Green Bay Packers' B. J. Raji not worried about (New) contract

[pbmax]

Everyone recognizes his talent, which is penetration and quickness. But everyone also agrees with wist that he is not asked to do that very often. Its a weird fit quite often. Pass rush is different, but then the O line is ready.

What has been disappointing since 2010 is that he has not gotten better at anchoring. And that goes to Patler's point about a 2nd contract. There is uncertainty that is unwelcome when you have to project development for your FA, 5 year vet NT.

[Cleft Crusty]

Before his last Packer season the need for Wells was just as significant, and the Packers probably would have signed him at a lower, but decent, contract (if the stories are to be believed). I think they would like to sign Raji, too; but if he and his agent want to get the largest contract they can, I think there is a good chance it won't be from GB.

Just because they need him doesn't mean they will pay whatever he wants.

Clefty disputes your need claim. As Mr. Brandon949 suggests, the two positions don't compare well in need and availability, or better procurability, if that's even a word. But the rest of what you argue makes sense. One thing to re-consider, as raised by Mr. Wist43.2, is that the problems with consistency for Raji may be due to him being miscast as a nose tackle. Regardless of whether it is out of necessity, it's a bad fit.

[Patler]

Everyone recognizes his talent, which is penetration and quickness. But everyone also agrees with wist that he is not asked to do that very often. Its a weird fit quite often. Pass rush is different, but then the O line is ready.

What has been disappointing since 2010 is that he has not gotten better at anchoring. And that goes to Patler's point about a 2nd contract. There is uncertainty that is unwelcome when you have to project development for your FA, 5 year vet NT.

Ya, I think it remains to be seen how strongly he wants to stay in GB, and how much he is simply being diplomatic and saying the right thing at this time. It further remains to be seen if the Packers are satisfied with the relatively poor fit of Raji in their scheme, and if they will make a competitive offer. We will see if and when offers cross the table

[rbaloha1]

In all honesty, even in his best years, he never came across to me as a real stud, play in and play out.
He's OK and a valuable player at the right price. He just seems to me like a guy that another team or two might be willing to throw a huge contract at.

Yup a 4-3 team will show Raji the $.

[Cleft Crusty]

Yup a 4-3 team will show Raji the $.

He'll get more than Cullen Jenkins, for sure.

[Fritz]

Is it possible, given the difficulty of finding talent like Raji's, and given Capers' age, that they would ask Capers to retire so they could implement a scheme more suited to Raji's talents?

[Brandon494]

To compare apples to apples, Wells was 30 during his final Packer season, and Raji will be 27 during his. But you missed my point.

I wasn't suggesting that Raji absolutely won't be signed, I'm just saying that you can't ignore the financial component. Before his last Packer season the need for Wells was just as significant, and the Packers probably would have signed him at a lower, but decent, contract (if the stories are to be believed). I think they would like to sign Raji, too; but if he and his agent want to get the largest contract they can, I think there is a good chance it won't be from GB.

Just because they need him doesn't mean they will pay whatever he wants.

Raji was a top ten pick, hes already getting paid nicely. Wells was a 7th rounder looking for his first big contract, totally different situation. Also I've heard nothing from Raji or his agent about wanting an outrageous contract.

[Brandon494]

Iirc, Patler was the first to predict that GJ would be gone. Tough to bet against the OG.

He also said we would keep Wells over Finley.

I was one of the few who thought Jennings would stay but after watching Randall Cobb and Jones break out last season to go along with GJ's durability issues the writing was pretty much on the wall. Unlike our WRs we don't have a lot of depth on the D-line and with Pickett aging it makes no sense to let Raji walk. Raji is getting paid 3.35M while the best NT in the league (Vince Wilfork) is getting paid 4.5M so I don't understand why anyone would think Raji is going to try and break the bank on his next contract.

[RashanGary]

He also said we would keep Wells over Finley.

I was one of the few who thought Jennings would stay but after watching Randall Cobb and Jones break out last season to go along with GJ's durability issues the writing was pretty much on the wall. Unlike our WRs we don't have a lot of depth on the D-line and with Pickett aging it makes no sense to let Raji walk. Raji is getting paid 3.35M while the best NT in the league (Vince Wilfork) is getting paid 4.5M so I don't understand why anyone would think Raji is going to try and break the bank on his next contract.

Raji could be one of the best 3-techs in football IMO. He would be stupid to take 4.5M. If Raji leaves GB, I have absolutely no problem with it. None. GJ thought he was worth more than he was. Raji, I have a feeling he'll be worth as much as he thinks, maybe more.

[Brandon494]

Raji isn't Geno Atkins, I don't know why you guys think some other team is going to break the bank for him.

[Brandon494]

Here is a article on the top 50 DTs in the league, notice who isn't even on the list. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1...ackles/page/39

[RashanGary]

Raji isn't Geno Atkins, I don't know why you guys think some other team is going to break the bank for him.

We'll see. I do see what you're saying. I see this one differently, but I've been wrong my fair share of times too.

[rbaloha1]

Raji isn't Geno Atkins, I don't know why you guys think some other team is going to break the bank for him.

It is called hype and having a good agent.

Did anyone think Walden would attract interest and receive a decent payday?

[pbmax]

Is it possible, given the difficulty of finding talent like Raji's, and given Capers' age, that they would ask Capers to retire so they could implement a scheme more suited to Raji's talents?

There is an argument for this. The $64,000 question is does Matthews fit your new scheme?

That plus giving wist credit for predicting it.

[Cleft Crusty]

It is called hype and having a good agent.

Did anyone think Walden would attract interest and receive a decent payday?

For a guy rated one of the worst outside LBs in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, Walden still got a better contract than Charles Woodson. Maybe he just has a better agent!