IS IT TT TURTLE TIME OR EXCITING FREE AGENCY TIME ?

[Packnut]

FA

I really don't see the harm in picking up the phone and inquiring. I see no harm in scheduling visits with players and talking to them. Silly me, I thought that was part of a GM's job?

For those of you who think it's better to go into next season with "get burned deep" Manuel and a guy coming back from a serious injury with little playing experience as our saftey plan, GET REAL!

Thompson should have had meetings set up with at least 3 or 4 of the top safteys to at least to find out what the market is. It's his damn job people.

EFFORT- That's all anyone can ask for and as fans we have the right to demand it.

[MJZiggy]

I so remember typing this last year: how do you know he didn't?

[Packnut]

TT

I so remember typing this last year: how do you know he didn't?

MCGINN stated TT has not contacted Hamlin's agent. This is'nt cloak and dagger stuff. It's usually in the press when players set up visits with teams.

[MadtownPacker]

TT is known for waiting a week or so to see how the market it. Can't blame him for that at all. Look at all the $$$ the Queens spent last year and what did it do for them? How bout the Skins?

Whass up man?? Long time no post!

Agreed about the purple perps and the redsnyders. FA has done zero for them and they have been laying down major cash the last couple of years.

[Packnut]

Moves

TT is known for waiting a week or so to see how the market it. Can't blame him for that at all. Look at all the $$$ the Queens spent last year and what did it do for them? How bout the Skins?

Whass up man?? Long time no post!

Agreed about the purple perps and the redsnyders. FA has done zero for them and they have been laying down major cash the last couple of years.

Yeah, but they made questionable moves. Almost 99% of the guys they signed had question marks about them. I don't think anyone is asking TT to blow cash just cause it's there. My approach is to go after ONE big name guy who can fix a position of need, in our case saftey. Then try to shore up some depth with a mid-tier guy who can add experience.

I think it's important to set parameters also. Signing 30+ year old guys is foolish. When you spend huge money, ya gotta make sure the player is focused and dedicated.

[imscott72]

TT is known for waiting a week or so to see how the market it. Can't blame him for that at all. Look at all the $$$ the Queens spent last year and what did it do for them? How bout the Skins?

Whass up man?? Long time no post!

Agreed about the purple perps and the redsnyders. FA has done zero for them and they have been laying down major cash the last couple of years.

I've been around. Haven't had a lot of time to post. Busy with classes, work, kids, etc. This is my favorite time of the year, so I had to make time to make some posts.
I have faith in TT. He's cleaned up the Sherman mess nicely and if the price is right, he'll help us out in FA. No reason overpaying for expensive FA's that may lose their motivation once signed. (see Hunt and Johnson signings)

[imscott72]

Re: Moves

TT is known for waiting a week or so to see how the market it. Can't blame him for that at all. Look at all the $$$ the Queens spent last year and what did it do for them? How bout the Skins?

Whass up man?? Long time no post!

Agreed about the purple perps and the redsnyders. FA has done zero for them and they have been laying down major cash the last couple of years.

Yeah, but they made questionable moves. Almost 99% of the guys they signed had question marks about them. I don't think anyone is asking TT to blow cash just cause it's there. My approach is to go after ONE big name guy who can fix a position of need, in our case saftey. Then try to shore up some depth with a mid-tier guy who can add experience.

I think it's important to set parameters also. Signing 30+ year old guys is foolish. When you spend huge money, ya gotta make sure the player is focused and dedicated.

The FA period is a whole 12 hours old. Lets not blow our wad thinking TT should have made a major signing by now. No other team has either, which may mean more teams are being cautious this year to not drive up the market. I like it, and its about time.

[woodbuck27]

What if NOBODY jumps into the FA bidding pool? What if no one signs anyone?

Then we'll need more Burger Kings.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Re: TT

MCGINN stated TT has not contacted Hamlin's agent. This is'nt cloak and dagger stuff. It's usually in the press when players set up visits with teams.

Where was this? His latest articles don't mention anything about whether Thompson has contacted Hamlin's agent or not. There was a Press Gazette article that mentioned other players the Packers had not contacted, but Hamlin wasn't included in the list.

[pbmax]

Re: FA

Packnut, you claim there has been no effort. Evidence? Do you have TT's phone records?

Lack of visits might equal lack of reasonable demands. PFT has Thomas going to San Fran on Sat (then to NE) and getting offered $8+ million per.

