Free Agency

[pbmax]

TWITTER RUMORS FROM ADAM SCHEFFLER

Clifton pursued by Redskins and visiting them Friday
Peppers visiting Bears Friday and they will try to finalize deal
John Schneider from Seattle very interested in Kampman


I find it hard to believe TTT would let Clifton go

Makes sense for the Skins; they get the top LT out in FA and then they don't have to draft a LT in round one

Silverstein had him looking for a 3-4 year deal. Which means a sizable bonus and a high likelihood that the player won't finish the deal (health and/or retirement). If that bonus is high enough, I can see Thompson saying the price is too high for his age.

He rarely signs someone because of what is or is not behind him.

But that leaves an even larger hole on the left side (can you get larger than gaping?) if it plays out that way.

[Lurker64]

If we lose Clifton, I hope Thompson goes after Tra Thomas, Jared Gaither, or Alex Barron.

[Tony Oday]

I just want to know who the H is going to be our O line...

[Gunakor]

Clifton's agent is the same agent for the former Skins' LT that just retired this year. So he's been using Washington as his ace in the hole during negotiations with Green Bay. Thompson will almost inevitably have to overpay for Clifton if he wants to keep him here, as I think his agent is pushing for a change of address.

Given the depth of first round talent at LT in this years draft, I don't think I'd do it. Part of moving on is giving a new guy his opportunity, and it's worked out well for us recently all things considered. How could we let Walker go? Why didn't we resign Ahman Green before he went to Houston? OMG we had no proven QB to take the reigns when we traded Favre to the Jets!

Things worked out fine. The sky never fell on Lambeau Field like many were predicting.

Don't get me wrong, I want Clifton back. But not at the price he's asking. Not worth it. Would be more worth it IMO to give a younger guy his shot at a fraction of that cost. Get a LT in the first round, where the LT depth is greatest, and let's keep the train moving.

[packrulz]

If we lose Clifton, I hope Thompson goes after Tra Thomas, Jared Gaither, or Alex Barron.

Clifton hasn't made it through an entire season in some time, and has had multiple surgeries. I'm interested in Gaither, he's young, but is he worth a 1st round pick? How about Mike Gandy of the Cardinals? Even if TT drafts Campbell, he's not ready to start, and TJ Lang is probably better suited for RT. In a way, I'm kind of glad, I like Cliffy, but we start every season counting on him and he ends up hurt, lets draft a young stud LT.
Stalled labor talks lead NFL to new uncapped landscape
March 4, 2010
CBSSports.com wire reports


But sports agent Joe Linta, who represents Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco among others, is optimistic the pocketbooks will remain open. His thoughts echo those by many of his colleagues:

"The owners are all wealthy," Linta says, "and as much as they need and want to make money, the need to win is greater than the need to make money -- they already have plenty. Their insatiable desire to win will override their greed to save and make money. So, yeah, they'll spend."

Some can spend more than others. But the crop of unrestricted free agents contains few difference makers and is inferior to the group of restricted free agents.

Under the CBA that expires next March, the top conference semifinalists from January's playoffs have extra restrictions in signing free agents. The final four, for example, must lose an unrestricted free agent (UFA) before they can sign one.

That hamstrings the Saints, Colts, Jets and Vikings.

[packrulz]

Where Green Bay Packers stand, and who's who in NFL free agency

By Tom Pelissero • tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com • March 3, 2010

The NFL’s free-agent signing period begins at 11 p.m. Thursday.

Because of the league’s labor situation, more than 200 fifth- and sixth-year players who could have become unrestricted free agents instead will be restricted, meaning teams that extend a qualifying offer retain the right to match any offer sheet and receive compensation if they don’t.

There also are restrictions on free-agent signings among teams who reached at least the divisional playoff round last season, and there is no salary cap or floor.

Here’s a look at some notable free agents and the Packers’ needs.

