Packers Offseason/Free Agency Thread

[bobblehead]

Christian Watson's dad on the hamstring problems:

"Well, the collaborating specialists found the source of the problem. That was the main issue with getting the proper plan in place for a solution. Now, as I've shared before, it's not my place to share details. I'll let the Packers and/or Christian do that, should they decide to elaborate. However, with the source of the issue revealed, as long as the correct program is implemented and executed to rectify it, then this shouldn't be a recurring issue moving forward!"

This is the kind of thing I read every off season and get excited about. Half the time it ends in brutal disappointment. I really hope Watson has it figured out because he is lightning. He is a true game changer.

[Patler]

This is the kind of thing I read every off season and get excited about. Half the time it ends in brutal disappointment. I really hope Watson has it figured out because he is lightning. He is a true game changer.

Yup, just like everyone is "ahead of schedule" during off season rehab, until training camp when they are put on the PUP list, and then stay there for the start of the season.

Two big questions regarding Watson, even if they know the issue:

1. Can it be corrected?
2. How long will it take to really fix it, even if it is correctable?

Knowing the cause is the necessary start, but it is only that, a start. Lots to be answered yet.

[sharpe1027]

There's more randomness than most people think. Watson might never have a another hamstring injury. He might have one the first practice. Having good training and therapy plans can help, but they just shift the odds. They don't guarantee anything.

[Joemailman]

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet

The #Panthers have agree to terms with former #Packers OT Yosh Nijman, source said, some depth for the O-line

[King Friday]

Still waiting to see what the real numbers are on Nixon's contract. I'm okay, but only okay, on the Dillon signing. My guess is Dillon and Wilson will be battling for the same roster spot.

I think Nixon is far more valuable now with the new kickoff rules. It would’ve been a bad contract under the prior rules, where you should have just taken a free catch every time. Now, there is going to be value on having a returner who can make a big return, and Nixon can.

[Frozen Tundra]

I think Nixon is far more valuable now with the new kickoff rules. It would’ve been a bad contract under the prior rules, where you should have just taken a free catch every time. Now, there is going to be value on having a returner who can make a big return, and Nixon can.

And remember, that seems to be something Lafleur values disproportionately relative to most other coaches. He often speaks about how much he loves Nixon's ability (and willingness) to run basically every kick out. Loves the way it keeps the other team off-balance, and especially loves the way it boosts the morale of his teammates. They're fired up on the sideline, excited to see one of his fullspeed runbacks, and they run on the field energized and full of momentum. Every single possession, instead of taking the first snap right after a boring touchback, we're basically starting our possession immediately following a big play - almost like taking the field after an interception. LaFleur feels very strongly that that's an important way to get a drive off to a good start.

[Patler]

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet

The #Panthers have agree to terms with former #Packers OT Yosh Nijman, source said, some depth for the O-line

Nice deal for him: "The NFL Network report said Nijman’s two-year contract is worth $8 million, including $5 million guaranteed, and has up to $7 million more in incentives."

[red]

There's more randomness than most people think. Watson might never have a another hamstring injury. He might have one the first practice. Having good training and therapy plans can help, but they just shift the odds. They don't guarantee anything.

due to the fact that watson has missed multiple game every year (even in college) to hamstring injuries, its a pretty safe bet hes gonna hurt it again

there is seriously something not right with the way he is made, or at least the way his right hamstring is made

he missed 8 game last season with 2 separate right hamstring injuries
missed 3 games his rookie year week 1, 6 and 7 due to his right hamstring
and missed 3 games his senior year in college for right hamstring issues

[Joemailman]

Details of Keisean Nixon contract finally out.

3 years, 18 million. 6.5 million signing bonus.

Cap hit by year:

2024: 4 million
2025: 6.8 million
2026:7.2 million

Would save 2.5 million on cap by cutting him in 2025 with 4.3 million dead cap.
Would save 5 million on cap by cutting him in 2026 with 2.2million dead cap.

