Green Bay Packers: Grading The Free Agent Comings And Goings
By Joe Kiemen
The Green Bay Packers been active in this year’s free-agency. How will their additions fit with the team? Will they struggle to replace players who signed with other organizations?
- Outside Linebacker (B) Realistically, Ted Thompson had no other choice but to re-sign Nick Perry. If he allowed the outside linebacker to walk away, the Packers would have emptied their depth at the position. While it could be argued that the 5 year $59 million contract was high for a player so often injured. Other organizations are willing to pay top dollar for edge rushers and Perry was one of the top options available. Now that he received a big paycheck, it will be interesting to see if Nick Perry remains motivated without having to fight for a contract. While Perry was inking his new deal, Julius Peppers was shopping his services and ultimitately chose a return to Carolina. Even though Green Bay is thin behind Matthews and Perry, Peppers was showing signs of wearing down. The backup job is now up for grabs and should include a member of the 2017 draft class. Along with Peppers, former first round pick Datone Jones relocated to a division rival. Even with the loss of Peppers, Ted Thompson figured it would be better to let Datone Jones walk. Ultimately the Packers GM felt the Vikings could have him for $3.75 million. This was a smart move for Green Bay and shows that a player must live up to his draft status to be re-signed.
Offensive Line (D)
In 2016, the Packers offensive line consistently gave Aaron Rodgers an outrageous amount of time to throw. A big reason for this was the consistent efforts of T.J. Lang. Despite dealing with nagging injuries, Lang put together a pro-bowl season. Looking to be rewarded for his work, the guard signed a
. Even with his age and the fact he will be coming off hip surgery, the Packers will miss Lang’s steadying presence. In addition to losing Lang, Green Bay also lost J.C. Tretter to the Cleveland Browns. Had the Packers re-signed him, Tretter would have filled in at guard. But given he is just 26 years old and posseses extroardinary athletecism, the Browns offered him
Now, the Packers have an unforseen whole in their offensive line. With no clear replacment, we might see the unit take a step back in 2017.
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- Cornerbacks (C) Given that the secondary was one of Green Bay’s weakest position groups, the idea of losing Micah Hyde seemed absurd. This is until Buffalo offered the defensive back $30.5 million over 5 years. With this amount of money being thrown around, the Packers made the right move by not overpaying. However, it will be difficult to find another defender with similar versatility. If Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins weren’t feeling the pressure to improve their play, the definitely are now. Knowing the deplorable state of his secondary, Thompson went out and signed former Packer Davon House. While House is unlikely to save the unit, he does provide some much needed size, speed and experience.
- The Tight Ends (A) Despite expressing that he wanted to return to Green Bay, Jared Cook and the Packers were unable to reach an agreement. Knowing the tight end would be asking for top dollar, Thompson was working behind the scenes and was able to quickly sign Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks. This combination gives Aaron Rodgers two very athletic tight ends and should help the entire unit.
Running Back (B) –
Even though the Packers haven’t added a running back, this may be a case of addition by subtraction. Had Green Bay resigned Lacy, they might have felt comfortable enough to bypass a running back in the draft. If he returned to the team and was out of shape or suffered another injury, the Packers would have been kicking themselves knowing they could have moved on from the situation. Now, Ted Thompson will certainly add to the position come April. In a draft loaded with running backs, the GM should find a quality player to split time with Ty Montgomery.
Next: Jonathan Villar The New Carlos Gomez
After a week of free agency, the Packers drastically improved their tight end situation while depleting their offensive line. In addition there are still major holes at linebacker, the secondary and running back. It will be up to Ted Thompson to adress these needs before the start of training camp.