The Lass Word: Time To Go Shopping
An overview of the 2024 free agent crop.
By KenLass
QUARTERBACKS
The big fish in the pond is Kirk Cousins. The Vikings would like to have him back, but despite his recent achilles injury, the market for his services appears to be robust and it has driven up the cost. The next option might be Baker Mayfield, who revived his career last year with Tampa Bay. The Bucs want him back as well. Russell Wilson is out there on the cheap but he will want to start. Rumors have Wilson going to the Vikings if Cousins signs elsewhere. (Update: Mayfield re-signed with the Bucs. Wilson will reportedly sign with the Steelers)
The Packers aren’t in the market for a starting QB, but they may be considering a veteran back-up who would be an upgrade from Sean Clifford. There are tons of those types available, including names such as Joe Flacco, Ryan Tannehill, Gardner Minshew and Jameis Winston. All would come relatively cheap.
RUNNING BACKS
The most impressive line-up of ball carriers I can ever recall going free agent at the same time. Blockbuster names such as Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard and D’Andre Swift. The market will likely force you to pay starter money to any of those talents. Buyers will have to beware of age and injury history.
The Packers will be shopping for number two and number three running backs, and the cupboard is full. If so moved, they can make a run at Zack Moss, Devin Singletary, Ezekiel Elliott, Gus Edwards, Rico Dowdle, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and many, many more. And oh, by the way, also on the list is a fellow named AJ Dillon whom they already know a little bit about. Despite the glut of veterans at this position, Green Bay is more likely to seek fresh, low cost running back blood in the April draft.
RECEIVERS
Unlike running back, there is not a plethora of what you might call big names on the receiver market, unless you consider folks like Odell Beckham Jr., Calvin Ridley and Michael Thomas to be such. The Packers are stocked with young, promising prospects in its receiver corps. Plus, the draft will once again be loaded at this position. That may drive down the cost of second tier veterans looking for a new team, such as Gabe Davis, Marquis Brown, Curtis Samuel, Tyler Boyd, Josh Reynolds, Kendrick Bourne, Darnell Mooney and KJ Osborn.
Receiver is one of those positions at which you never seem to have enough players. By midseason of last year the Packers were reaching deeply into the roster to play Bo Melton and Malik Heath. It wouldn’t be madness to take a look at someone like Mecole Hardman or Allen Robinson. Incidentally, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is also on the list. Would Brian Gutekunst want him back on the cheap?
TIGHT ENDS
Nobody here that should attract Green Bay’s attention. The best of the group appears to be Mike Gesicki, Gerald Everett and Noah Fant. Other names that have been around a little bit include Hayden Hurst, Logan Thomas and Irv Smith. Three former Packers are still out there trying to keep playing for somebody, Marcedes Lewis, Jimmy Graham, and Robert Tonyan.
With budding second year stars Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft coming back, Green Bay will likely fill out the unit by re-signing either Tyler Davis or Josiah Deguara.
TACKLES
The biggest name is former Cowboy Tyron Smith. He is one of the best when healthy, but his body has let him down all too often. Others available include Jonah Williams (Bengals), Mike Onwenu (Patriots), Mekhi Becton (Jets), and Donovan Smith (Chiefs).
Former Packer Billy Turner is back on the market, as is recent Packer Yosh Nijman. Will David Bakhtiari join them soon? How Green Bay answers that question may go a long way toward determining if they are interested in any of these other guys.
GUARDS
Robert Hunt (Dolphins) and Jonah Jackson (Lions) still have some tread on the tires and can start for just about anybody. Kevin Zeitler (Ravens) and Cody Ford (Bengals)might also be upgrades for Green Bay. Much depends on how the front office feels about bringing Jon Runyan back. There have been reports of mutual interest in having him return. He would likely return as depth insurance, as the team seems ready to move Sean Rhyan into the starting line-up on the right side.
CENTERS
Some intriguing names here, such as Sam Mustipher (Ravens) and former Wisconsin Badger Tyler Biadasz (Cowboys). Connor Williams (Dolphins) is also solid. Green Bay coaches remained supportive and full of praise for Josh Myers throughout last season, but it’s hard to know if that was because he was playing well, or an attempt to build up his confidence.