[run pMc]

due to the fact that watson has missed multiple game every year (even in college) to hamstring injuries, its a pretty safe bet hes gonna hurt it again

there is seriously something not right with the way he is made, or at least the way his right hamstring is made

he missed 8 game last season with 2 separate right hamstring injuries
missed 3 games his rookie year week 1, 6 and 7 due to his right hamstring
and missed 3 games his senior year in college for right hamstring issues

Now do Jaire, Stokes, and Bahktiari. Ope, Bahktiari's been cut.

I don't think Watson's injury issues will completely go away - dude is really tightly wired and I think he'll always be easily dinged up as a result - but I think if his availability improves by even 50% that's a big win for GB. Jayden Reed will see a lot of attention this year, Watson is needed to threaten defenses.
The worrying part is how many right hamstring injuries can he sustain before it completely snaps and/or he loses his speed & explosion?

[run pMc]

Details of Keisean Nixon contract finally out.

3 years, 18 million. 6.5 million signing bonus.

Cap hit by year:

2024: 4 million
2025: 6.8 million
2026:7.2 million

Would save 2.5 million on cap by cutting him in 2025 with 4.3 million dead cap.
Would save 5 million on cap by cutting him in 2026 with 2.2million dead cap.

So it's a deal that is easy to get out of in a year or two. I don't see him getting to 2026 with this contract.


Dillon's contract is good for both sides too:

Per the stipulations of the four-year qualifying contract that Dillon signed, he was allowed to earn up to $2.742 million in 2024. Dillon hit that number exactly, as he’s set to make a $2.575 million base salary with a $167,500 signing bonus. He will only count $1.29 million against the cap, though, as the four-year qualifying contract allows the Packers to pay him an uncapped $1.45 million.

(acmepackingcompany)

[Frozen Tundra]

So it's a deal that is easy to get out of in a year or two. I don't see him getting to 2026 with this contract.

When it comes time to pay the 22 and 23 draft classes, that salary's going to have to go. He might be safe through 25, though.

[run pMc]

When it comes time to pay the 22 and 23 draft classes, that salary's going to have to go. He might be safe through 25, though.

Agree. My guess is his skills will have diminished and they will have a new slot CB by then anyway.

[Frozen Tundra]

Agree. My guess is his skills will have diminished and they will have a new slot CB by then anyway.

Running back 50-60 kickoffs and punts every year puts a lot of wear and tear on a 200-pound man, too.

[Frozen Tundra]

I don't think Watson's injury issues will completely go away - dude is really tightly wired and I think he'll always be easily dinged up as a result - but I think if his availability improves by even 50% that's a big win for GB. Jayden Reed will see a lot of attention this year, Watson is needed to threaten defenses.
The worrying part is how many right hamstring injuries can he sustain before it completely snaps and/or he loses his speed & explosion?

I think this is going to be a career-long issue with him. You're right; chronic recurring hamstring strains frequently have a cumulative effect making reinjury increasingly more likely with each recurrence. I think the biggest issue is that in order to heal properly, the athlete needs to take a lot more time to rest and rehab the injury than the NFL can afford to give him. Hamstrings usually take several weeks (or months) to fully heal, and it's very difficult for a player to take that much time. But if they come back before it's fully healed, it becomes not just likely but probable that they'll reinjure the muscle.

Hamstring injuries account for 12% of all primary injuries in the NFL, and the recurrence rate is 32%. Players also have a 24% chance of sufffering a separate lower-body injury that same season (ankle, knee, groin, etc), from compensating for the hamstring. Wide receivers suffer 55% of all hamstring injuries in the NFL, and are more likely to suffer recurrences.

He may never have another hamstring issue as long as he lives, but the odds are stacked against him. This season is probably his make or break year. If he can sail through 24 without another tweak, maybe we can be optimistic - but if he misses significant time again, we may have to accept that availability is always going to be questionable with him.