Quarterbacks

Unrestricted: Chad Pennington (Dolphins) is coming off shoulder surgery and, at age 33, likely is headed for a backup role. … Former No. 1 pick David Carr (Giants) has been linked to Arizona. … Daunte Culpepper (Lions), A.J. Feeley (Panthers) and Chris Redman (Falcons) have seen better days.

Restricted: Though they’re not certain to start, Jason Campbell (Redskins) and Kyle Orton (Broncos) got first-round tenders. … Kellen Clemens (Jets), Bruce Gradkowski (Raiders), Tarvaris Jackson (Vikings) and Matt Moore (Panthers) have produced mixed results as starters, although Gradkowski and Moore finished last season strong.

Packers outlook: The Packers have a Pro Bowl starter in Aaron Rodgers, and No. 2 Matt Flynn made strides in 2009. They haven’t brought in a veteran backup since 2007, so there’s no reason to think that’ll change.

Running backs

Unrestricted: Chester Taylor (Vikings) is 30, but he has low mileage and reportedly wants $3.5M annually. … Willie Parker (Steelers) and Larry Johnson (Bengals) are in decline.

Restricted: If little Darren Sproles (Chargers) is nontendered as expected, he’ll be hotly pursued as a third-down back and return man… Pierre Thomas (Saints) has a career 5.1-per-carry average and received a second-round tender, as did Leon Washington (Jets), who is coming off a compound leg fracture. … Jerome Harrison (Browns) is the presumed starter in Cleveland. … Ronnie Brown (Dolphins) and Cadillac Williams (Buccaneers) got first-round tenders, while LenDale White (Titans) got a second.

On the street: Thomas Jones (Jets), Jamal Lewis (Browns), LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers), Brian Westbrook (Eagles).

Packers outlook: Starter Ryan Grant put up solid numbers last season, but he’s not an elite back and escalators could force the Packers to address his contract after the season. Brandon Jackson has emerged on third downs, and there’s no clear No. 3.

Fullbacks

Unrestricted: At 38, four-time Pro Bowl pick Tony Richardson (Jets) is nearing the end. … Justin Griffith (Seahawks) and Jeremi Johnson (Bengals) were starters last season but turn 30 this summer.

Restricted: Le’Ron McClain (Ravens) is a multitalented threat and reportedly received the first-round tender. … Leonard Weaver (Eagles) figures to stay put.

Packers outlook: Korey Hall and Quinn Johnson return, and John Kuhn received the low tender.

Receivers

Unrestricted: Antonio Bryant (Buccaneers) was terrible in 2009 but probably is the best UFA. … At 36, Terrell Owens (Bills) is coming off his worst season in a decade and looking for a third team in three years. … Chris Chambers (Chiefs), Nate Burleson (Seahawks) and Kevin Walter (Texans) are viable No. 2s; Walter has been linked to Baltimore. … Muhsin Muhammad (Panthers) might be finished.

Restricted: Vincent Jackson (Chargers), Malcolm Floyd (Chargers), Miles Austin (Cowboys) and Braylon Edwards (Jets) each will receive the prohibitive high (first- and third-round) tender. … Brandon Marshall (Broncos) and Steve Breaston (Cardinals) reportedly got first-round tenders; Marshall also might be available in a trade.

On the street: Torry Holt (Jaguars).

Packers outlook: Greg Jennings is an ascending star. But Donald Driver is 35, and neither he nor No. 3 James Jones are signed beyond 2010.

Tight ends

Unrestricted: Ben Watson (Patriots) never has put up big numbers, but he’s a former first-round pick and might come on in the right scheme. … L.J. Smith (Ravens) is a liability as a blocker and his receiving numbers have fallen off drastically. … Brandon Manumaleuna (Chargers) could be reunited with Mike Martz in Chicago.

Restricted: Owen Daniels (Texans) is coming off ACL surgery and might sit out training camp to protest his tender offer. … Franchised last season, Bo Scaife (Titans) got a first-round tender worth $4.908M. … Tony Scheffler (Broncos) is on the trading block and got a second-round tender. … David Thomas (Saints) factored in the Super Bowl run and got the low tender.

