Shield's testing the market

[mraynrand]

i'm pretty sure thats what we drafted datone for, and maybe worthey and neal before him

and that's exactly how they started the season - in a 2-4 with Jones and Neal as the DL, and Matthews and Perry at OLB. It didn't seem all that unsound to me - you have pass rush capability, and due to Perry and Neal having solid DL experience and size, they can defend the run as well. But guys have to perform (D. Jone) and remain uninjured (Perry, Matthews).

[mraynrand]

Having AJ Hawk (who's absolutely robbed the Green Bay Packers ) and Brad Jones stick around.

Now "prevents" the Green Bay Packers small 'd' defense from ever improving.

Hogwash. Packers have several options to replace current LBs already on their roster and will likely draft and/or bring in other LBs. Brad Jones' time is short. And Hawk is perfectly fine if he's the weak link in the defense.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

If Raji does sign a one year deal, I would be interested in seeing Perry and Jones starting at DE and Raji at NT. Hopefully they keep Neal so Perry can play DE and him and Clay can start at OLB.

[Fritz]

Interesting that the Packers appear to have made a . . . what was the word? "Serious"? "Meaningful"? offer to Mike Neal, who is still going to shop his wares.

It makes me wonder if the team is disenchanted with Perry, or if they see enough snaps for both Perry and Neal.

As for which down linemen in a 3-3 you'd want rushing the passer, that would be Daniels, for sure, Jones, and probably they drafted Worthy for this, too.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Interesting that the Packers appear to have made a . . . what was the word? "Serious"? "Meaningful"? offer to Mike Neal, who is still going to shop his wares.

It makes me wonder if the team is disenchanted with Perry, or if they see enough snaps for both Perry and Neal.

As for which down linemen in a 3-3 you'd want rushing the passer, that would be Daniels, for sure, Jones, and probably they drafted Worthy for this, too.

Matthews and Perry are both injury prone. Plus, Neal is a nickel pass rusher. All three would get plenty of playing time.

[Fritz]

So any early word on Shields?

[Joemailman]

So any early word on Shields?

Yep.