Jordy Nelson signed to 3 yr extension

[denverYooper]

Gates is amazing, but so are the rest. At TE it seems like there is more talent right now than any time in recent history. Its like Gonzo made teams redefine the position. I dont think that Finley is much better (if at all) than anybody mentioned. One way he looks better is the QB and WR group he plays with. Don't get me wrong, Finley is extremely good, but there are quite a few extremely good TE right now.

Good point. It's pretty hard to say anyone has beaten Gates as The Best, yet. Finley has the potential to get there. There is a new crop of TE/WR types out too that will give Finley a run for the top spot on the list over the next few -- Jimmy Graham and Jermaine Gresham look the part. Graham gets a lean b/c he's playing with Brees, IMO. Vernon Davis would be up there with a better QB.

[Fritz]

I'm not looking forward to the Packers' offensive line against the Lions' defensive front. The Lions ate them for lunch last year at Ford Field.

[Smeefers]

This is what Finley said:
"For sure, they took me out of the game. I don't know what I came out with, but hopefully we can go back and dial something up for the double teams. We've got to have something for it. We'll have to go back, not being selfish or nothing, but go back and dial up something so you can get yourplay makerr the ball in games like that when it's close."

I just don't see this as being that big of a deal. Not this year anyways. He's just looking to inflate his stats for free agency. And if you guys think we're actually going to keep Finley, you better start preparing yourselves to be disappointed. If he stays healthy, this kid is destined to get a gigantic paycheck. Highest payed TE in the league. He's going to compete for highest payed WR (Fitzgerald withstanding). The packearen'tn't going to pay him. He's one of the best damn players we've seen come through this town, but he's not our saving grace. If all we had was Finley, yeah, we'd pay the shit out of him. He's not all we have though, and I doubt we're going to get him atbargaingan. There's only one way we keep him; if he wants to win super bowls more than he wants to make money.

Gah! I hate this. I am not a non-spell-checker fool. Whenever I see crap like this it makes me want to punch the internet. Stupid spell check.

[Smeefers]

One word

Franchise

Do you really think Finley will play up to his potential with a franchise tag?

[Guiness]

Do you really think Finley will play up to his potential with a franchise tag?

He'd be a fool not to.

I think players are generally disgruntled when they are tagged, but that is countered by the fact they they're in a contract year, and are playing for the chance at big money again.

[Smeefers]

He'd be a fool not to.

I think players are generally disgruntled when they are tagged, but that is countered by the fact they they're in a contract year, and are playing for the chance at big money again.

Fair nuff.

[pbmax]

I'm not looking forward to the Packers' offensive line against the Lions' defensive front. The Lions ate them for lunch last year at Ford Field.

Colledge was injured in that game, then Spitz spit the bit. Lang came in but it was too late to save the day. Since he will be there for the start, it will all be OK.

I think.

[denverYooper]

I'm not looking forward to the Packers' offensive line against the Lions' defensive front. The Lions ate them for lunch last year at Ford Field.

I'm looking forward to it because I feel like we might have one of the best lines in the league this year, and that interior group looks as good as any GB has had in long time. That Lions game will be a huge test to see what we've got there.

Lang sure seems to be the right call at LG, and I think he's still on the way up. I hope Bulaga is healthy for that game. They'll need some extra nasty.

[denverYooper]

Andrew Brandt discusses Jordy's contract.

The Choice

Nelson had to make a choice that many players around the league make early into the final year of their contract: (1) take what their team is offering, or (2) wait and see what will be behind Door Number 2 in March. Like the old show “Let’s make a Deal,” this is the choice that players have.

My sense is that Nelson looked at the situation and decided the grass may not be greener beyond Lambeau Field. The career longevity of Donald Driver could be limited – although I’ve learned never to write off Donald; he is a physical marvel. The team and its quarterback are the best ones going right now and poised for sustained success. Nelson has put roots down in the community, which certainly helped the Packers case. The fan base is second to none. And, as I know firsthand, the organization treats its players extremely well. All of these things probably went into Nelson’s choice.

The Risk

Nelson’s agent Vann McElroy has certainly apprised him of the potential risk and the fact the market will pass him by at some point. Nelson will see the numbers of other receiver deals pop off the page in March (players all read and talk about other players’ contracts) and potentially wonder if he made the right decision.