Packers outlook: Jermichael Finley emerged as a game breaker and by season’s end had leapfrogged veteran Donald Lee, who remains the best blocker. Converted LB Spencer Havner was effective enough, although he’s still learning inline.

Centers

Unrestricted: Kevin Mawae (Titans) made his eighth Pro Bowl last season, but at age 39, he’s probably headed for backup duty. … Casey Rabach (Redskins) also is declining but might re-sign and start.

Restricted: Lyle Sendlein (Cardinals) likely will get a second-round tender. … Chris Spencer (Seahawks) and Chris White (Texans) figure as backups if they stay put.

On the street: John Wade (Raiders), Hank Fraley (Browns).

Packers outlook: Despite losing a training camp competition to Jason Spitz, Scott Wells was the second-best lineman last season and enters the offseason as the starter.

Guards

Unrestricted: Stephen Neal (Patriots) hasn’t played a full season since 2005 but remains a solid run blocker when healthy. … Bobbie Williams (Bengals) has missed only three games the past eight seasons but is 33. … Rex Hadnot (Browns) had been durable before battling knee issues last season. … Chester Pitts (Texans) is coming off knee surgery.

Restricted: All-Pro Jahri Evans (Saints) and Logan Mankins (Patriots) are expected to receive the high tender, while Chris Kuper (Broncos) got the first-rounder. … David Baas (49ers), Nick Cole (Eagles), Richie Incognito (Bills) and Deuce Lutui (Cardinals), among others, also were starters. … Harvey Dahl (Falcons) is coming off ankle and Achilles’ injuries.

Packers outlook: RG Josh Sitton was the Packers’ best offensive lineman last season. Spitz, who is coming off back surgery, is the early favorite in the battle at left guard with Daryn Colledge.

Tackles

Unrestricted: Though his body has broken down, LT Chad Clifton (Packers) remains a top pass blocker when healthy and is the best UFA. … LT Mike Gandy (Cardinals) and RT Tony Pashos (49ers) ended last season on injured reserve. … RT Mark Tauscher (Packers) returned from an ACL injury last October and was adequate.

Restricted: LT Jermon Bushrod (Saints) got the second-round tender after performing well in place of injured former first-round pick LT Jammal Brown, who received the high tender. … LT Marcus McNeill (Chargers), LT Jared Gaither (Ravens), LT Donald Penn (Buccaneers), RT Tyson Clabo (Falcons) and RT Willie Colon (Steelers) all are expected to get the high or first-round tender, while LT Alex Barron (Rams) and RT Jeremy Trueblood (Buccaneers) reportedly will receive the second-rounder. … LT Charlie Johnson (Colts) might be better suited for guard.

On the street: LT Orlando Pace (Bears), LT Tra Thomas (Jaguars).

Packers outlook: There is no clear succession plan at left tackle, so unless the Packers pull a surprise move by throwing picks and a huge contract to lure a top RFA, they’ll probably try to re-sign Clifton and draft a future replacement. T.J. Lang is expected to get the first shot at right tackle if Tauscher isn’t re-signed.

Defensive tackles

Franchised: Aubrayo Franklin (49ers, $7.003M), Ryan Pickett (Packers, $7.003M), Vince Wilfork (Patriots, $7.003M).

Unrestricted: With so many top players off the market, backups and situational players such as Justin Bannan (Ravens), Tank Johnson (Bengals), Cory Redding (Seahawks) and Fred Robbins (Giants) are all that’s left. … Jason Ferguson (Dolphins) and Hollis Thomas (Panthers) might be done.

Restricted: Barry Cofield (Giants) and Kedric Golston (Redskins) got second-round tenders, and Tony Brown (Titans) will get at least that.

Packers outlook: The Packers tagged Pickett and have B.J. Raji, who likely will split time at nose tackle and is due about $6M this year.

Defensive ends

Franchised: Richard Seymour (Raiders, $12.398M).

