Eagles Sign Former Packers TE Richard Rodgers
-- The Green Bay Packers lost one of their seven unrestricted free agents to the defending Super Bowl Champions on Wednesday.
According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, tight end Richard Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles to help fill the void left behind by Brent Celek's release and Trey Burton's departure to Chicago.
Terms of the deal weren't made directly available, but it's fair to assume Rodgers' contract wasn't one that broke the bank for Philadelphia, especially coming off of his worst season since entering the league in 2014.
Since being drafted in the third round (98th overall) that year, Rodgers was deployed in a variety of situations that saw him play increasingly on special teams -- almost more exclusively than on offense -- and even be in a prime position to catch a 61-yard Hail Mary in 2015.
Rodgers hit career-highs in receptions (58), yards (510), touchdowns (8) and catch percentage (68.2 percent) in 2015, mainly due to the increased workload as the starting tight end. He was forced into such a situation because the Packers didn't have another solidified option on the roster.
However, his snaps dwindled over the last two seasons. Rodgers played 29.2 percent of offensive snaps in 2017 after just 38.3 percent in 2016. The arrival of Jared Cook followed by Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks a year later played a significant role in that, of course.
The Packers' cupboard at the tight end position sans Rodgers isn't exactly bare at this point. They signed Jimmy Graham earlier last month and still have Kendricks entering the final year of his deal. They also have Emanuel Byrd and Robert Tonyan, both entering their second seasons.
There's still a good chance the Packers draft a tight end later this month whose specialty is blocking because that facet of the game isn't Graham nor Kendricks' strong suits.
Of the 17 players taken by the Packers in the 2014 and 2015 drafts, only nine currently remain on the roster.
__________________________
Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (64)
TKWorldWide
April 04, 2018 at 04:46 pm
I wonder how much faster he’ll be in Philly.
dobber
April 04, 2018 at 04:47 pm
I'd run faster if they were throwing rocks and snowballs at me...
4thand1
April 04, 2018 at 04:51 pm
He'll be fine if he doesn't suit up as Santa.
Lare
April 04, 2018 at 05:36 pm
I never understood Thompson's consistent drafting of slow players.
One more bites the dust.
GBPDAN1
April 04, 2018 at 06:42 pm
If a TE is going to be snail slow, he better be able to block well, which Rodgers was below average at. Another wasted high pick by TT. I knew it was the moment Rodgers name was called at the podium. But that's ok, because Teddy also took Thorton in the same round. Great Job Ted.
Gforcetrivers
April 05, 2018 at 07:17 am
How much for Gronk?
lou
April 04, 2018 at 04:48 pm
Per Profootballtalk.com it was a 1 year deal here is the first blog entry for the announcement;
thegreatjimbrown says:
April 4, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Great hands. Great work ethic. Good red zone target. Not a great blocker. He’s just really slow. Had a really good year his second year, but then seemed to regress.
lou
April 04, 2018 at 04:54 pm
Your stat indicating almost half of the players drafted in 14 & 15 are gone says it all, with all the moves that happen people tend to lose perspective.
4thand1
April 04, 2018 at 04:56 pm
So is Ted (sort of). How much of the coaching staff and front office are gone?
croatpackfan
April 05, 2018 at 02:26 am
It is also interesting to learn that other franchises sign them. So, it is not that they stopped to play football because they are bad. They are good (at least) and because of that they got new contracts. How that sounds? Maybe they are not busts!
Oh, this is nice opportunity to say this - I remember well how many of you, on this very page was spitting on Casey and Micah because they are slow and ineffective. There was not much of alarm when they left Green Bay. Some of you recognized loss, but those was large minority...
I'm asking will history repeat?! It will. As always. When you do not learn from history, then repeat it!
Thegreatreynoldo
April 05, 2018 at 09:12 am
This is very true, Croat. But history teaches more than one lesson. Certainly, players have left GB and done well or better elsewhere. Due to recency bias with examples like Hayward and Hyde, that has become fashionable. Wahle, Woodson, Cullen Jenkins, also would be examples of guys with something left in the tank when they left GB. We knew that Lang and Sitton had a year or two left as well: they were money and injury risk vs. projected value issues.
