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Out for market value
Packers to be low key in free agency
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: March 1, 2007
Green Bay - The unrestricted free-agent signing period swings into high gear today but the Green Bay Packers in all likelihood won't be swinging any major deals.
Ted Thompson, who enters his third off-season as the club's general manager, chuckled when it was facetiously mentioned that he loves jumping into free agency with both feet during the first weekend.
"I always do that," Thompson said with tongue planted firmly in cheek. "Make a splash."
As usual, the Packers figure to let the market declare itself for several days if not a week before they start making some moves.
Until the past two days, when almost 40 veteran players were waived throughout the league, the pool of free agents was tepid at best. The cuts certainly helped but this still looks like one of the most diluted groups in the 15 years of unfettered free agency.
"There's some guys that will be able to play roles," Thompson said. "Because of the new CBA, there's a lot of teams that are flush with cash, too. It will be an interesting time."
Before the release of 25 players Thursday could be calculated on the salary cap, the average amount of cap room for the 32 teams was $13.656 million. Only six teams had more room than the Packers, who were $21.2 million beneath their adjusted cap of $109.519 million.
The Packers certainly could join other teams in the bidding wars that are sure to unfold starting today. There are good players fitting some of their biggest needs, but Thompson would sooner lose a good player than pay what he regards as an exorbitant price.
New England's Daniel Graham, the No. 1 tight end, would be a major upgrade over Bubba Franks and David Martin. A ferocious blocker and solid receiver, Graham is on the move because the Patriots also have Benjamin Watson and David Thomas.
Seven or eight teams will be hot after Graham, but the Packers didn't even phone his agent.
Tight end Jerramy Stevens, who was drafted by Thompson in the first round for Seattle in 2002, also is unrestricted and could draw interest from Green Bay. But San Francisco's Eric Johnson, who had 82 receptions in '04 before running into injuries, isn't on Green Bay's radar screen.
Thompson also drafted safety Ken Hamlin in the second round in '03. He's a much better player than Marquand Manuel but the Packers never called on him, either.
Running back Kevan Barlow, who rushed for 581 yards in '05 for San Francisco when Mike McCarthy was the 49ers' offensive coordinator, has been on the street for 10 days but hasn't heard from Green Bay.
A source also said the Packers had expressed interest in Baltimore's Ovie Mughelli, the best blocking fullback. If, as expected, Mughelli lands a big contract from another team, the Packers might well turn to Justin Griffith, Atlanta's starter from 2003-'06.
In the meantime, 36-year-old William Henderson's future in Green Bay remains in limbo. Agent Butch Williams said the Packers had given him no indication if they want another year from Henderson.
Packers to be low key in free agency
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: March 1, 2007
Green Bay - The unrestricted free-agent signing period swings into high gear today but the Green Bay Packers in all likelihood won't be swinging any major deals.
Ted Thompson, who enters his third off-season as the club's general manager, chuckled when it was facetiously mentioned that he loves jumping into free agency with both feet during the first weekend.
"I always do that," Thompson said with tongue planted firmly in cheek. "Make a splash."
As usual, the Packers figure to let the market declare itself for several days if not a week before they start making some moves.
Until the past two days, when almost 40 veteran players were waived throughout the league, the pool of free agents was tepid at best. The cuts certainly helped but this still looks like one of the most diluted groups in the 15 years of unfettered free agency.
"There's some guys that will be able to play roles," Thompson said. "Because of the new CBA, there's a lot of teams that are flush with cash, too. It will be an interesting time."
Before the release of 25 players Thursday could be calculated on the salary cap, the average amount of cap room for the 32 teams was $13.656 million. Only six teams had more room than the Packers, who were $21.2 million beneath their adjusted cap of $109.519 million.
The Packers certainly could join other teams in the bidding wars that are sure to unfold starting today. There are good players fitting some of their biggest needs, but Thompson would sooner lose a good player than pay what he regards as an exorbitant price.
New England's Daniel Graham, the No. 1 tight end, would be a major upgrade over Bubba Franks and David Martin. A ferocious blocker and solid receiver, Graham is on the move because the Patriots also have Benjamin Watson and David Thomas.
Seven or eight teams will be hot after Graham, but the Packers didn't even phone his agent.
Tight end Jerramy Stevens, who was drafted by Thompson in the first round for Seattle in 2002, also is unrestricted and could draw interest from Green Bay. But San Francisco's Eric Johnson, who had 82 receptions in '04 before running into injuries, isn't on Green Bay's radar screen.
Thompson also drafted safety Ken Hamlin in the second round in '03. He's a much better player than Marquand Manuel but the Packers never called on him, either.
Running back Kevan Barlow, who rushed for 581 yards in '05 for San Francisco when Mike McCarthy was the 49ers' offensive coordinator, has been on the street for 10 days but hasn't heard from Green Bay.
A source also said the Packers had expressed interest in Baltimore's Ovie Mughelli, the best blocking fullback. If, as expected, Mughelli lands a big contract from another team, the Packers might well turn to Justin Griffith, Atlanta's starter from 2003-'06.
In the meantime, 36-year-old William Henderson's future in Green Bay remains in limbo. Agent Butch Williams said the Packers had given him no indication if they want another year from Henderson.
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