Unrestricted: Julius Peppers (Panthers) is the biggest name at any position and reportedly turned down a $14M-per-year offer to stay in Carolina. … Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington are possible destinations for Peppers and Kyle Vanden Bosch (Titans), whose old coach, Jim Schwartz, might try to lure him to Detroit. … Adewale Ogunleye (Bears) and Jason Taylor (Dolphins) are nearing the end.

Restricted: Ray Edwards (Vikings) received the first-round tender, and Marcus Spears (Cowboys) likely will get the same.

Packers outlook: RE Cullen Jenkins’ contract is up after this season, and LE Johnny Jolly is an RFA who faces felony drug charges. Even with Raji rotating in and Jarius Wynn perhaps taking on a larger role, there are long-term questions.

Outside linebackers

Unrestricted: Keith Bulluck (Titans) and Pisa Tinoisamoa (Bears) are coming off major knee injuries. … Scott Fujita (Saints) seems likely to stay put. … Aaron Kampman (Packers) is about three months removed from ACL surgery, would prefer to be a 4-3 end and has been linked to Chicago. … Tully Banta-Cain (Patriots) had a career-high 10 sacks last season, while fellow 3-4 veterans Mike Vrabel (Chiefs) and Chike Okeafor (Cardinals) are on the downslide in their mid-30s.

Restricted: Shawne Merriman (Chargers) and Elvis Dumervil (Broncos) got the high tender. … Thomas Howard (Raiders), Clint Ingram (Jaguars) and Rocky McIntosh (Redskins) are established starters. … So is Thomas Davis (Panthers), but he’s coming off a torn ACL.

Packers outlook: ROLB Clay Matthews made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, but unless Kampman returns, there is a hole on the left side. Brad Jones needs to get stronger, Jeremy Thompson’s neck injury has his future up in the air and Brady Poppinga isn’t a good fit.

Inside linebackers

Unrestricted: Karlos Dansby (Cardinals) appears headed for a big-money deal and could end up in another 3-4 scheme in Miami. … Gary Brackett (Colts) probably is the best 4-3 middleman available. … Larry Foote (Lions), Antonio Pierce (Giants) and Paris Lenon (Rams) are declining.

Restricted: DeMeco Ryans (Texans) never has missed a start and probably will join Barrett Ruud (Buccaneers) with the high tender. … Stephen Tulloch (Titans) got the first-round tender.

Packers outlook: A lot of money is committed to Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk and Brandon Chillar, and Desmond Bishop also sees some action on defense. Hawk and Bishop could hit the market in a year, though.

Cornerbacks

Unrestricted: Franchised last year, Dunta Robinson (Texans) is a solid starter, if not a star. … Physical Leigh Bodden (Patriots) might be headed for a fourth team in four years. … Nick Harper (Titans) is coming off shoulder surgery and, at 35, probably isn’t a starter anymore. … Dre’ Bly (49ers), Walt Harris (49ers), Ty Law (Broncos) and Deshea Townsend (Steelers) aren’t getting younger either.

Restricted: Richard Marshall (Panthers) likely will draw a lot of interest after receiving only the second-round tender. … Carlos Rogers (Redskins) and Fabian Washington (Ravens) never have met expectations and would cost a first-round pick. … William Gay (Steelers) has played a lot in a zone-based scheme but lost his starting job last season. … Stanford Routt (Raiders), a backup, reportedly will receive the high tender.

Packers outlook: Charles Woodson is the reigning defensive player of the year. Al Harris is coming off ACL reconstruction and isn’t signed beyond 2010, and the Packers have only one other established cover man, Tramon Williams.

Safeties

Unrestricted: FS Darren Sharper (Saints) made a big impact on a one-year deal but appears destined to test the market again. … SS Jermaine Phillips (Buccaneers) has ended up on IR two straight years and was arrested for domestic battery in January. … FS Ryan Clark (Steelers) is 30 and never has stayed healthy but is coming off one of his best seasons.

Restricted: FS O.J. Atogwe (Rams) and FS Nick Collins (Packers) are expected to get the high tender. … FS Antoine Bethea (Colts) got the first-round tender, while Dawan Landry (Ravens) likely will get the second-rounder.