I went through this with Driver, who happily signed an extension one November and then in March saw Peerless Price, a decidedly inferior player, sign with the Falcons for decidedly more than Donald. Donald realized he had committed months before but was naturally upset at seeing those numbers. And, of course, the whisper crew of other agents and players telling Donald he didn't get enough money was in full throat.

[ND72]

I think the biggest thing mentioned is that Jordy has laid down roots in GB. His wife is very involved in the community, and Jordy has become an active member in Green Bay as well. It's amazing how some guys act...Jordy is a farm boy, was very committed to Kansas State which his family grew up loving, his father told him when he was drafted to always pay back that team that is paying you, and you can see Jordy putting forth that effort. Someone is going to get a bigger deal than Jordy, but won't ever be worth it like Jordy. I think one thing the Packers did with Donald, knowing he was under paid, was they kept "updating" his contract and gave him different bonus' to make up for it...probably see the same for Jordy. Jordy will be our #2, probably is right now. McCarthy likes having his size on the outside with Jennings/Driver in the middle. The guy I'm interested to see what happens is James Jones...he may want out next off season.

[smuggler]

The Jaguars signed Mike Thomas to a 3 year 18 million dollar extension. He's comparable but slightly inferior to Jordy.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

After Finley’s comments this week I have turned on him completely. This guy is completely full of himself. Is he really that selfish of a player to be upset that his QB didn’t force him the ball in double coverage when Rodgers was simply picking Denver apart? Imagine if we start playing bad and he’s not getting the ball, then what.

Looking at the depth at TE and WR I am 100% in favor of a tag in trade at the end of the year. If we can get him his stats and if the organization doesn’t comment and seem upset by his comments I think some team would probably give up a first round pick for him. I mean we did get a 2nd for Corey Williams. The offense would still be loaded at WR and we could still easily survive at TE with Quarless (who I think is a good player), Williams, Taylor, and Crabtree.

With Nelson signing cheap the WR crops looks like they will be together for quite a while. It might be better for the packers to get a high draft pick or a couple mid round picks for Finley and avoid another big contract. Rodgers, Matthews, and Raji all need significant pay increases soon anyways.

Imagine what the defense would look like if we added another OLB who could rush the passer or better players on the offensive and defensive line.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

I think the biggest thing mentioned is that Jordy has laid down roots in GB. His wife is very involved in the community, and Jordy has become an active member in Green Bay as well. It's amazing how some guys act...Jordy is a farm boy, was very committed to Kansas State which his family grew up loving, his father told him when he was drafted to always pay back that team that is paying you, and you can see Jordy putting forth that effort. Someone is going to get a bigger deal than Jordy, but won't ever be worth it like Jordy. I think one thing the Packers did with Donald, knowing he was under paid, was they kept "updating" his contract and gave him different bonus' to make up for it...probably see the same for Jordy. Jordy will be our #2, probably is right now. McCarthy likes having his size on the outside with Jennings/Driver in the middle. The guy I'm interested to see what happens is James Jones...he may want out next off season.

Good post. I am interested to see about JJ as well. Next year could look very different though. I honestly believe that it would be in the best interest of the team to trade FInley and who really knows if Driver will be on the team next year or not.

[rbaloha1]

Finley's recent tantrum is a big concern. Finley is a luxury not a critical necessity. Could morph into a Terrell Owens.

Opinion has changed from absolute to lukewarm.

[bobblehead]

After Finley’s comments this week I have turned on him completely. This guy is completely full of himself. Is he really that selfish of a player to be upset that his QB didn’t force him the ball in double coverage when Rodgers was simply picking Denver apart? Imagine if we start playing bad and he’s not getting the ball, then what.

Looking at the depth at TE and WR I am 100% in favor of a tag in trade at the end of the year. If we can get him his stats and if the organization doesn’t comment and seem upset by his comments I think some team would probably give up a first round pick for him. I mean we did get a 2nd for Corey Williams. The offense would still be loaded at WR and we could still easily survive at TE with Quarless (who I think is a good player), Williams, Taylor, and Crabtree.

With Nelson signing cheap the WR crops looks like they will be together for quite a while. It might be better for the packers to get a high draft pick or a couple mid round picks for Finley and avoid another big contract. Rodgers, Matthews, and Raji all need significant pay increases soon anyways.

Imagine what the defense would look like if we added another OLB who could rush the passer or better players on the offensive and defensive line.

This is an excellent post. Not sure it wil happen, but I won't be disappointed if it does.