There is always the option of moving Zach Tom to center, where many people think he belongs, but Gutekunst has stated the team is inclined to keep him at right tackle. It’s not a great draft for centers. If the Packers are more worried about Myers than they are letting on, they could go after a free agent prospect.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Bidding will go through the roof for Chris Jones (Chiefs), Christian Wilkins (Dolphins) and Leonard Williams (Seahawks). Way too rich for the Packers’ blood. More affordable might be talents like DJ Reader (Bengals), Javon Kinlaw (49ers), and Sheldon Rankins (Texans). Old timers like Fletcher Cox (Eagles) and Linval Joseph (Bills) might have a year left. Remember Montravious Adams (Steelers)? He’s out there.
The Packers must keep in mind that Kenny Clark and TJ Slaton are both heading into their final contract years. Drafting defensive linemen is a crap shoot. At least with free agents you have a track record to go by. (Update: Chris Jones re-signed with the Chiefs for over $31 million per year. He is now the highest paid DT.)
LINEBACKERS
Edge rushers such as Chase Young (49ers) and Danielle Hunter (Vikings) grab your attention. Big names like Jadeveon Clowney (Ravens) and Leonard Floyd (Bills) would like another chance for resurrection. Shaq Barrett (Bucs) and former Badger Andrew Van Ginkel (Dolphins) have been productive. On the inside some impressive names pop out at you. Lavonte David (Bucs), Patrick Queen (Ravens), Frankie Luvu (Panthers), Willie Gay (Chiefs) and Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks) would all look nice in green and gold.
Here again, you don’t ever have enough of these guys. De’Vondre Campbell is likely history. On the new defense you will need more than Quay Walker, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and a recovering Kingsley Enagbare. Especially since some of the aforementioned will be moving up to the D-line.
CORNERS
You’ll recognize names such as Xavien Howard (Dolphins), Chidobe Awuzie (Bengals), Stephon Gilmore (Cowboys) and Sean Murphy-Bunting (Bucs). All have a lot of wear on their tires, but any would be a solid, experienced addition to a Green Bay secondary full of question marks. There’s also oft-injured Jeff Okudah (Falcons) and Tre’Davious White (Bills). Patrick Peterson (Steelers) can still play.
If the Packers bring back Keisean Nixon their need at this position in free agency will be minimal. If they don’t, some of these free agent names may come into play. Do the Packers feel Carrington Valentine is ready to be a starting corner? Can Eric Stokes regain form? Corey Ballantine, who played in several games last year and acquitted himself fairly well, is also on the market.
SAFETIES
A deep and talented roster of safeties is on this year’s free agent list, and the Packers figure to be major players in pursuit of at least one of them. Xavier McKinney (Giants) and Justin Simmons (Broncos) are the blue chippers. They won’t be cheap, but either one would look mighty good patrolling the middle at Lambeau Field. Kamren Curl (Commanders), Quandre Diggs (Seahawks), Geno Stone (Ravens), and Jordan Whitehead (Jets) would also get the job done nicely.
Green Bay is also expected to reinforce the position in the draft. It would be great if second year player Anthony Johnson would take a big step, but the Packers can’t count on that. There is also the option of bringing back Darnell Savage, but I have a feeling Savage, based on his athleticism, will get overpaid by another bidder. The team seems ready to move on from Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford.
SPECIAL TEAMS
There are a few kickers who could come in and outperform Anders Carlson immediately, including Nick Folk (Titans), Will Lutz (Broncos), Brandon McManus (Jaguars), and Randy Bullock (Giants). But the Packers seem determined to stay cheap at the position with either Carlson or street free agent Jack Podlesny.
Green Bay seems content with the punting of Daniel Whelan. If they want to bring in competition, Jake Bailey (Dolphins) is the best free agent.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (48)
NickPerry
March 11, 2024 at 06:36 am
I'm waiting on the news of David Bakhtiari. That cap money will go a long way in determining just who the Packers can even afford to sign.