There is a long history of players who left GB and did squat after their release or GB letting them walk: Rivera, Propinga, Spitz, maybe Jennings, James Jones, Desmond Bishop, Korey Hall, Brandon Jackson, CJ Wilson, Worthy, Nate Palmer, Lacy, Aaron Kampman, and Datone.
RR apparently signed for vet min according to Bleeding Green Nation. This isn't a money issue, it is strictly how good RR will be. We will see how Burnett does as well. I wanted Burnett back for the $ he signed for.
The real trick is discerning which lesson of history is the correct one to apply to each new case.
croatpackfan
April 06, 2018 at 08:54 am
And I agree with you. There is lot of lessons history is teaching us...
First, there is the lesson regarding patience (like Chinese proverb - "from patience comes perfection"!). Not to jump on the "first ball".
That first lesson is very, very important.
And, I was refering to that, most important lesson.
If we will have enough patience, soon we will learn about the reasons and consequences of all moves we are interested in. Jumping on the first ball (like CUT DAVANTE, TRADE COB etc.) very often blows to our face...
Thegreatreynoldo
April 06, 2018 at 12:10 am
Sorry, I've been getting lectured lately about giving opinions. Most of it really boils down to them not agreeing and cloaking it with some other notion, like it is too soon to have an opinion. I get called a hater because I think letting RR walk is not the end of the world, but no one thinks I'm a hater because I think letting Ulrick John walk is correct. That is because they agree.
I'd have re-signed RR to a qualified contract without a blink. That's a no-brainer, IMO. Then we can see how the draft falls and make a final decision on RR when the roster gets finalized in September. Maybe RR realized that and went with an organization that wanted him more?
croatpackfan
April 06, 2018 at 02:37 am
No one needs to give you any lecture, TGR. You are one of the few commentors here who is correct to others. I do not always agree with you, but your conclusions are very often supported with facts. And that is something I always respect.
Also, I do not expect that you and me agrees on everything. And that is not reason for disrespect...
I learned a lot from your comments and your articles. I found your articles very informative and excellent.
Regarding RR issue I think I agree with you.
barutanseijin
April 06, 2018 at 09:42 pm
He hasn't made the Eagles 53 yet.
4thand1
April 04, 2018 at 04:54 pm
Paul Kaufman ( one of my favorites) had a really great line. I have deceptive speed, I'm running a lot slower than it looks like i am.
HankScorpio
April 04, 2018 at 07:31 pm
Bob Uecker had my all-time favorite line of this type. Late 80s, the Brewers had just thrown out Bill Buckner at the plate. After the excitement of the play was over, in perfect deadpan Uecker, he says "Buckner is more of slow, plodding type of runner"
It still makes me laugh.
stockholder
April 04, 2018 at 04:59 pm
I think we could have Kept RR. Must be another TE is in Gute's plans. Speaking of plans. The packers are going to have a problem @14. And later If they want a CB. 6 teams ahead of the packers; have a NEED for CB. The Washington Redskins may be the thorn in their Side! (CB,LB,DL) VEA Here?! The Bills might be their only trading partner. (WR,LB, DL,QB) Thats if they want L. Jackson QB. Otherwise they will be too. The safety valve is to sign House.
Coldworld
April 04, 2018 at 05:18 pm
Could have, but chose not to by the looks of it. Ultimately, we have to get better. That means removing people who we don’t believe have what we need to build upon. In this situation, I think it is the right move to try to improve depth for the future.
Mojo
April 04, 2018 at 06:18 pm
Yeah stockholder, I think Washington is going to take a player we covet right before our selection. However, I wouldn't trade draft capital to get ahead of them unless Gute believes they're getting a Reggie White type talent by doing so. They can still get a great player at 14. I'd hate to not have a pick in the second round because we gave it up to move a couple spots ahead in the first.
