trade on the day of the cuts.
Teams must cut to 75 players on Tuesday, which means three more moves for the Packers, and then 53 a week from today.
I read where one scout remarked that the Packers have lots of good DB's and will have to get rid of some good ones. At RB, I like both Wynn & Sutton, one might have to go, they have 3 good FB's, can't keep them all, some o-lineman, and a guy like Montgomery might not fit.
By Rob Demovsky • rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com • August 28, 2009
GLENDALE, Ariz. – With the first round of NFL-mandated roster cuts due on Tuesday and the final cuts just a week away, trade talks soon will intensify around the league.
Advertisement
There’s a chance the Green Bay Packers will be involved.
With perhaps as deep an 80-man roster as Ted Thompson has had in his five seasons in Green Bay, the general manager might have some tradeable players that otherwise wouldn’t make the 53-man roster.
Depending on how some injured players fare this week, the Packers might be overloaded at linebacker, offensive line and fullback.
Trading players before the final cuts can be difficult because teams know they can acquire players via waivers, but teams that are lower on the priority list might be willing to deal.
Friday’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium drew scouts from eight teams. That’s not an inordinate amount for a preseason game, especially considering two of the scouts represent teams the Packers play the first two weeks of the season, Chicago and Cincinnati, and one represents the team (San Francisco) the Cardinals play in Week 1.
Conversely, the Packers might still be on the lookout for a punter, a tight end and perhaps backup quarterback. For that reason, none of the Packers’ top-three scouts under Thompson made the trip to Arizona. Instead, personnel men Reggie McKenzie, John Schneider and John Dorsey, all either remained at Lambeau Field scouring tapes of other preseason games or attended other exhibition games.
There’s a growing concern in the organization about the progress of Brian Brohm, the 2008 second-round draft pick who has struggled in training camp and had a poor week of practice this week while taking all the No. 2 reps because of a shoulder injury to second-stringer Matt Flynn.
Brohm’s struggles the last 1½ years might prompt the Packers to consider bringing in another quarterback. NFL.com reported this week that the Packers might be interested in one of Tampa Bay’s backup quarterbacks. The Bucs are reportedly taking trade offers for Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown and Josh Johnson.
Thompson typically makes some additional moves on or after the final cuts. Last year, he added punter Derrick Frost and long snapper Brett Goode the day after the final cuts. Two years ago, he acquired running back Ryan Grant in a trade on the day of the cuts.
Teams must cut to 75 players on Tuesday, which means three more moves for the Packers, and then 53 a week from today.
I read where one scout remarked that the Packers have lots of good DB's and will have to get rid of some good ones. At RB, I like both Wynn & Sutton, one might have to go, they have 3 good FB's, can't keep them all, some o-lineman, and a guy like Montgomery might not fit.