Packers' FA re-signing dilemma

[Patler]

We all know that the Packers have a large group of FAs-to-be, with contracts expiring after 2009. Re-signing all may not be possible, and it would be preferable to attempt to sign them in order of value or importance. It would also be desirable to start early. It would be next to impossible to work deals with all of them after the 2009 season ends but before FA starts. Besides, the closer it gets to FA, the less incentive there is for the player to sign without testing FA.

Unfortunately, it will not be easy for several reasons. The problems faced by the Packers for players in the order that I think they should be in for re-signing:

Jennings - no issues. Try to work out a deal.
Kampman - what is he worth? Will he fit as a LB in a 3-4? You really have to wait and see.
Collins - a one year wonder? How quickly can he pick up the new D? Is he a good fit?
Pickett - is he a good fit in the new D? Is he breaking down?
Colledge - pay as a G? LT? RT? Could be the one you let leave when evaluating the cost/value to the team.
Spitz - is he a guard or center? How much are the years invested in him worth?
Jolly - does he fit the new D? and end? NT? does he go to jail?
Clifton - anything left worth bringing back?

The others you would want to sign with money "left over" from the more critical signings. But even they have questions about them:
Chiller - does he fit the new "D"?
Blackmon - just a returner? Just punts? KO return value?
Moll - do you want him back? At what price?

It would be good to get a head start on dealing with this group. Unfortunately, except for Jennings, you almost have to wait until well into the season before dealing with most of the others.

[wist43]

The only guy I care about on that list is Jennings... TT will likely take a big swing at Colledge though. I don't like Colledge, too much of a punk, and too inconsistent.

I love Kamp, but the protestations of the homers on this board notwithstanding, he simply isn't a fit in a 3-4, unless he bulks up and plays end... but then the salary he could command doesn't fit that slot. That said, I think they will resign him to a big contract, and his effectiveness in relation to his contract will be marginal.

TT's mantra all along has been to resign "his" own... so I would expect that he would try to resign most of those guys. Clifton is at the end though, so I don't expect him back.

[Packnut]

FA's

Jennings and Colledge are the only must signs on the list. Like Wist, I'm not enamored with Colledge either, but there is no other choice due to poor drafting.

Blackmon is important in the fact that I don't worry about him dropping a punt and he'll be cheap to re-sign.

Kampman must prove he can play in the new system, so discussing him is a mute point right now.

Collins was so horrible before last season that he has no right to be playing hardball at this point.

[RashanGary]

Re: Packers' FA re-signing dilemma

Jennings, Kampman, Colledge, Pickett and Spitz I'd lock up right away. Collins I would be more stubborn with. I'd use the franchise tag if he thinks he should be paid like Bob Sanders or Troy Polamolu. If his agent is reasonable, I'd do something right away, but I think his is going to be the stickiest because of the probowl and him really not being a great player.

I'd consider Jolly at the right (pay as you go) deal.

[RashanGary]

I was one of the biggest Colledge detractors here. When the pick was first made, I said it was a desperation pick and a reach because of need.

After the first two years, I said he was junk. I said he gets pushed around inside and beat badly when he played outside. He was definitly not a LT and it was looking like he was junk at guard. I was still one of the biggest detractors, saying "he's not going to come around".

But, after all of that, he came back and had a great season. He's not an elite drive blocker, but he did a solid job and he's really good at everything else.He can move. He can drive block. He can pull. He's a hell of a pass protector inside. First and second impression aside, I've been saying for a few months now that Colledge is a bonafide Tausher level lineman and should be paid as such. I'd love it if Sitton becomes legit because Sitton is more of a road grader type and it would be a good match with Colledge, who is more of the athletic, versatile type.

[red]

kampman is an interesting situation.

i think they need to figure out pretty quick if he can play olb. if he can't then maybe they need to trade him while his value is still sky high. if he plays a season at olb and sucks then his value will probably go down.

its tough, on one hand he's the best defensive player we have, and the exact kind of player you would want on your team. on the other hand, if he can't play in the new system, you're looking at something like what the allen trade brought

[sheepshead]

Good post. Nice to see something other than all the free agent drooling and TT bashing.

[Patler]

I am hopeful that Kampman will show very quickly that he can play in the new D
The knock against Collins coming out was that he would be slow in grasping the D. He was. Will he be starting all over in the 3-4?

[Patler]

I was one of the biggest Colledge detractors here. When the pick was first made, I said it was a desperation pick and a reach because of need.

After the first two years, I said he was junk. I said he gets pushed around inside and beat badly when he played outside. He was definitly not a LT and it was looking like he was junk at guard. I was still one of the biggest detractors, saying "he's not going to come around".

