Waiver Wire versus free agency

[Harlan Huckleby]

With all the talk of Thompson possibly strengthening the TE, RB, LB positions with castoffs, something occurred to me: the Packers record last year may be too good for the Packers to have a shot at any decent players.

Last year, the Packers did pick-up a crop of castoffs, but maybe that was because they came off a crap season and were picking near the top.

Does it make sense that teams with better records have to be more active in free agency to fill-out depth? Or is the waiver wire pretty insignificant?

[Him8123]

agree and disagree. Some of the best gems come in later rounds of draft. But you still have to snatch up a FA or trade for someone to fill a need when you see it. especially if it`s a proven winner. Can`t always rely on draft picks to be starters and achievers. We have gotten lucky the last two years though..

[HarveyWallbangers]

Kevan Barlow was just cut. He was a guy that some people thought we should sign, wasn't he?

[Him8123]

I believe so at one point or another

[AV David]

" Does it make sense that teams with better records have to be more active in free agency to fill-out depth? Or is the waiver wire pretty insignificant?"


For all the complaining about free agency around here, the Packers did exceptionally well in waiver acquisitions last year. They picked up J Bush, Charlie Peprah and Tony Sanders at the last cutdown. Even if only Bush works out, he is certainly a keeper. He is said to have a big upside and he is pretty good right now. Sanders is seen as starter quality someday. I don't know much about Peprah, we will see come the final cutdown. I think that waiver acquisitions can be huge for young developing teams. You can get good quality that needs some development. The teams that are in a position to try too win now cannot afford that luxury. Those who are rebuilding (yes I said that word) can.

[Him8123]

there is no tony sanders

[Guiness]

Barlow wouldn't hurt. At one point, when he was behind Hearst, he looked like he was going to be really good, but just never was.

He's probably be available for the minimum, and would add a bit of experienced (if not overly talented) depth to a really thin group.

[Harlan Huckleby]

For all the complaining about free agency around here, the Packers did exceptionally well in waiver acquisitions last year. They picked up J Bush, Charlie Peprah and Tony Sanders at the last cutdown.

OK. But the teams choose guys off waivers in the same order that they draft. Last year the Packers were near the front of the line. I just wonder if players of this quality will fall to the Packers this year.

[Him8123]

But that`s fine rebuilding waiting and hoping guys become starter status one day. But we have a HOF QB with not much time left trying to get to the SB. That still leaves us needing playmakers besides Driver.

[AV David]

"there is no tony sanders"




You're right. Tony Palmer.



A rose by any other names smells as sweet.

[AV David]

"OK. But the teams choose guys off waivers in the same order that they draft. Last year the Packers were near the front of the line. I just wonder if players of this quality will fall to the Packers this year."


I agree. Last year we got the cream of the developmental crop. We're probably one year past that developmental stage. We will probably cut some good developmental prospects this year. The same could not be said last year.

It is a typical good news/bad news deal. The good news is you got some good prospects for free. The bad news is you got them because you sucked so bad the year before.

[Harlan Huckleby]

But that`s fine rebuilding waiting and hoping guys become starter status one day. But we have a HOF QB with not much time left trying to get to the SB. That still leaves us needing playmakers besides Driver.

I agree. Thompson should have gotten another playmaker in free agency, one way or another. That would not have hindered his rebuilding program.

[gbpackfan]

Kevin Barlow ran hard this preseason. I believe it came down to numbers and the Steelers wanted to keep some of their younger guys around. I would encourage TT to bring him in.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Barlow wouldn't hurt. At one point, when he was behind Hearst, he looked like he was going to be really good, but just never was. .

If I'm not mistaken, veteran players who have been in the leauge for several years don't have to clear waivers, they are free agents when cut. Or did I just make that up?

[Him8123]

wouldn`t hurt to give it a shot. I would like to also see that slevin young guy from Denver people have talked about on other threads. sorry if I butchered his name.