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Thread: Arrington

  1. #1

    Arrington

    Arrington has issues to tackle
    Packers' prospects, Favre, money are key factors
    By TOM SILVERSTEIN
    tsilverstein@journalsentinel.com

    Before anyone gets too excited about the possibility of free-agent linebacker LaVar Arrington joining the Green Bay Packers, consider the variables at play.


    Arrington wants to play for a winner; the Packers were 4-12 last season.

    Arrington wants to know whether Brett Favre is going to retire; the Packers still don't know the quarterback's plans.

    Arrington wants a big contract; the Packers have plenty of salary cap room but don't think they should have to pay considerably more than what the market bears.

    So although Arrington's visit to the Packers' facility Sunday night and Monday created quite a buzz, it didn't signify a deal is imminent. In fact, this might be only the early stages of a long process that drags out until after the draft April 29 and 30 and perhaps into training camp.

    What is clear is that both sides appear serious about examining a marriage that would bring the 27-year-old, three-time Pro Bowl selection to Green Bay.

    "There has to be interest from both sides if there's a visit," Arrington's agent, Kevin Poston, said Tuesday. "There were a number of other teams who were interested in him and he chose not to visit. He's realistic. To him, he's not a guy who believes in wasting his time."

    Initially, it looked as if Arrington's visit was a concession to Favre, who during a news conference Saturday at his charity golf tournament said he thought the Packers needed to make "a statement" in free agency. But Poston confirmed what the Journal Sentinel reported Monday, that Arrington's visit was arranged well before Favre made his comments.

    Poston said the two sides had been talking for a while and that Arrington was actually scheduled to visit last week, but had a conflict with a charity event he was hosting. His visit would have coincided with a visit by free-agent cornerback Charles Woodson, another client of Kevin Poston's and his brother, Carl.

    "If they were flying in LaVar and Woodson based on that (Favre's comments) and not to get better, then it's something they would have to discuss," Poston said. "But if we didn't believe they were serious we wouldn't be wasting our time."

    During his visit, Arrington asked the Packers if he could talk to Favre, Poston said. Arrington thought that it was important to know whether the future Hall of Fame quarterback was coming back for another season or if there was anything he should know about playing in Green Bay.

    Poston said Arrington had not spoken to Favre as of Tuesday afternoon but was still interested in touching base with him.

    "I think he would want to know if he's going to play," Poston said. "LaVar is a serious player. He wants to know if this guy is going to return. If so, what do you see for this team and if not what do you think about playing here?"

    Poston said it was important for Arrington to land with a team that was willing to pay the price for winning.

    "How many guys are playmakers?" Poston said. "How many can change the game? That's what he and Charles can do."

    Poston didn't discount the possibility that both Arrington and Woodson could land with the Packers, but he made it clear that neither would be undersold. The free-agent market has been picked through and it's the opinion of many personnel officials that it's going to be difficult for the Postons to get top dollar for their clients.

    It could take as much as $14 million in upfront money to get Arrington and $10 million to get Woodson, but the number of suitors for both isn't great and it might be hard for them to hit their numbers. Arrington has drawn interest from the New York Giants, Jacksonville, Cincinnati and Miami, while Woodson's only other serious suitor is Tampa Bay.

    "The timetable (for getting a deal done) is when it's right," Poston said. "People say the money has dried up. Not for stars it hasn't.

    "I'm not saying they'll wait all day long. But it's when you have an average player, that's when it's difficult. But when you have a Pro Bowl player, they speak for themselves. Both of those guys are impact players."

  2. #2
    Senior Rat HOFer GBRulz's Avatar
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    This is where we've been spoiled over the past several years...players wanted to come play here because of Favre and plus we were a winning organization. If TT thinks he can lure players simply because of the GB packers history - he really is in for a rude awakening.

  3. #3
    Fact Rat HOFer Patler's Avatar
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    If there is any truth in this article about Arrington's concerns, those who say Favre is not hurting the Packers, or makng TT's job more difficult are wrong.

    The really sad thing is, for the first time ever, I find myself hoping the FAs do NOT call Favre as an ambassador of the Packers. I do not think Favre would help, only hurt.

  4. #4
    Wolf Pack Rat HOFer Deputy Nutz's Avatar
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    That is sort of what I felt about the whole Arrington situation. Although I still think that Arrington will play where the money was, otherwise why not sign with New England, or Pittsburg?

