Packers' Off Season Moves and 2017 Roster

[Upnorth]

I agree. He had his moments this season and is still a dominating player if he can just stay reasonably healthy. The cap keeps going up, and given Ted's cheapness, we aren't and probably won't even come close to the upper limit. Arguably, he's the second best player on the team - still - and the only real star quality one other than Aaron Rodgers.

I don't even think he is second best on defence. Give be Perry and Burnett over him as an OLB. If he got transition inside to mlb, perhaps he is second best on d.

[ThunderDan]

Regarding the original posts (thanks Nutz for posting them), I'd certainly keep Christine Michael. He should be fairly cheap, and we can use a one cut speed back as an alternative to Montgomery.

When did Michael ever as a Packer only do one cut and hit the hole? Seriously when?

The guy makes 3 cuts minimum on the same play every time.

[woodbuck27]

This article and the video contained within it pretty well covers it all:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/after-nfc-title-game-blowout-its-clear-packers-need-to-get-aaron-rodgers-more-help-233405966.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl

Comment woodbuck27:

I would like to see TT be more aggressive this off season to improve the Packer Defence and to ensure a better running game.

1) We need to see a change in philosophy and Free Agency and Ted Thompson's attitude to focus on Draft and Development.

2) We need to see a huge improvement in Pass Protection. This Packer team was deplorable trying to defend the pass and finishing (was it?) 31st in the NFL in that category.

Will Ted Thompson and the Packer Coaching staff really believe that the weakness at The CB position will magically be fixed with more experience? The Packers flat out need more talented CB's and to count on the likes of a LaDarius Gunter isn't acceptable.

3) The Packers need to find a better pass rush.

No team can rise to be a serious Super Bowl Contender without a solid Secondary and a good pass rush. The Green Bay Packers are sadly deficient in both of these defensive areas.

4) We need help for Aaron Rodgers and the offence in terms of a focus on improving the Running Game. Will we hear at the end of next season: Well we hoped that Eddie Lacy would produce? Packer GM Ted Thompson cannot ignore what he doesn't have in the running game. The team needs better depth at RB.

5) I thought I read that there would be more CAP money next season but we need to see Ted Thompson release anyone on the Roster that isn't producing. The " hoo hum, let's wait and see " attitude has to change. It is time to stop thinking and do ...more doing. For all that won't kill you Ted...GO FOR IT !

6) I want to see a focus on upgrade - upgrade - upgrade.

[KYPack]

Nutz, great post my brotha.

Ya put some great work in that baby.

Oh yeah, you and Skin, get fucked in a very friendly fashion.

All these posts point up some TOUGH off-season decisions.

Pep, Mathews, buy an FA corner (we all know what the answer will be there) TJ, Bulaga (ain't he FA too?), DLine, Lacy, etc.

I'd hate to be in the big chair on any of these tough calls, let alone the whole gamut of this.

Look forward to getting into arguments over the whole thing, Nutz.

[Rutnstrut]

The problem is even IF tight pockets Teddy would sign a FA corner. There just isn't much available this year.

[SavedByGrace]

The problem is even IF tight pockets Teddy would sign a FA corner. There just isn't much available this year.

The great news is this draft is very deep with quality CBs.

[Rutnstrut]

The great news is this draft is very deep with quality CBs.

The biggest problem with that is they take a few years to develop. Then in GB another few years to finally have a healthy season. By that time Rodgers will be retired and coming out of the closet

[Joemailman]

The biggest problem with that is they take a few years to develop. Then in GB another few years to finally have a healthy season. By that time Rodgers will be retired and coming out of the closet

Not always. Shields and Hayward were quite good as rookies. Randall and Rollins were probably more in the line of developmental picks. Randall because he was making a switch from Safety to Corner. Rollins because he only played 1 year of college football.

[Deputy Nutz]

There are free agents available at a young age, or older guys like Leon Hall available.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/cornerback/
this a list of available free agents across the league

[Deputy Nutz]

Desmond King from Iowa is probably the most NFL ready. He would be available in the late 1st round. He isn't the most dynamic athlete but he is proven, and a ball hawk in college.

[Deputy Nutz]

Free agent wish list

Lawrence Timmons ILB from Pittsburgh
He is 30 years old but I imagine he has 2/3 good years left

Calias Campell DE from Arizona
30 years old could be an upgrade in the pass rush

Glenn Dorsey DT from San Fran
31 years old, could offer another body in run defense, and he will be relatively cheap

Trumain Johnson CB from the Rams
27 years old, big cornerback that will cost between 10 and 13 million a season

Stephon Gilmore from Buffalo
26 years old ball hawking cornerback. He is over 6 feet tall and he will not be hit with the franchise tag. He will cost about the same as Johnson

Jermaine Gresham TE from Arizona

Martellus Bennett TE from the Pats
Good blocker and receiver, he would be an upgrade over Rodgers, and even a better option than Cooks.

Chris Baker DE from Washington
6-2 320 pounds 29 years old, would beef up the middle of the packers defense. He has the size and ability to play either position on the defensive line. He would be a mid to high priced free agent some where between 5 to 8 million a year.

Jabaal Sheard DE from Pats
Smaller frame at only 265 pounds, played about half the snaps on defense for the Patriots. He is probably going to command 8 million on the free agent market which might be more than what the Packers are looking to pay for part time player.

The more I look at the available free agents the Packers need to keep Nick Perry, and if the price is right 1-3 million resign Julius Peppers. I still say the Packers are better off cutting or restructuring Clay Matthews and spending his money else where, but he still has that burst off the line that everyone was so enamored with Atlanta's defense.

[pbmax]

So is this the official Packers 2017 FA thread?

Cause here is an update on contract demands:

Jason_OTC @Jason_OTC
With all the cap space this year I think it will be more difficult than usual to get players to agree to paycuts without trying free agency

[Deputy Nutz]

I am sure Matthews could get his asking price, but it won't before a contending team if the Packers were to cut him. If the Packers choose to keep him he still could contribute but his role should be significantly reduced. I feel like longer he is on the field the better teams do against him in the passing game. He is horrible in coverage and he is turning into a one trick pony rushing the passer. If he gets a good jump he has a change to bump into the QB, if he gets stalled on the snap he is toast and he gets run out of the pocket. Playing him less might also help his health.

[Deputy Nutz]

TJ Lang is probably history with the Packers. His asking price will get met by another team before the Packers agree to terms with him. I think he is replaceable but not with anyone that is currently under contract with the Packers.

[pbmax]

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet 59m59 minutes ago
More veteran casualties related to salary cap charges: #Eagles are releasing CB Leodis McKelvin, source said.