Speaking of Washington, I know they won the coin flip to get ahead of us in the first round, but I thought in the next round they would switch draft order positions with us and so on after that. So how did they still remain ahead of us in the second? I think I need to write the commissioner.
stockholder
April 04, 2018 at 07:09 pm
The needs are the same is all I was pointing out. It's easier to trade up in the later rounds and still beat somebody to that player. I pointed out Vea because of the 3-4-4 defense, (the redskins play.) #2 packers are bringing Vea in. #3. All the secondary players, an Top Lbs will be gone by my estimation. Leaving J. jackson, Landry, and Davenport as the Packers possibles per mocks.
holmesmd
April 04, 2018 at 08:12 pm
Why on earth does anyone think we need a DL in the 1st?! Wow. That’s probably at this point the strongest position group on the team?! Vea makes no sense at 14 to me. Very puzzled as to why he would to anyone.
stockholder
April 04, 2018 at 08:28 pm
Comparison = Nagata, Faster! Scouts say he'll be an all-pro. Top 3-4-4. Dial is your back-up at NT. Status FA! You don't throw a premium DL in the trash to take a tweener. Also contract leverage. It will move Clarke around who was considered a DT but has played great at NT. Mo wilkerson is DE.
Minniman
April 05, 2018 at 12:04 am
A good question holmesmd. Granted that the draft is going to play out differently to how anyone can predict, with bluechip players falling. But if it pans out how the pundits suggest then:
1) Vea (or Maurice Hurst) is likely going to be the BPA at that pick.
2) He's going to be a day 1 starter, making a position group elite, and setting that group up for the next 5 years.
3) He has a pass rushing dimension to his game that helps to bolster the ranks of EDGE this coming year while GB sees what Biegal and the likely draft project develop into, as well as freeing up Clay and NP somewhat.
4) He's insurance policy against Mo Wilkerson leaving after 1 year.
5) An assertive d-line and decent pass rush can only help the secondary while they develop
6) Of the packers opponents next year, 9 of the 16 had offensive lines that were ranked in the lowest third for either pass, run or both.... meaning that these position groups at best could improve in 2018 to be average ranked, thereby making that a position group of interest for the packers to target next season
stockholder
April 05, 2018 at 07:50 am
Min. Good Points! The biggest stop is MMs comments. He said they need Pass Rushers and CBs. What a slap against Mathews and Perry. I think even MM is smoking pot now. Regardless who they draft; he must be a player that isn't injury prone. Some of these guys their looking at just don't look like their going to hold up for 16 games. 3 Down players are what we want.
dobber
April 05, 2018 at 08:03 am
"What a slap against Mathews and Perry."
Good. If that's what it takes....
"Regardless who they draft; he must be a player that isn't injury prone."
College players who have had an ACL in their past, but have come back to play a year productively, don't bother me. An ACL is not often a career-threatening injury anymore, and those players have had a chance to demonstrate they're recovered on the field and to test to show it. Players with a history of repeated ankle sprains, groin pulls, etc., should raise red flags. Sometimes you can't tell who those guys are going to be until they're in there playing against bigger, faster competition.
stockholder
April 05, 2018 at 08:17 am
I really wasn't jabbing at the ACLs etc. It's 3 down players that hold up. If the guy isn't going to be a 3 down player, he won't hold up. I want a player mentally tough and not concerned about scheme. The guy that gets on a field, and will play regardless of what hurts. It's the 60s mental aspects. And the Slap. Yes, But. MM should have got one first for keeping Capers!
dobber
April 05, 2018 at 07:52 am
"9 of the 16 had offensive lines that were ranked in the lowest third for either pass, run or both"
There are only 13 opponents on the schedule for next year, but point taken. ;)
Minniman
April 05, 2018 at 03:16 pm
yes, sorry I was taking it as a given that divisional rivals were played twice and this would constitute a double-up.
Last year Detroit and Chicago posted O-lines that statistically were in the lowest third for both run and pass grades.