I would love to see the pass rush bolstered. But at what price?

I really don't see the harm in picking up the phone and inquiring. I see no harm in scheduling visits with players and talking to them. Silly me, I thought that was part of a GM's job?

For those of you who think it's better to go into next season with "get burned deep" Manuel and a guy coming back from a serious injury with little playing experience as our saftey plan, GET REAL!

Thompson should have had meetings set up with at least 3 or 4 of the top safteys to at least to find out what the market is. It's his damn job people.

EFFORT- That's all anyone can ask for and as fans we have the right to demand it.

[pbmax]

Re: FA

To setup a meeting now means the market is what the player is asking. For that number to fall, it will take time.

A GM wouldn't last if he lied to the agents, said, "Oh sure we'll discuss a contract in that neighborhood" to get a meeting and then lowballed him or didn't put an offer on the table.

Use your common sense.

Thompson should have had meetings set up with at least 3 or 4 of the top safteys to at least to find out what the market is. It's his damn job people.

[pbmax]

McGinn/JSO had the following this morning (posted last night):

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.

Doesn't explain why. My guess is he likes Underwood.

His three big signings last season were at positions were there wasn't talent and there wasn't anything on the bench (CB, LB, DT-NG(4-technique?)).

If he likes the youth at safety, then Hamlin isn't coming in unless the price drops.

[Packnut]

FA

Look, this is'nt as complicated as some would make it. Instead of following blindly, keep an open mind.

Manuel was an easy mistake to recognize and TT made a mistake thinking wise. Even after the first season with Collins, we could see his value was a Butler type player. Put him in the box and let him blow up the run. As we've seen coverage is not his strength. Well hello, it's not Manuels either. So what was the sense in targeting a player that does'nt fit your need? Go back and read what was written about Manuel. No one mentioned coverage skills as his strength.

Now riddle me this, those of you who act like Thompson is all knowing. If you have a saftey who is not strong in coverage and you know you are going to start 2 rookie LB's and their weakness naturally is gonna be pass coverage, then would'nt it just be common sense to find a saftey who's best attribute is pass coverage? This is'nt rocket science my friends.

Now on to the present. Some claim it's early and why should TT be doing anything right? BULLSHIT! He should have had Hamlin here this morning and not let him leave without a contract. Offer Woodson type money.

Why Hamlin? First off, read his resume. Main strength is coverage and knows how to drop deep. Can cover a TE over the middle. Main negative? The off field injury. However, not a risk in my mind do to his coming back and playing this past season. Therefore, the risk is low. Bonus here is other teams may shy away.

Now, tell me that IF Jenkins is for real and Hawk and Popp improve as is only natural, that having Hamlin back there does'nt make us a top 5 or 6 D. The guy knows how to play deep and does'nt bite on PA like Manuel does. This one signing upgrades an area of weakness and Hamlin is young enough that along with Collins, your set up the middle for years to come.

I'm sorry guys, but this is'nt monopoly where the one who has the most cash in the end wins. Being prudent does'nt make sense in this market. You've got to spend and that's ok IF you target the right guy......

[Packnut]

Hamlin

Here's the scouting report on Hamlin from ESPN insider. Now tell me he's not a perfect fit for our needs.

Hamlin is a hard-hitting tough safety who is one of the best in the NFL in his skill set. He shows good football instincts and has a knack for playing the ball in the air. Hamlin also shows good range and recovery speed off the hash. He is also a smart player who is able to make the calls in the secondary and line up players in position to make plays. He is very good with run support and will step up and make contact on running backs. He is not afraid to lay a hit on receivers coming across the middle. Hamlin is a solid athlete who shows quickness, body control, and outstanding range. He has the ability to play both a traditional free safety and strong safety, but he is better suited as a free safety. Hamlin does a good job of getting in the box and is productive in his pass rush and blitzing. He is a very aggressive player who brings a lot of energy to his play. He is a solid cover guy who can roll up and play effectively over the slot receiver. He plays well in the Cover 2 package showing good turn and transition coupled with smoothness that allows him to turn and run with ease. Sometimes he stutters in his backpedal, but not enough to be overly concerned about. He is an impact player who will help any team upgrade and solidify its secondary. With his leadership and play, he will be a highly sought after player in free agency.

[HarveyWallbangers]

So, where's the link to the article that stated Thompson hadn't contacted Hamlin's agent?