Would Like to Read This, Be Smarter: Packers Salary Cap

[Upnorth]

I think the only way he doesn't come back is if they find someone better.

Based on the whole season they already have. Newhouse.

[sharpe1027]

Based on the whole season they already have. Newhouse.

Probably. Even after months of rehab, they kept Cliffy on a short leash when he cam back. I think the job is Newhouse's to lose at this point. The question would then be whether it is worth keeping Clifton around as a backup. Probably not.

[MadScientist]

Probably. Even after months of rehab, they kept Cliffy on a short leash when he cam back. I think the job is Newhouse's to lose at this point. The question would then be whether it is worth keeping Clifton around as a backup. Probably not.

That may depend on Sherrod's recovery. I half expect him to be at least a PUP guy next season, and the other half expects IR. I'd much rather have Clifton as a backup than a nobody.

[Joemailman]

Unlike Driver, Clifton doesn't have a big bonus coming, so there is no hurry to decide if they want to keep him. They'll have the opportunity to see how Newhouse and Sherrod are doing before they have to make a decision on Clifton.

[Pugger]

Its time to move Bulaga to LT and Newhouse to RT next season. I think its highly unlikely Clifton returns next season, he'll be 36 years old at the start of next season. You don't see many if any LT starting at that age.

I don't know if I'd move Bulaga from RT. He's playing that position at a pro bowl level. He and Sitton make a great pair over there.

[Patler]

One thing is certain, the Packer do need to have a capable reserve tackle. In his first two seasons, Bulaga has not been the most durable guy.

[Pugger]

Did Bulaga miss games in 2011? I can't remember...

[Joemailman]

Did Bulaga miss games in 2011? I can't remember...

He missed 2 games in October, and the last 2 games of the year.

[Fritz]

Maybe they can bring Clifton back at a cheaper price...and as a defensive end.

The lack of pass rush doomed this team and tied Capers' hands.

[Brandon494]

I don't know if I'd move Bulaga from RT. He's playing that position at a pro bowl level. He and Sitton make a great pair over there.

Which also means he could play LT at a pro bowl level and make a great pair with Lang . I just don't trust Newhouse protecting Rodger's blind side.

[Joemailman]

It doesn't make much sense to have Bulaga at RT if your LT is shaky. Whatever OT is the best in pass pro should be playing LT. Protecting Rodgers' blind side is the most important thing.

[Upnorth]

We have talked a lot about restructuring Driver, but I think Clifton would be worth asking to restructure as well. Stealing an idea from Fritz the money saved could go to a free agent pass rusher... Not that its likely to happen

[Patler]

Driver has not been bashful about working the team for mid-contract salary increases. One article said he has done it 3 or 4 times, but has kept very quiet about it, and in the end the Packers have merely announced a contract enhancement for him.

Clifton has not been bashful about pushing the FA envelope a couple times to end up with very good deals for himself from GB.

I'm not too sure either one will be very receptive to significant concessions now. Maybe, but each might be able to do better with another team rather than being paid as they should be for a backup role in GB.

[Joemailman]

Driver is 37 and no longer a starter. Clifton id 35 and has missed significant numbers of games the last 3 years. I'm not sure that either one would get big offers elsewhere. The salary cap will be tight for a lot of teams this year.

[Brandon494]

Driver is 37 and no longer a starter. Clifton id 35 and has missed significant numbers of games the last 3 years. I'm not sure that either one would get big offers elsewhere. The salary cap will be tight for a lot of teams this year.

Which is why I think both will accept restructure contracts, they aren't going to make more money anywhere else so why would they leave?