On the street: FS Antrel Rolle (Cardinals) is expected to be released.

Packers outlook: Collins may refuse to sign his tender in hopes of getting his long-awaited long-term deal. The team still believes in SS Atari Bigby but likely will bring in competition.

Specialists

Franchised: K Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh, $2.814M), K Olindo Mare (Seattle, $2.814M).

Unrestricted: Shaky playoff performances by K Neil Rackers (Cardinals) and K Shayne Graham (Bengals) might help send them elsewhere. … K Jay Feely (Jets) has expressed interest in staying. … P Mitch Berger (Broncos), P Jeff Feagles (Giants) and P Matt Turk (Texans) have been around forever.

Restricted: K Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots), P Michael Koenen (Falcons) and P Sam Koch (Ravens) all are expected to get at least the second-round tender.

Packers outlook: K Mason Crosby is expected to be back despite taking a step back last season. P Jeremy Kapinos didn’t receive an exclusive-rights tender, leaving only P Tim Masthay, who’s never punted in an NFL game.

[Fritz]

Clifton's agent is the same agent for the former Skins' LT that just retired this year. So he's been using Washington as his ace in the hole during negotiations with Green Bay. Thompson will almost inevitably have to overpay for Clifton if he wants to keep him here, as I think his agent is pushing for a change of address.

Given the depth of first round talent at LT in this years draft, I don't think I'd do it. Part of moving on is giving a new guy his opportunity, and it's worked out well for us recently all things considered. How could we let Walker go? Why didn't we resign Ahman Green before he went to Houston? OMG we had no proven QB to take the reigns when we traded Favre to the Jets!

Things worked out fine. The sky never fell on Lambeau Field like many were predicting.

Don't get me wrong, I want Clifton back. But not at the price he's asking. Not worth it. Would be more worth it IMO to give a younger guy his shot at a fraction of that cost. Get a LT in the first round, where the LT depth is greatest, and let's keep the train moving.

Thanks, Gun. I read the JSO bit this morning on Kampman and Clifton and my god, it took all of about 15 seconds for panic to set in and the brutal attacks on TT to begin. Everybody grab your pee-pee and whine!

Do I want Clifton back for a year or maybe two? Yes, I do. Do I want TT to do whatever it takes, paying to match what sounds like it might be a 3-4 year deal for lots and lots and lots of dough? A deal that very likely Clifton wouldn't be able to play out? No, I don't.

Let's all wait and see how it plays out.

[justanotherpackfan]

Looks like these are all done deals:

Peppers to Bears
Kampman to Seahawks
Clifton to Redskins
Vanden Bosch to Detroit

[justanotherpackfan]

From Schefter:

Saints on verge of making restricted free-agent G Jahri Evans one of the highest paid guards in NFL history. Deal could come any day now.

Filed to ESPN: Colts and Gary Brackett agreed to a five-year contract.

[Tony Oday]

Lets pick up Mitchie Burger!

[SkinBasket]

sos

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'm extremely happy to have Ted Thompson as our GM in a non-salary cap NFL. The Packers can't compete in unfettered free agency with the likes of Jerry Jones and Dan Snyder, so it's awesome to know we have a GM that can build a contending team without needing to sign a bunch of free agents.

[pbmax]

sos

Sign Out Street free agents?

[bobblehead]

TWITTER RUMORS FROM ADAM SCHEFFLER

Clifton pursued by Redskins and visiting them Friday
Peppers visiting Bears Friday and they will try to finalize deal
John Schneider from Seattle very interested in Kampman


I find it hard to believe TTT would let Clifton go

Makes sense for the Skins; they get the top LT out in FA and then they don't have to draft a LT in round one

Yea, Shanahan has a history of finding an LT who can't run block and doesn't fit the ZBS at all.....this makes perfect sense (/end sarcasm)

[cheesner]

Does anyone know if there still be compensatory picks in next years draft for free agents we loose this season? Or does the current CBA status not allow?