But, after all of that, he came back and had a great season. He's not an elite drive blocker, but he did a solid job and he's really good at everything else.He can move. He can drive block. He can pull. He's a hell of a pass protector inside. First and second impression aside, I've been saying for a few months now that Colledge is a bonafide Tausher level lineman and should be paid as such. I'd love it if Sitton becomes legit because Sitton is more of a road grader type and it would be a good match with Colledge, who is more of the athletic, versatile type.

Colledge improved a lot, but he still has a long way to go to be considered a cornerstone to build around. At least last year he started making plays at times like they hoped he would. He was still annoyingly inconsistent. He was no where near the "hell ofa pass protector" you described. He gave up more sacks than anyone but Clifton, and gave up more pressures than either Wells or Spitz.

I would not consider Colledge for any sizable contract until he proves in '09 that the good parts of '08 were not flukes, and that the bad parts of '08 will continue to diminish.

[Patler]

Re: FA's

Blackmon is important in the fact that I don't worry about him dropping a punt and he'll be cheap to re-sign.

It is nice finally having a guy who can both catch and run, isn't it? Chatman could catch it. Running was a different matter!

I wonder if Nelson would be an alternative to Blackmon? I expect to see him get lots of preseason opportunities.

[texaspackerbacker]

A lot depends on this season.

Go all out for Jennings; Probably the same for Kampman unless he flops in the 3-4--which I doubt; Ditto that for Collins; Try, but don't sell the farm for Colledge, Spitz, and Jolly; Lowball Pickett unless he has a really outstanding season; Lowball Clifton if he seems worth a contract at all; Don't offer Chillar much unless he comes through bigger than I expect; Keep Blackmon unless the price gets too outlandish; Lowball Moll.

[Partial]

Good post Patler. Jennings is the real deal and needs to be locked up, but their are a lot of questions with the others.

[bobblehead]

Re: Packers' FA re-signing dilemma

I think its going to be a busy '09. Basically I think everyone on this list needs to be resigned if possible and reasonable. I think Clifton is the only exception as he is finished imo. Pickett might prove to be done as well, but I want to see this year before determining that.

Like JH I am high on college. I think he is a natural tackle and I want to see him play there this season (right or left). You raise valid questions for many of them and I think other than jennings you make everyone play a few games this season before reworking anyone unless they sign a very friendly deal.

If collins starts out like he finished last year (and TWill) then try and get them done quick. If Kampman looks comfortable and effective he has to be done fast too.

College, Spitz, and Jolly would be the next three to extend if they answer the questions. The rest can wait until the end of the season I think.

No matter how you slice it, we could win 14 games and someone will be calling for TT's head when he is unable to sign at least one of these guys.

[Joemailman]

I was one of the biggest Colledge detractors here. When the pick was first made, I said it was a desperation pick and a reach because of need.

After the first two years, I said he was junk. I said he gets pushed around inside and beat badly when he played outside. He was definitly not a LT and it was looking like he was junk at guard. I was still one of the biggest detractors, saying "he's not going to come around".

But, after all of that, he came back and had a great season. He's not an elite drive blocker, but he did a solid job and he's really good at everything else.He can move. He can drive block. He can pull. He's a hell of a pass protector inside. First and second impression aside, I've been saying for a few months now that Colledge is a bonafide Tausher level lineman and should be paid as such. I'd love it if Sitton becomes legit because Sitton is more of a road grader type and it would be a good match with Colledge, who is more of the athletic, versatile type.

Colledge improved a lot, but he still has a long way to go to be considered a cornerstone to build around. At least last year he started making plays at times like they hoped he would. He was still annoyingly inconsistent. He was no where near the "hell ofa pass protector" you described. He gave up more sacks than anyone but Clifton, and gave up more pressures than either Wells or Spitz.

I would not consider Colledge for any sizable contract until he proves in '09 that the good parts of '08 were not flukes, and that the bad parts of '08 will continue to diminish.

The key to making a decision on Colledge is determining whether he is the heir apparent to Clifton. If they are convinced he is, I think they have to pay him accordingly. If Clifton doesn't look any better in training camp than he did last year, I think they should consider releasing him so they can see what Colledge can do if given the starting LT job consistently.

[red]

realistically, what are we looking at to resign jennings

something like 9-10 million a year? 20 million bonus money?

last year lee evan signed a 4 year 37 million dollar deal with 18 million in guaranteed money. that made him the 3rd highest paid wr at the time

IMO

jennings > evens. with more potential

would TT even keep him if he costs that much? honestly, if we sign all our own free agents to market value then we'll be right back up against the cap and maybe back in cap hell. if we can even sign them all

right back where we started