Cheezehead72
March 11, 2024 at 06:39 am
I read that they is no rush to release him as he is not receiving any bonuses so they will wait until they need the cap space.
NickPerry
March 11, 2024 at 07:14 am
Oh, okay thanks Cheezehead 72. I guess that makes sense. In that case I'd like to order one McKinney and a side of Patrick Queen please.
murf7777
March 11, 2024 at 08:52 am
While you’re at it, throw some sauce of Barkley on it. Yes, I would say everyone would like that, but does it make financial sense. IMO, no the Packers have shown thru 3 decades or since the Salary Cap that sign your own, draft and develop system works best. Other winning franchises like Baltimore do the same. Of course, there are exceptions and I don’t expect it, but wouldn’t surprise me that they try to make one big splash in FA.
Cheezehead72
March 11, 2024 at 09:17 am
No we do not need or want an old RB
mnbadger
March 11, 2024 at 12:21 pm
especially if that old RB is very expensive and injury prone.
GPG!
Cheezehead72
March 11, 2024 at 06:37 am
So I saw that it looks like Wagner is not going back to Seattle. Yes he is old but he plays the middle very well and he can tackle. I hope the Packers are looking at him as a 1 or 2 year player. He would be a good insurance policy if McDuffie is not ready for the start of the year.
Bitternotsour
March 11, 2024 at 09:12 am
younger, faster, cheaper
golfpacker1
March 11, 2024 at 09:56 am
Bitter, Wagner did not make 183 tackles by not being fast enough, and his instincts are off the charts. I look at what he would contribute to the defense by his strong play and how much he would improve the whole LB room.
Not only is another coach on the field, but nobody would run well against us while he was on the field. His lower salary could let us double dip @ LB or add an Edge rusher like A J Epenesa and still be $10 million less than Patrick Queen, who by the way wasn't offered another contract by the Ravens. Smells fishy.
Bitternotsour
March 11, 2024 at 10:47 am
I respect John Schneider as a personnel man, he let an OLD Wagner go. Seems like a good enough read to me.
RCPackerFan
March 11, 2024 at 07:35 am
GB's current needs is set up well for what is available in FA. Whether they decide to go that way or not is yet to be determined. But there are some players that are available that would be instant upgrades over the players we had playing those positions last year. S and ILB being 2 of those positions.
This is how I feel about each position as it stands for GB and their needs.
QB: Need level - Low. Love is the guy, and Clifford looks more then adequate to be the back up. But I have no problem bringing in competition for him.
RB: Need Level - medium/high. They have Jones. He is an absolute stud. But the only other RB on the roster that will likely be there next year is Emanuel Wilson. They need at least 2 more RB's. Whether is in FA or the draft they need to add to the position. They need someone with explosiveness as well. When Jones went out, the juice went as well. We need someone that can bring the juice.
WR: Need Level - low. They have a plethora of young talent. Watson, Doubs, Reed, Wicks, Melton, Heath all contributed a ton. Don't sleep on DuBose either. That being said, if they have a chance to add a guy that they think could be a key contributor they should do it. Injuries happen, and you can never have too much talent.
TE: Need Level - low/slightly medium. While the need level is low, I do think they could add depth to the position. Also they might want an upgrade over what Deguara was supposed to be. That Hybride TE/FB type of player. They have 2 young studs. Something that could make our offense more dynamic is if they could find someone to play that hybrid role. It just gives teams different looks.
OL: Need Level - High. Currently we don't know what is going on with Bakhtiari. We know we have Walker, Jenkins, Myers, Tom all returning from the starting 5 last year. We don't know what is going on at RG. Runyan is a FA. They likely will be losing Yosh and possibly Runyan and Bakhtiari. They would be wise to make sure Newman doesn't return also. So they need depth and players to compete for starting roles. OL is one of the top needs.
DL: Need Level - slightly low/medium. I don't know how Hafley is going to want to run his defense. We are thinking more 4-3 then 3-4, but how they determine players will affect how they view the DL. For the DL I would like to see them add at least one more down linemen. And I wouldn't mind another Edge player. I still wish for an explosive edge rusher that can get around the edge with pure speed.
