McCarthy On Driver: Then And Now

[Joemailman]

When asked in March at the Owner's Meetings about Driver's future, McCarthy said:

“Donald’s still on our roster. I thought Donald, the second half of the season, he played very well. His role, as far as opportunities, was not as high as it’s been in the past, but I thought Donald was very consistent down the stretch. I thought he played well in the playoff game.”

Things sounded a bit different at the post-Draft PC:

Given the opportunity to clarify Donald Driver’s future with the team, both Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy chose to say as little as possible about the veteran receiver. “I would never speculate on something like that,” Thompson told local reporters over the weekend. “He’s dancing right now. Doing good, too.” Added McCarthy, “No reason to speculate. I’m just going to follow Ted’s answer to that question.”

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I get the sense that TT is less enthusiastic about bringing back Driver than McCarthy. McCarthy though doesn't want to give the appearance of a rift between him and Thompson.

[Scott Campbell]

Both answers were very non committal. As they should be. I think you can read a lot more into the situation than you can into their answers.

[King Friday]

Thompson offered raises to guys on the PS...he clearly thinks a lot of their potential, and he can't find out where that potential will go if he keeps hanging onto an aging WR who is clearly on the decline. He may bring Driver back at a reduced price, but Driver will have to clearly outshine the kids if he wants to make the roster.

[gbgary]

He may bring Driver back at a reduced price, but Driver will have to clearly outshine the kids if he wants to make the roster.

as it should be. would like to see him kept but at this point it wouldn't surprise me to see him gone.

[MJZiggy]

as it should be. would like to see him kept but at this point it wouldn't surprise me to see him gone.

I just want to see what he can do before folks start making all sorts of crazy assumptions about whether he makes the team without even practicing a snap first.

[Lurker64]

I just want to see what he can do before folks start making all sorts of crazy assumptions about whether he makes the team without even practicing a snap first.

Part of the issue is that we may not get that chance. Driver has a (IIRC) $1.5m roster bonus due on the first day of camp. If TT decides that Driver isn't worth keeping because he's too expensive for what he offers, then he will probably make his move before that money is due.

[woodbuck27]

Part of the issue is that we may not get that chance. Driver has a (IIRC) $1.5m roster bonus due on the first day of camp. If TT decides that Driver isn't worth keeping because he's too expensive for what he offers, then he will probably make his move before that money is due.

It's my opinion that after all he's given to the team and the community DD deserves the respect of his bonus and to prove his value in TC. DD is still an influencing leader in the dressing room and on the field. Given his limited opportunities last season he did very well.

DD should not 'be turfed by TT' this year. I can see TT offering a renegotiation and DD at least deserves that respect along with 'the BONUS'.

GO PACKERS !

[Smeefers]

$1.5 mil is chump change to these guys. That's not going to keep driver from coming to camp. Friday had it right. They'll fight it out in TC and whoever wins, wins.

[mraynrand]

It's my opinion that after all he's given to the team and the community DD deserves the respect of his bonus and to prove his value in TC. DD is still an influencing leader in the dressing room and on the field. Given his limited opportunities last season he did very well.

Dressing room? I think you may be thinking of his influence on fellow dancers.

[Scott Campbell]

Dressing room? I think you may be thinking of his influence on fellow dancers.

Nobody has called it that since they traded the diva.

[George Cumby]

Nobody has called it that since they traded the diva.

lol!

[Tony Oday]

See ya DD been a great career your final contract is in MN if you decide not to retire.

[Patler]

I just want to see what he can do before folks start making all sorts of crazy assumptions about whether he makes the team without even practicing a snap first.

We don't need to see him in TC to know. We saw him all last season. He will not have improved, and may have regressed even further. Based on what we saw in 2011, Jennings, Nelson, Jones and Cobb all deserve more opportunities than Driver, and #5 is no place for Driver. That's a spot for Gurley, Borel or one of the rookies to get their feet wet.

It's time to move on.

[MadScientist]

$1.5 mil is chump change to these guys. That's not going to keep driver from coming to camp. Friday had it right. They'll fight it out in TC and whoever wins, wins.

1.5M is not chump change. There is no way the Packers give DD the bonus unless they are 100% he makes the roster. It will go to someone else when a contract extension is signed. If the choice is giving DD a $1.5M gold watch or being able to lock up both Clay and Raji, DD gets a handshake and nothing more.

[Scott Campbell]

We shouldn't hand out roster spots as lifetime achievement awards.