  5. #5
    Wolf Pack Rat HOFer Deputy Nutz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GBMichele
    This is where we've been spoiled over the past several years...players wanted to come play here because of Favre and plus we were a winning organization. If TT thinks he can lure players simply because of the GB packers history - he really is in for a rude awakening.
    This franchise is still dedicated to winning football games, instead of just putting money in the owners pocket. This team will be a winner again in less time than you think, as long as TT makes the smart personel moves.

  6. #6
    Are you thinking he's making smart personnel moves?
    "Greatness is not an act... but a habit.Greatness is not an act... but a habit." -Greg Jennings

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    Anti Homer Rat HOFer Bretsky's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MJZiggy
    Are you thinking he's making smart personnel moves?
    Smart or not, so for he's only making safe moves

  8. #8
    Wolf Pack Rat HOFer Deputy Nutz's Avatar
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    Yes I think he is. He's not putting all of his money in one kettle, he is spreading it all over the house especially in a year that is a bit crappy for free agents. Really you have to look at what you are spending money on.

  9. #9
    I'm Ok with TT, I get the build-thru-the-draft notion.

    But it is still fun to give him crap.

  10. #10
    I don't mind making safe moves but it WOULD NOT KILL THE PACKERS FUTURE to make ONE BIG SPLASH. Im not saying you turn into the Redskins, but signing ONE BIG FA would get the fans and Brett excited again.

  11. #11
    ? HOFer
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    I don't know if you sign the players until you're really close to be competitive.

    That, or you sign them now and front-load for the next 3 years, then give them 3 for vet min

  12. #12
    He needs 11 million to sign rooks.

    I dunno if the balance would allow him to sign both, but that sure would be spectacular on the defensive side of the ball. All we would need would be a mauler on DE and we'd be a contender. Look at what da Bears did with a stop gap QB and a #2 ranked defense.

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    El Jardinero Rat HOFer MadtownPacker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tarlam!
    Look at what da Bears did with a stop gap QB and a #2 ranked defense.
    First round playoff loss? Think Sherman had those figured out.

  14. #14
    Funny Mad, lol, but they when was the last time we had a first round bye? We all knew they were gonna choke, so I am not at all surprised by that. But, their fans had a shitload more to brag about than we did...

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    El Jardinero Rat HOFer MadtownPacker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tarlam!
    Funny Mad, lol, but they when was the last time we had a first round bye? We all knew they were gonna choke, so I am not at all surprised by that. But, their fans had a shitload more to brag about than we did...
    The last SuperBowl appearance.

    The only thing the bear fans can brag about is sweeping the Packers. Had they split the games I would say the bears had accomplished nothing. But those 2 games where like the SB to them.

  16. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by Tarlam!
    He needs 11 million to sign rooks.
    Why would he need $11M? I haven't seen that, but San Francisco had more picks last year and the #1 pick, and only had to shell out around $7M.

  17. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by HarveyWallbangers
    Quote Originally Posted by Tarlam!
    He needs 11 million to sign rooks.
    Why would he need $11M? I haven't seen that, but San Francisco had more picks last year and the #1 pick, and only had to shell out around $7M.
    My memory is not what it used to be, but I thought I read that figure somewhere. But as I am the forum's football illiterate, you're probably right!

  18. #18
    Uff Da Rat HOFer swede's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gbpackfan
    I don't mind making safe moves but it WOULD NOT KILL THE PACKERS FUTURE to make ONE BIG SPLASH. Im not saying you turn into the Redskins, but signing ONE BIG FA would get the fans and Brett excited again.
    I'll buy that.
    [QUOTE=George Cumby] ...every draft (Ted) would pick a solid, dependable, smart, athletically limited linebacker...the guy who isn't doing drugs, going to strip bars, knocking around his girlfriend or making any plays of game changing significance.

  19. #19
    Uff Da Rat HOFer swede's Avatar
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    Arrington and woodson having the same agent makes for interesting dynamics.

    Would you guess that Woodson is the one least likely to make the premium bucks he wants? And if so, would you try to get him signed first?

    Or is Arrington the difference maker and we just make sure we land him at whatever it takes?

    I like the idea of getting Arrington and taking Vernon Davis at #5. This team might get better in a big hurry.
    [QUOTE=George Cumby] ...every draft (Ted) would pick a solid, dependable, smart, athletically limited linebacker...the guy who isn't doing drugs, going to strip bars, knocking around his girlfriend or making any plays of game changing significance.

  20. #20
    Senior Rat Veteran CyclonePackFan's Avatar
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    11M for rookies? Way too high. I think 6M is the average figure to sign the rooks, but it depends on how much Reggie Bush gets paid, and if we trade to Denver and wind up with 2 first-rounders that'll push the number up somewhat.

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