LB: Need Level - High. With releasing Campbell, they really need another LB. Walker could flourish in this new defense, But he still will need someone next to him. McDuffie played well overall, but they have a need for at least one more LB.
CB: Need Level - Medium/High. Alexander is a stud. I really like what Valentine brought last year. Stokes was injured basically the last 2 years and we really don't know what we have in him. Nixon is a FA. That doesn't leave alot left. CB is one of the top needs this year. Also we believe Hafley likes press coverage, so don't be surprised if they are looking for more physical CB's.
S: Need Level - High. I like what Johnson brought as a rookie. I think he could potentially earn a starting spot. But they need 2 starters. If they signed one FA to any position, my hope is its Safety. There are a number of guys that could come in and be instant upgrades from a year ago.
Recap - In my opinion GB has 5 positions that they absolutely have to add talent at. S, RB, OL, LB, CB. And when I say talent I mean top tiered talent. Depth is always needed at all spots.
I feel like Safety is the top need as they need 2 starters, plus backup players.
RB and OL they likely need at least 2 guys at each spot. RB they need a starting caliber RB and at least 1 starting caliber OL.
LB they need at least 1 starting caliber player added.
CB they could use 1-2 guys depending on what they are going to do scheme wise.
Cheezehead72
March 11, 2024 at 08:01 am
Overall I agree. I disagree that Clifford is an adequate backup. An adequate back up to me is some one I can expect to win half the games. Clifford has only played in preseason and we all know there is a big difference playing in preseason and regular season especially if the preseason games are against the #2s. They have McGough for competition and I trust him more than Clifford but Clifford is Gute's pick so he will have to fail first.
DL is a straight medium for need. If there is a good cheap guy out there in FA get him if not they need to draft one.
RB the only free agent I am interested in is Dillon and only if he comes cheap. The rest are not an upgrade and have injury issues. They need to draft at least 2 RBs.
Guam
March 11, 2024 at 08:19 am
I have no idea what the Packers have in Clifford, but he will likely be better having a year under his belt in the Packer offense. A lot of these college QBs benefit from time as a reserve in the pros (a la Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers) and Clifford should too.
Coldworld
March 11, 2024 at 08:30 am
Without having a particularly strong opinion on Clifford other than he was better than I anticipated when we picked him, I think that the chances of a FA vet being signed to replace him absent injury are negligible this year. Certainly I’d be shocked if we sign a FA vet pre summer.
With the release of Campbell we now have 2 holes that seem to suggest FA assistance would be sound policy, ILB and S. One could perhaps add slot if Nixon isn’t resigned. G/C is a lesser possibility perhaps. Of course, they could bring Campbell back if his market is weak, as I suspect it will be, at a much reduced cost. That wouldn’t surprise me.
Other than those positions I think they would have to be incredibly high on an individual to sign pre draft. I’m not seeing one at this be point. Whomever we sign in the near future needs to be have a credible window of 3 years starting to make much sense to me. Players intended to be a holding piece while new picks develop typically come post draft and certainly cheaper.
Guam
March 11, 2024 at 09:08 am
Gute made some comments a couple of weeks ago that they would like to have Campbell back. Apparently couldn't get that done via contract negotiation. Like you I think the market will be weak for Campbell. If he isn't too angry about losing his current contract, the Packers could resign him later at a much reduced rate.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 11, 2024 at 10:11 pm
Clifford is AMAZING for a backup QB in GB. Remember, he kept Will Levis off the field in College. He also did very well in TC, and ok in preseason games.
RCPackerFan
March 11, 2024 at 10:11 am
For me with what I saw of Clifford in Preseason was enough to think he would be adequate. Adequate can mean different things to different people. To me it means he could come in and hold a lead and run the offense. He is a gamer kind of guy. However saying that, I have no idea how he would be in a live game with number 1 defenses staring him down. So for that reason I have no problem with them drafting and developing another QB.
For the DL, I think they need one more guy. I just don't know what Hafley wants. Does he want a DE or a big NT. With what they have currently, i think it is pretty good overall.
