Now Who Would You Extend?

[Fritz]

Before the season began, there was talk raging on Packerrats about which soon-to-be restricted and unrestricted Packer free agents to extend. The candidates I remember being mentioned most were Kampman, Colledge, Spitz, Collins, and Pickett. Blackmon got a mention or two. Maybe There were others.

At that time, I think I listed Colledge, Collins, Kampman, Pickett and Spitz as players I wanted to see extended - at least them and Blackmon, perhaps.

Doh!

Now out of that bunch, Collins and Pickett are the only ones who have really played at a level that would warrant a big contract extension. I thought Kampman would adapt quickly to the linebacker spot and excel, but he appeared to be uncomfortable when I watched him. Now, of course, he's hurt. Imagine if the Pack had signed him up to a big extension? Colledge has been spottier than a woman during a full moon, Spitz was only okay before he got hurt, and Blackmon, well, he's hurt - again.

Good thing I'm not the GM. We'd be stuck with Colledge at a high price, Kampman probably too, Spitz as well and maybe even Blackmon. Our cap would be stuffed, and the only two worth such large extensions would've been Pickett and Collins.

So...in hindsight, what pre-season moves did you say you wanted, and how would they have been working out so far?

[HarveyWallbangers]

Collins is about the only guy I'd really hate to lose. I think Pickett deserves an extension that's similar in money to what he's making now (nothing to over the top).

[Fritz]

I do like the idea of a deep, rotating defensive line.

Eww, that was vaguely sexual. Sorry.

[Lurker64]

First priority: Collins (though he probably gets tagged). Second Priority: Pickett, because Raji isn't an NT yet. We can probably afford to lose either Spitz or Colledge, but you have to keep one of them. Kampman will probably sign for a one year deal laden with incentives, as is common for players whose FA years are marred by major injury. Blackmon is probably done in the NFL. Am I forgetting anybody?

[Partial]

Pickett and Collins 1a 1b. These are two must-resign guys.

[hoosier]

First priority: Collins (though he probably gets tagged). Second Priority: Pickett, because Raji isn't an NT yet. We can probably afford to lose either Spitz or Colledge, but you have to keep one of them. Kampman will probably sign for a one year deal laden with incentives, as is common for players whose FA years are marred by major injury. Blackmon is probably done in the NFL. Am I forgetting anybody?

I can't see Kampman signing a one-year, incentive-based contract with GB. If he didn't become comfortable in the 3-4 after half a season there's no way he's going to have any confidence in his ability to rehab himself and then somehow find his way into a more productive role in Capers scheme. I think Kampman forces GB to put one of the tags on him or he signs an incentive based short deal with someone else. Hopefully not in the NFCN.

[Brando19]

Collins because our Safety depth sucks. But Pickett would be a close second. I'm a big Pickett fan. I would Franchise Kampman and trade him.

[Guiness]

No love for Spitz here?

I think he should get re-signed, and will likely take over at center next year.

[Fritz]

Okay, so the consensus at this point seems to be:

1. Collins
2. Pickett
3. Spitz

Sounds like people are hoping Kampman can be traded and that Colledge can be signed to a short cheap deal.

Colledge - That dude is playing himself out of what could have been a nice contract for an NFL guard.

[DonHutson]

I do like the idea of a deep, rotating defensive line.

Eww, that was vaguely sexual. Sorry.

But is that an idea you can get behind?

[DonHutson]

This came up in another thread, but isn't Jolly a free agent as well?

On the field, he's right up there with Collins and Pickett. The only question is how much of a headcase the team thinks he is.

I guess if they don't want Jolly, they can try the franchise and trade approach since they probably won't be doing that with Kampman now.

[SkinBasket]

Green Bay Packers

Potential UFAs: OLB Brandon Chillar, OT Chad Clifton, RB Ahman Green, OLB Aaron Kampman, DT Ryan Pickett, OT Mark Tauscher.

Potential RFAs: S Atari Bigby*, CB-RS Will Blackmon*, OG Daryn Colledge*, S Nick Collins*, FB John Kuhn*, CB Derrick Martin*, C Jason Spitz*, CB Tramon Williams, RB DeShawn Wynn.

Analysis: Very much in a wait-and-see mode regarding most of the players on the current roster, the Packers no doubt like the fact that an uncapped scenario restricts the maneuverability of players such as Nick Collins, Atari Bigby, Jason Spitz, Will Blackmon and Daryn Colledge, all of whom would have been totally free to test the waters under the old system. As it is, Packers GM Ted Thompson can buy some time in making decisions about the aforementioned group, with Collins, a Pro Bowler, appearing to be the only surefire keeper. That is, of course, if Thompson is still around, as uncertainty in the organization further clouds any free-agent game plans. Among the team's UFAs, Ryan Pickett and Chad Clifton, if he can stay healthy, are more likely to return than not. Same goes for Brandon Chillar, who has proven to be a good fit in Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme, and Tramon Williams, a quality No. 3 corner. As for Aaron Kampman — who excelled as a pass-rushing end in the Packers' 4-3 scheme but has been slow to develop as a left outside linebacker in the 3-4 — the verdict remains out.

One note:

Players who have an asterisk (*) following their names are fourth- or fifth-year players who would be unrestricted free agents if a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is reached prior to March. If not, the NFL will go into an uncapped season, and those players will become restricted free agents.

[SkinBasket]

So a new CBA would have us see 13 UFAs. Out of those the obvious concerns are Collins and Pickett, then Colledge and Spitz. The rest can/should be replaced. I could see them bringing back the human tackling dummy assuming interest in oft injured, slow, technique poor safeties doesn't skyrocket this offseason, but obviously an upgrade there would be wonderful.

The rest don't concern me. It's time to move on from Clifton. Kampman's going to find somewhere better to play and wasn't making irreplaceable contributions to the defense as it was. The others don't matter much.

[red]

collins is #1, with pickett right behind him

i'd also keep spitz, i like him at center better then wells

that is all

[Fritz]

So a new CBA would have us see 13 UFAs. Out of those the obvious concerns are Collins and Pickett, then Colledge and Spitz. The rest can/should be replaced. I could see them bringing back the human tackling dummy assuming interest in oft injured, slow, technique poor safeties doesn't skyrocket this offseason, but obviously an upgrade there would be wonderful.

The rest don't concern me. It's time to move on from Clifton. Kampman's going to find somewhere better to play and wasn't making irreplaceable contributions to the defense as it was. The others don't matter much.

Ideally, I'd like to see them re-up Clifton for another year and draft a left tackle who could then learn for a year.

Collins, for sure, re-sign, and Pickett. Colledge - can he be had at a more reasonable price, now that he's sucked for over half a season? And Spitz, perhaps a one year deal? And Kampman - it'd be nice to get something for the guy, if he's going to go.