Minnesota had an O-line that was ranked 6th in pass and 19th in run.
In this, the Lions had the 5th ranked WR group and 7th ranked QB, but their O-line ranked 21st and 32nd in pass and run (respectively).
Also Interestingly, the patriots (who ranked 14th in pass and 1st in run) have lost their long time left tackle (Nate Solder).
https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol
Finwiz
April 04, 2018 at 05:00 pm
This is no big, significant loss, but Kendricks better step up and be a competent backup to Graham. Now they have to draft a TE as well.
Colin_C
April 04, 2018 at 05:07 pm
I think they needed to draft one even if RR was resigned. The TE room needs at least one half-decent player not on the back nine of their career.
NickPerry
April 05, 2018 at 05:28 am
I think both parts of your comment are right on the money. Even if Rodgers had been resigned I believe Gutekunst addresses the TE position. Now I think they may even do it a round sooner but I think it's happening no matter what.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
April 04, 2018 at 05:07 pm
YYYYEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!!
Oppy
April 04, 2018 at 06:04 pm
Does anyone think it's weird that a player so many packers fans thought was the worst excuse for a TE in the league was just signed by the Superbowl champion Philadelphia Eagles?
Just checking,
WKUPackFan
April 04, 2018 at 06:29 pm
It is quite the conundrum for those holding the dual opinions that: Philadelphia's front office is better than Green Bay's; and 2) RR is terrible.
Fire_Gute
April 05, 2018 at 02:00 am
It should be pointed out that Philadelphia has an amazing tight end already. So they must have a role in mind for Richard Rogers. I highly doubt we'll see the famous Rogers split out wide for a 2 yard gain in Philly
Thegreatreynoldo
April 04, 2018 at 06:54 pm
You're conflating two different things. Many of us said that when RR was our #1TE. #2 TE is still bad, but not as bad. As a #3 TE on a vet min. deal instead of almost $2 freaking Million, yeah, I thought he'd be okay as a #3 TE.
He can play 100 or so snaps when we're 20 yards from scoring a TD. Better make that 12 yards.
Oppy
April 04, 2018 at 07:45 pm
TGR, being over paid and being a horrible player are two different things.
Contract and talent are truly separate things.
John Ramble Kirk
April 04, 2018 at 08:23 pm
Not really. Wolf signed the great Pat Terrell after our mini run was over in the mid 90's. We were pretty formidable back then and signed that JAG to play safety for us.
Howie Roseman had a heckuva year last year, there's little denying that. I never thought the Eagles had some tremendous FO that we should be jealous of and I'm not thinking that post SB win, either.
Why they signed Richard Rodgers is curious. Let's see if he makes the team before we have to face this issue. Maybe, we just played him out of position and Philly is switching him back to WR. :)
barutanseijin
April 06, 2018 at 09:47 pm
I wonder if he'll really make it through pre-season as an Eagle.
Mojo
April 04, 2018 at 06:09 pm
I could live with the fact that RR is slow, not much a threat in the passing game (especially YAC) if he would have been an above average blocker. But despite good size he sucked at that too. Nice guy, good attitude, but between the boundaries we can do better.
I remember staying tuned into the 2014 draft when Ted way overdrafted Kyri Thorton in the third round. I though to myself at the time, well OK, that pick sucks, but at least we have another 3rd rounder.
Turns out Ted couldn't hold off on taking RR, even though everyone else had him at least a couple of rounds later. I was so pissed off at the time. Not so much that he took RR, but so early. And to top it all off he took Bradford in the 4th.
John Ramble Kirk
April 04, 2018 at 06:17 pm
This is great news! So happy he won't be back.
Tundraboy
April 04, 2018 at 06:18 pm
Yay
Tundraboy
April 05, 2018 at 08:23 am
Yay I'm 0-3
John Ramble Kirk
April 05, 2018 at 12:29 pm
1-3. I'm 0-6. Hysterical.