I prefer going to the draft for the RB's also.
murf7777
March 11, 2024 at 09:00 am
Great thoughts RC….I’d disagree with the DL. Hafley, will run a system similar to the Jets and SF two of the better defenses in the NFL. One thing they both have in common over the past 5 years or so is to invest heavily into the DL. I think that will make other positions easier to compete with. IE: if you can consistently pressure the QB and take on double teams with only 4 DL, the ILB and DB’s look better cause they can run to the ball more freely and not have to cover as long. #buildthetrenches
RCPackerFan
March 11, 2024 at 10:50 am
My thing with the DL is not knowing what he wants for it. If he wants something specific the need goes up.
But you can see that have a quite a few good pieces for the DL already. We have Clark, Brooks, Wyatt, Slaton, and Wooden. LVN if you want to count him as a DE.
What we don't know though is how he plans on unleashing the DL. Is it going to be a 1 gap, 2 gap? Right now I don't know what he will be looking at. I just am viewing the players we have and overall I feel pretty good about it.
golfpacker1
March 11, 2024 at 10:04 am
Nothing has changed RC. S, RB, OL, LB, and CB are the same biggest needs that we have had since the season ended. Every time a new article comes out, people try to push another need ahead of these, like DT, WR, TE, Edge. But the only way the team improves is to fill the 5 biggest needs first.
If we don't get stupid and waste picks by trading up, our first 5 picks will do the job. Let the draft come to us. If we don't like what's available @ #25, or if we can get the same players @ #33, then we should move back to gain as many picks as we can in rounds 2, 3, and 4.
RCPackerFan
March 11, 2024 at 01:26 pm
I agree.
I really hope we keep as many of the top picks as we can. If they want to trade around in the later rounds ok. But I would rather keep as many of the top 100 picks as possible.
T7Steve
March 11, 2024 at 07:55 am
Ken, I thought Kirk Cousins was an achilleas tendon not his knee? I think as worrisome as the knee would be I understand that injury is worse, especially for his age. I think that's why the Vikings are hesitating on guaranteed money.
Grab one or two of these FA safeties and ILBs and get by with the rest till we secure the cap for the future when a bunch of these youngsters will need to be re-signed at the same time.
KenLass
March 11, 2024 at 08:37 am
Yes, you are right. Corrected.
golfpacker1
March 11, 2024 at 10:08 am
T7, Cousins is the poster child to prove the point of why GB needs to just pay Love the money and get it over with, before the price goes up even more or we chance losing him.
Cousins has done nothing but being a slightly above average NFL QB and look at the money he has been getting and will get. I think the salaries have reached stupid levels but what choice do we have?
T7Steve
March 11, 2024 at 10:59 am
All those players have to split the money with 32 ownerships. If they got a more reasonable amount, say 75% (due to the dangerous part they play) it would just get even more lopsided for the stars. Pay him now.
Guam
March 11, 2024 at 08:11 am
Local Wisconsin paper reported that Campbell will be released with a June 1 designation which means the Packers are looking for more cap space this year. Certainly makes it sound like Gute intends to do some shopping. I hope that means at least a mid grade free agent safety if not McKinney.
BTW, the same paper reported that Mayfield was resigning with the Bucs and Wilson was signing a one year deal with the Steelers. That narrows the choices for Cousins and maybe makes it more likely he will be back in Minnesota.
Bitternotsour
March 11, 2024 at 09:13 am
Minnesota competing with Atlanta for Cousins, cmon Vikings, 3 years and a $150M guaranteed contract ought to get it done...
Guam
March 11, 2024 at 09:26 am
Yup, that would be a great contract for the Packers..........oops, I meant Vikings.....
dobber
March 11, 2024 at 09:28 am
It certainly looks like they're looking for the most room in 2024 that they can manage...so, yeah, some shopping appears to be on tap. Probably more than I anticipated. The question is: big splash or multiple small-to-medium splashes?
The Jun 1 designation means they get more relief in 2024, but have to carry a hit into 2025, and can't access the extra cap until Jun 1--so that sounds like Jordan Love money.
