Packers interested in Matt Birk

[LL2]

Doesn't the guy detest the Packers? He is 32 and getting kind of old, but the Packer OL could use a solid veteran. If TT does sign him I hope it is only a 2-3 year deal.

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/84697-packers-to-pursue-vikings-center

[RashanGary]

Interesting.

Clifton/Spitz/Birk/Sitton/Colledge

With the #9 pick being a LT to groom behind Clifton. I'd hope it's a two year deal, nothing more.

[Bretsky]

I doubt we do this, but I'd be fine as he's better than Wells IMO

[Lurker64]

I wonder how much he's got left in his tank.

[Patler]

I wonder what their source is for this. That seems kind of unusual to me.

[retailguy]

I wonder what their source is for this. That seems kind of unusual to me.

agreed. If there is one spot on the line that wouldn't be a priority, it would seem to be center.

Spitz played well at center, not so well at guard.

This on its surface doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but it is Ted we're talking about. (Note to the Ted lovers, THAT WAS A JOKE.) :P

[Lurker64]

Maybe Ted wants Birk at guard, not center? We can always use guards...

[Patler]

Could be a reporter reading that MM wants Spitz to compete with Wells next year, then assuming the Packers look at center as a position of need, so concludes they would be interested in Birk.

[Joemailman]

I'd rather he sign Brooke Burke

[DonHutson]

Wasn't there some Birk to Green Bay rumor a couple of years ago? He was either a FA or he was in some sort of contract tiff, and he was seen in Green Bay or something?

[pittstang5]

Wasn't there some Birk to Green Bay rumor a couple of years ago? He was either a FA or he was in some sort of contract tiff, and he was seen in Green Bay or something?

I was thinking of the same thing...only more recently, like this off-season or something.

[Rastak]

Wasn't there some Birk to Green Bay rumor a couple of years ago? He was either a FA or he was in some sort of contract tiff, and he was seen in Green Bay or something?

I was thinking of the same thing...only more recently, like this off-season or something.

The contract "tiff" was a couple years ago. He had a sports hernia and wanted to have it operated on but it would end his season. The Vikings said he could play with the injury and have it operated on in the off season. He said he would if they gaurenteed his contract for the following year and the Vikings said no, so he had surgery and was shut down for the year.


edit: He's coming off a 5 year deal I think so I highly doubt he was in Green Bay.

[RashanGary]

Hey, at the very least get in the bidding so they have to pay him more money and have a tougher time affording a QB

[Lurker64]

Hey, at the very least get in the bidding so they have to pay him more money and have a tougher time affording a QB

I thought the Vikings' interest in bringing back Birk was lukewarm at best?

[RashanGary]

Hey, at the very least get in the bidding so they have to pay him more money and have a tougher time affording a QB

I thought the Vikings' interest in bringing back Birk was lukewarm at best?

Honestly, I wouldnt' doubt if they knew he'd have a tough time getting a big contrace else where because of his age and they figured they could just wait and pay him a lower tier deal without real competition.

If GB comes in and offers him something fair, but not high, it will force the Vikings either pay a fair deal to one of their better players or lose him.

Kleinsauser, Birk, Sharper and Udeze are all UFA's. Plus they need a QB. Plus they're staring to approach the cap. They've traded away a few high picks. Their depth is suspect already (as evident by really bad ST's). I think Birk would be a guy you could pry away from a very reasonable price and although he's a little older, he's been one of the best centers in football for a long time. He'd bring some savvy and knowledge to the unit as well as being a guy who was great in his prime so is still damn good on the downside of it. I don't think us taking him would be all that high of a price and I do think it would hurt the Vikings.