Grandfathered
April 04, 2018 at 06:39 pm
RR has good hands. Mediocre in most other stats, but a couple big plays. Dallas 16 playoff game he caught an underthrown touchdown, and a Lions Hail Mary.
4thand1
April 04, 2018 at 06:48 pm
The team just got faster.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 04, 2018 at 06:56 pm
I wonder what the contract terms are? Philly only had $1.8M in salary cap space, per OTC. Probably something close to vet min. Might even be a qualified contract.
calabasa
April 04, 2018 at 08:50 pm
Best of luck to you, Richard. Anywhere but in GB.
Chuck Farley
April 04, 2018 at 08:53 pm
Don't let the door hit you in the ass and take Ted with you
Chuck Farley
April 04, 2018 at 08:54 pm
Another great acquisition by Ted the genious
dblbogey
April 04, 2018 at 09:17 pm
Genius, genius.
4thand1
April 04, 2018 at 11:02 pm
Did you mean stoopid?
Since'61
April 04, 2018 at 09:17 pm
No loss on RR. We need to draft a blocking TE whether he stayed or not. NO point in wasting a roster spot on him. Move on, get faster and more athletic. Thanks, Since '61
Tundraboy
April 04, 2018 at 11:30 pm
Spot on. Sure sign they have a better plan now.
cheesehead1
April 05, 2018 at 10:28 am
Agree with you since’61. He seemed like a good team mate and had very good hands, but was painfully slow. I’ll be shocked if we don’t draft a TE.
Point-Packer
April 04, 2018 at 11:15 pm
Receiving Tight End who was slow as molasses and couldn't block to save his life. Good bye. Nice 3rd round draft choice, TT. Reached on him and to no ones surprise, he largely sucked. How anyone employed as a top tier NFL scout saw Dick Rodge as a 3rd round draft choice is beyond me. No more 1.5 yard out patterns. So sad.
Minniman
April 05, 2018 at 12:14 am
Yes, he kind of played his 1 card that night in Detroit. So slow that he only just made it to the end zone in the nick of time for the ball to drop, and so underwhelming that detroit didn't bother putting a "hat" on him. No-one made that mistake again, which made him redundant.
Thanks RR for that memory though! Happy trails!
croatpackfan
April 05, 2018 at 02:34 am
After signing Jimmy Graham )still not happy with that signing!) I believe we are moving toward 1st pick of the 4th round and Troy Fumagalli.
I like the guy, but not sure how well he is NFL prepared....
Finwiz
April 05, 2018 at 01:55 pm
Fumagalli might just be slower than RR.
He's the master of catch, and falling down.
Donster
April 05, 2018 at 07:19 am
Celek is still available. He is only two years older than Graham, but you know Celek has still got some left in the tank. Celek is more dependable than Graham. Especially between the 20's. Get him on a 1 or 2 year deal. Draft a TE too. Fumagalli would be a good pick.
dobber
April 05, 2018 at 07:45 am
He's had some good years catching the ball, is a very good blocker (or has the reputation for being one), and, at 33 years old, could probably still lap RRod twice running a mile.
He'd come cheaply, too.
Ustabeayooper
April 05, 2018 at 08:43 am
The writing was on the wall for RR. We signed 4 TE over the past 3 years. You don't spend the time and effort to upgrade a position if you're satisfied with what you have on the team. Every team misses on draft picks. There are plenty of 3rd round picks that don't make it in the league 5 years. To paraphrase the late Denny Green, RR was who we thought he was. Serviceable as a backup and special teams player but not an offensive weapon. There is only one complete TE in the league and he resides in NE. TE is a position that is seldom drafted in the first two rounds because there are so few game changers coming out of college. Drafting TE's is a total crapshoot .
Razer
April 05, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Nice guy who worked hard for us. I wish him well.
Thankfully, I won't have to:
1. See him spread wide as a WR
2. See him totally get blown off the O-line
3. Wonder why we overpay another average guy on a second contract
It was a good move to let him find another team.