Larry Fitzgerald contract mess

[Patler]

I think we will find ourselves missing Andrew Brandt.

I don't think it will be a problem. The guy they hired seems to be highly thought of, too, and is coming from a program with a lot more cap space for 2008 than the Packers have.

I don't mean to discredit what Brandt has done. The way Favre's contract was handled, his success in getting rookies signed and in camp should not be downplayed. However, I think he can be replaced by another skillful negotiator.

Ask yourself this. Would you have been this concerned with losing Brandt three years ago when the Packers were hamstrung in trying to retain Wahle and Rivera? When they were well over the salary cap at this time of year, and were less than a million under the cap even after releasing Wahle and some others?

I think cap health has as much, if not more to do with the actions of the GM than it does with the contract negotiator. With as many young players as the Packers have, and their avoidance of big dollar free agents their salary cap should be in good shape.. Young players are cheap. When the Packers GM kept an old, old roster they had salary cap problems just like a lot of other teams.

[Scott Campbell]

I think we will find ourselves missing Andrew Brandt.

I don't think it will be a problem. The guy they hired seems to be highly thought of, too, and is coming from a program with a lot more cap space for 2008 than the Packers have.

I don't mean to discredit what Brandt has done. The way Favre's contract was handled, his success in getting rookies signed and in camp should not be downplayed. However, I think he can be replaced by another skillful negotiator.

Ask yourself this. Would you have been this concerned with losing Brandt three years ago when the Packers were hamstrung in trying to retain Wahle and Rivera? When they were well over the salary cap at this time of year, and were less than a million under the cap even after releasing Wahle and some others?

I think cap health has as much, if not more to do with the actions of the GM than it does with the contract negotiator. With as many young players as the Packers have, and their avoidance of big dollar free agents their salary cap should be in good shape.. Young players are cheap. When the Packers GM kept an old, old roster they had salary cap problems just like a lot of other teams.

Agreed. The cap guy lays out the options, but Ted still chooses. Doesn't the cap guy typically report the GM?

[The Leaper]

I think cap health has as much, if not more to do with the actions of the GM than it does with the contract negotiator.

I agree. If you make too many Jamal Reynolds mistakes, it doesn't matter who the hell your financial guy is...the numbers won't add up.