Bitternotsour
March 11, 2024 at 09:39 am
That is a sensible read. Fans can lose their heads over free agency, the team can't afford to.
golfpacker1
March 11, 2024 at 10:23 am
Dobber, I am in the FA acquisition camp of more for less. If $25 million is a figure the Packers want to spend this year on FAs, I would try to sign 3 or 4 "second tier" FAs that improve/upgrade the team in multiple areas.
If we could sign McKinney for $10 to $11 million per year, that would still work as he is on the upper level of "second tier." Although I think we should be just as happy with Fuller, Whitehead, or Blackman. Slightly lower in the tier but way better money for GB. Add Jeremy Chinn for $3 million per year to play S/LB.
Same with LB. We don't need Patrick Queen and his $20 million boat anchor contract around our salary cap necks. 2nd or 3rd tier LBs would again be an upgrade for less money that lets us add a cheaper Edge or OL for depth. Epenesa or a veteran OL that plays center and guard.
Devin White would be @ the top of Tier 2 but is the same talent level as Queen for 1/2 the price. Cashman or Willie Gay would work too, for about 1/4 of Queens salary. And if we want veteran 3rd Tier guys, Bobby Wagner or Josey Jewell would also be good upgrade, short term fixes.
Jordan Fuller, Antonio Gibson, A J Epenesa, Jeremy Chinn, and Devin White would be 4 great upgrade/replacements FAs for the Packers to sign for under $25 million total.
Coldworld
March 11, 2024 at 11:47 am
Chin Mm has yet to show he can play football. He’s an exceptional athlete but has shown no instincts. He’s a guy you sign to play STs and see if you can unlock him. Not a help this year otherwise, maybe never.
CoachJV
March 11, 2024 at 08:11 am
As far as FA is concerned, I'd throw the bank at XM, and get a good off-ball LB. Draft the rest. We need to save some bucks for Love's extension and to sign some mid to lower guys like Nixon, Ford, and Owens... maybe keep Runyun if we don't draft a better OL...
I don't want to run crazy with our money except for XM.
Rory P Scrotem
March 11, 2024 at 08:40 am
Reggie...oops, I meant Xavier..."God says go to Green Bay!"
porupack
March 11, 2024 at 08:54 am
Seems like FA value is in the following two strategies. Only go for the big contract talent if a team is a player or two from being a top 6 superbowl contender; \
spend on 1 or 2 FA, 2nd tier players for depth in premium positions (CB, OL, OLB, ILB, QB)
or
spend on 1 or 2 top FA trying to resurrect stalled career for low cost position group (Safety, ILB, RB). The cost per talent is attractive due to the league not valuing those position groups relative to other position groups. So this makes good value proposition in free agency.
By filling some holes (before or plan so after the draft), Gute can stay focused on BPA and draft the best available at premium positions, CB, OLB, DT, OT, WR whether we have short term need or not. Keep ahead of the need and keep stocking talent at premium positions as that is the best way to manage the cap by not being desperate to resign high cost vets.
Then, kudos to Gute for the double down approach, one FA and at least one draft pick to combine draftboard potential with Vet experience.
Seems valuable to pay medium for a Safety to avoid spending high draft capital for a top safety in this draft, which isn't so talented.
Similar on ILB, not spending high draft picks to fill the void. A modest contract could acquire a good FA. As a general overall strategy;
High draft picks: OLB/DE, CB, T, OC, DT
mid rounds: RB, ILB, S, IOL, QB
LambeauPlain
March 11, 2024 at 09:09 am
LB, after Safety, is a most important need for Defense.
I don't consider Smith, Gary, Van Ess or Enagbare to be LBs...they are all DEs now. And if the SF and Jets defenses are blueprints for Hafley, all 4 men are the prototypical size for the DE role.
I can see a proven FA LB signed and a LB drafted in the first two days... or, failing that, taking 2 in the draft. And also expect to find some potential depth from the UDFA ranks.
OL and players who follow their blocks are key for the Illusion of Complexity Offense what worked so well once Jones was on the field. It's a good OL draft, too! I like AJ Dillon but if he rings the bell in free agency, should be able to get one of the best college RBs on Day 2...and decent depth for the room on Day 3.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 11, 2024 at 10:27 pm
#55 JJ Enegbare is listed at #258, a substantially different body type from the other 3 you listed.
