JS--NICK BARNETT AND NEGOTIATIONS WITH GB

[Kiwon]

2 thoughts:

1. Packers, sign the guy. He's been a productive player and, barring injury, his best years are in front of him.

2. Smart move on Barnett's part. The Packers have cash now, they have seen other players leave over contract disputes and get paid elsewhere, and if Barnett plays another full season at a high level he will be a hot commodity and be signed on the first day of FA next year.

His negotiating position is strong right now and will be even stronger next year if he plays well again. The Pack could put a franchise tag on him and try to force him to play another season but while that is a legitimate move it can work against a team if the franchised player uses that to trash the front office and create dissension on a team.

IMHO, the best case scenario is to gamble a bit, pay the guy, and then let him know that they expect him to crack the Pro Bowl lineup.

[MJZiggy]

How 'bout they gamble and pay him and offer him a nice, fat bonus for cracking the Pro Bowl lineup?

[retailguy]

How 'bout they gamble and pay him and offer him a nice, fat bonus for cracking the Pro Bowl lineup?

Why not wait for him to "prove" himself in the last year of his deal, and then let him test free agency?

[Kiwon]

How 'bout they gamble and pay him and offer him a nice, fat bonus for cracking the Pro Bowl lineup?

Why not wait for him to "prove" himself in the last year of his deal, and then let him test free agency?

I hear your and totally agree. If the Pack waits and Barnett has an outstanding year, he will be gone unless franchised. "Show me 'da money!" - and in this case it will be well deserved.

[BF4MVP]

I want Barnett locked up long term..And I believe it will happen, and soon..Nick is one of the few bright spots from Sherman's tenure as GM..What is even more impressive about that pick is that there were higher rated linebackers on the board when the Packers picked (Henderson and Bailey) and we still ended up with the best one in the draft..Major props to Sherman for that pick..Barnett is a very solid player...VERY solid..

[Merlin]

The whole "Let him play out his final year" is BS. So is the whole "if he makes the pro bowl" crap. If you haven't figured out by now that Barnett is worth it then you don't know football. Also, if you think the Pro-Bowl is a way to judge how good a player is then please, stop pretending you know the NFL. Barnett has had 4 solid years for the Packers, that is not open for debate (2 bad years and one mediocre year? According to who? YOU?...LOL). Popularity contests don't win football games, players do, sign him now.