And don't forget about #56! I find it impossible to believe he's still only the #259 he's listed at, but have no idea how much lean mass he's already added.
GregC
March 11, 2024 at 09:31 am
I was thinking about the glut of safeties on the market and wondering why that happened this year, then I remembered that a few weeks ago I had looked up NFL salaries by position, and I was surprised to find that the average salary for safeties is higher than it is for CBs, although CBs seem to be regarded as more important and they tend to be drafted higher. Maybe what we are seeing is a market correction due to safety salaries getting too high. We'll know the answer when free agency has played out. If some of these players get huge deals, my theory may be proven false. If the safety market is softer than expected, maybe my theory is correct and the Packers will benefit by getting a reasonable deal for a really good player.
Bitternotsour
March 11, 2024 at 09:42 am
Fortunately all this downgrading of safety salaries is happening in a vacuum, and there has been no collusion between the franchises.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 11, 2024 at 10:31 pm
Good thinking
$25MM to Xavier McKinney this year says they're not going the way of RBs last year. Neither are RBs, their salaries are rebounding.
stockholder
March 11, 2024 at 09:46 am
I'm a NO splash-
Most of these guys are on their Last chance.
It's a young mans game.
The wheels are coming off.
Gute should Bargain shop.
The all in methods won't work.
The fans will be just as happy with
any Rookie.
In todays market-
We're seeing how Debt wrecks any investment.
LeotisHarris
March 11, 2024 at 10:44 am
This is outstanding, stockholder. My only concern is your post may have activated a sleeper cell somewhere in Virginia.
Buford ate a Fat newt.
The Fox runs free in the valley.
A green discharge from my Ear.
golfpacker1
March 11, 2024 at 10:39 am
Upgrades don't have to be the most expensive @ each position to get really good talent. And to make the team better now and in the future.
Give me
Devin White-LB- to replace Campbell,
Jordan Fuller and Jeremy Chinn-S- to replace Savage and ?
A J Epenesa-Edge- for depth now and to replace P Smith in 2025
Antonio Gibson-RB-to replace Dillon
All for under $25 million total and solid upgrades that make the team better now.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 11, 2024 at 10:35 pm
I expected Gutey to go that route and kinda wished he had. $25MM to Xavier McKinney for his first year says no. Hopefully he proves to be Superman in the middle of the field ...
splitpea1
March 11, 2024 at 11:18 am
First off, make sure we secure the services of a safety who can start. We have nobody right now. And please, I've heard enough about Savage and his athleticism--I'd be happy to see some other team pay him for his inconsistencies and missed tackles.
With the release of Campbell, we should probably looking for ILBs as well. Don't overpay for Queen. I wouldn't mind seeing David in a Packers uniform because he's a remarkable durable player who has amassed nearly 1500 tackles in his career. But he's 34.
Cornerback: Stokes is still a pretty big question mark; here's a player who is highly reliant on his athleticism and you don't know how much his injuries have taken a toll on that. So this position may be in play either in FA or somewhat early in the draft. And I still don't think the trade of Douglas was particularly worth it.
Wishful thinking dept.: 1) Christian Wilkins, the player selected right behind Rashan Gary. He'll cost about $20 million/year, so Gute is going to have to find a winner either in this or next year's draft. 2) Nick Folk and his stellar accuracy. Gute signed some competition for Carlson, but Folk is the real deal. The problem is Folk is 39 and the Packers seem committed to Carlson--until he costs us a game or two (hey, I'm rooting for him, but he'd better find some consistency in a hurry).
Lphill
March 11, 2024 at 01:25 pm
Signing Josh Jacobs RB only 26 years,old.
Starrbrite
March 11, 2024 at 08:59 pm
That’s what and said—and we did it!!!
porupack
March 11, 2024 at 01:48 pm
Well, just after posting above, looks like that is what Gute is doing. He just signed a deal for Josh Jacobs. Smart money well spent. Do the same for the Safety position and ILB. Then draft BPA in the premium positions with first 5 picks: CB, DE/OLB, DT, OT or IOL.